One of the most prevalent issues with electric water heaters is overheating. It results in scalding hot showers and water out of the faucets. Moreover, this can result in damage to the water heater itself. If you find yourself in this predicament, you may be curious about the causes of overheating and the appropriate course of action to take. Fortunately, your team at Five Star Dayton Plumbing has compiled the three most commonly observed reasons behind the overheating of electric water heaters.
1. THE THERMOSTAT
First and foremost, let’s consider the thermostat. The thermostat of the water heater is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the water inside the tank. If the water temperature falls below a certain level, the thermostat will activate the heating element to raise the temperature once again. If your water heater is overheating, it could indicate that the thermostat is either set too high or experiencing a malfunction. Therefore, the initial step in troubleshooting an overheating water heater is to examine the thermostat.
2. THE HEATING ELEMENT
Additionally, an electric water heater may experience overheating caused by a damaged heating element. Over time, wear and tear can reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of various components, including heating elements. In many cases, a faulty heating element is to blame when homeowners encounter an overheated water heater. If you suspect this issue with your water heater, please contact us for further assistance.
3. SEDIMENT BUILDUP
Lastly, sediment buildup in the tank can lead to the overheating of your water heater. (This is why annual maintenance is so important!) Over time, sediments can accumulate and insulate the heating elements, preventing heat from escaping. Consequently, the water heater has to work even harder, resulting in overheating. To resolve this issue, it is necessary to flush the tank and remove the sediment buildup. Given that this task involves handling both water and electricity, it is advisable to call a licensed plumber.
Neglecting an overheated water heater can lead to permanent damage to the unit and incur significant costs for either repairs or replacement. We recommend promptly addressing the overheating issue before it escalates into a more severe problem. If you are experiencing any difficulties with your water heater overheating, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll get you back up and running in no time.
Call Five Star Dayton Plumbing today at (937) 230-6506, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
