One of the most common issues with electric water heaters is that they have a tendency to overheat. When this happens, scalding hot water comes from your sinks and showers. That’s no fun (and not safe) for anyone involved! Plus, it can even damage your water heater. So, if you find yourself in this predicament, you might be wondering what caused the overheating and what you should do about it. Don’t worry; your experts at Five Star Columbus Plumbing have got you covered. We’ve put together the three most common reasons why your electric water heater may be overheating. So, without further ado, let’s get this sorted out!
1. THERMOSTAT TROUBLES
First, let’s consider the thermostat. The thermostat of the water heater monitors the temperature of the water inside the tank. If the water temperature drops below a certain level, the thermostat activates the heating element to raise the temperature again. So, if your water heater is experiencing overheating, it could be due to the thermostat being set too high or possibly malfunctioning. Hence, the first step in addressing an overheating water heater is to check the thermostat.
2. FAULTY HEATING ELEMENT ISSUES
Another possible cause for your electric water heater overheating could be a damaged heating element. Just like anything else, over time, things tend to wear down and become less efficient. The same goes for heating elements. In many cases, a faulty heating element is the culprit behind an overheated water heater. If you suspect this might be the issue with your water heater, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help!
3. SEDIMENT BUILDUP PROBLEMS
The third most common reason for electric water heaters overheating is sediment buildup. (This is why annual maintenance is so important!) When sediment builds up, it can cause your water heater to overheat. Over time, the buildup will start to insulate the heating elements, trapping the heat inside the tank. This forces the water heater to work even harder, leading to overheating. To fix this issue, it’s important to flush the tank and remove the sediment buildup. Since this job involves working with water and electricity, it’s best to reach out to a licensed plumber for assistance.
Leaving an overheated water heater unfixed can cause permanent damage to the unit, which will later result in expensive repairs or replacement. It’s always better to address an overheating issue promptly before it becomes a more serious problem. So, if you’re experiencing problems with your water heater overheating, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d be delighted to assist you and get you back up and running in no time!
Call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
