One of the most common issues with electric water heaters is that they can overheat. And well, that means you end up with scalding hot water coming out of your sinks and showers! That’s not good for anyone – especially if you have young children in the house. On top of that, if it keeps overheating, it can damage your water heater. So, if you find yourself in this plumbing predicament, you might be wondering what caused the overheating and what you should do. The good news is that your buddies at Dayton Plumbing & Drain have got you covered!
Here are the top three reasons why your electric water heater might be overheating:
1. The Thermostat
The thermostat in your electric water heater is super important for keeping the water temperature just right inside the tank. It’s like the control center that decides when to turn on the heating element to keep your water at the set temperature. But if there’s a problem with the thermostat, it can cause overheating. Here’s how it can happen:
- High Settings: If you set the thermostat too high, it’ll keep heating the water to that elevated temperature. Not only does this waste energy, but it can also make the water dangerously hot.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat: When a thermostat starts to malfunction, it may not be accurately measuring the water temperature or properly controlling the heating element. As a result, the heating element will stay on longer than necessary, which can lead to the issue of overheating.
To check if the thermostat is causing the problem, first make sure it’s set to the right temperature, and not too high. If you suspect the thermostat is malfunctioning, you might want to call a professional to come check it out and maybe even replace it.
2. The Heating Element
The heating element is the component of the water heater that actually heats the water in your electric water heater. Just like any mechanical component, it can wear out over time. When that happens, it can become less efficient and cause problems like overheating.
- It Could Be Stuck in the “On” Position: If the heating element gets stuck in the “on” position, it keeps heating the water non-stop, even when it’s already reached the desired temperature. This continuous heating can cause the water to overheat.
- Its Effectiveness May Have Been Lowered: As a heating element wears out, it becomes less efficient at heating water. Again, this is normal with regular use over an extended period of time. To make up for its loss of efficiency, it might stay on for longer periods, which can lead to overheating.
If you do think it may be the heating element that is acting up, it’s a good idea to get some professional help. A licensed plumber can figure out what’s going on and replace the element if necessary.
3. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment, mostly minerals, and debris from your water supply, can pile up at the bottom of your water heater tank. (This is why regular maintenance is super important to prevent issues like this!) When sediment is allowed to build up, it acts like an insulator, blocking the heat transfer between the heating element and the water. And that’s when the heating element starts to struggle, and things get overheated.
To tackle the issue of sediment buildup, the water heater tank will need to be flushed. This means draining the tank to get rid of the accumulated sediment. Since this job does involve both water and electricity, it’s best to have a licensed plumber handle this for safety reasons.
Dealing with an overheating electric water heater is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If left unchecked, it can lead to scalding, permanent unit damage, and higher energy costs. So, if you’re facing water heater overheating issues, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be ecstatic to serve you and will get you back up and running again in no time!
Call Dayton Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 705-5294 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
