Repeated reset on hot water heater

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Repeated reset on hot water heater

Author: rochelle (FL)

I replaced the lower heating element on my hot water heater about 6 weeks ago. It fixed the cold water thermoklein problem I was having (warm/hot shower and then sudden huge drop in temperature). I also turned the temperature up a few degrees on the top an bottom at that time. Two years previous the top element had been replaced. This last week the reset on the water heater itself tripped. I reset it and since then have had to reset it several times. I am not experiencing a thermoklein so I am suspecting that the top element now needs to be replaced. I figure that the bottom element is working overtime and that is why the water heater continues to trip the reset. Can anyone confirm my suspicions?

thanks rochelle

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Re: Repeated reset on hot water heater

Author: hj (AZ)

quote; I figure that the bottom element is working overtime and that is why the water heater continues to trip the reset

The bottom element ALWAYS "works overtime", since it is usually the only one operating. THe upper element ONLY heats when you have used more hot water than the lower one can produce. You DO have a problem, but it could be any of about 4 or 5 things and the only way to tell is to TEST everything FIRST to see what is malfunctioning. You can waste a lot of time and money if you just start replacing parts until you cure the problem.

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Re: Repeated reset on hot water heater
Author: rochelle (FL) Thanks for the information. What four or five things should I be looking to test?
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Re: Repeated reset on hot water heater
Author: hj (AZ) 1. upper element 2. lower element 3. upper thermostat 4. lower thermostat 5. proper sequential operation of the thermostats by the time you have done #1 and 2, you should know the problem, IF you test them correctly.
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Thank you soooo much!
Author: rochelle (FL) Great. Thank you soooo much! Edited 1 times.
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