OT ELECTRIC WATER HEATER problem

lenray · Apr 25, 2015

Have an electric hot water heater. Shut off valve above heater leaked and water got into the top electrical switch thermostat and started a small fire and the breakers went off.
Replaced that switch-thermostat and now the water gets really hot and trips the switch thermostat. Replaced the switch-thermostat on the bottom also with no help.
Checked both heating elements with a tester and they checked out OK---Didn't remove them.
What is the Problem??????
Thank you.. len in michigan

Michael Soldan · Apr 25, 2015

How old is your heater? Is it possible it is limed up inside , restricting flow which is causing the overheating ?

lenray · Apr 25, 2015

It is clean inside--Trouble started with a freak accident when the water shut off valve had a small water leak and leaked on the thermostat.......

Steve@Advance · Apr 25, 2015

A couple things could be happening.

First, be sure the replacement thermostat is properly in the spring clip that holds it to the tank. It must be firmly against the tank, that's how it senses the temperature.

The other thing that can happen, a defective heating element can continue to heat the water even when the thermostat opens. If you have an amprobe, with the thermostats open check for amp draw on each leg. If there is, you have an element shorted to ground internally.

Geo-TH,In · Apr 25, 2015

Replace all thermostats including the top reset

Dick2 · Apr 26, 2015

Whenever I have to service a water heater, I replace the anode rod, both heating elements and both thermostats. I also check the safety relief valve to make sure that isn't corroded so it is locked shut. Parts are not that expensive and usually restore the actual working parts to a new status.

da.bees · Apr 26, 2015

All t-stats don't wire up the same. Carfully look at the scematics that came with new stats. I worked with relays and switchs for years and still had to stop and think about how a new stat was supposed to be connected. A quick check can be made useing an inductive amp meter. Clamp the meter on either incoming leg of 220 and turn stats on and off with screwdriver. You can hear the on/off click,amps should react with clicks.

Lancehoward · Apr 27, 2015

(quoted from post at 06:04:30 04/26/15) Whenever I have to service a water heater, I replace the anode rod, both heating elements and both thermostats. I also check the safety relief valve to make sure that isn't corroded so it is locked shut. Parts are not that expensive and usually restore the actual working parts to a new status.

As every time you need to replace the anode rod, so there may be problem in the rod. Mostly in the electric water heaters, the rod does not survive for long duration, it need to replace or repaired after some time, so that the overall water heater must work properly.
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OT ELECTRIC WATER HEATER problem

lenray

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Michael Soldan

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lenray

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Steve@Advance

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Geo-TH,In

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Dick2

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da.bees

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Lancehoward

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