One of the most prevalent issues encountered with electric water heaters is the tendency to overheat. Unfortunately, this can result in scalding hot water flowing from your sinks and showers, which isn’t exactly all that soothing. Furthermore, it can potentially cause permanent damage to your water heater. 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 expert team at Centerville Plumbing & Drain has compiled the three most common reasons why your electric water heater might be experiencing overheating.
1. THE THERMOSTAT
First, consider the thermostat. The thermostat of the water heater monitors and regulates the temperature of the water within the tank. If the water temperature drops below a specific level, the thermostat activates the heating element to raise the water temperature once again. So, if your water heater is overheating, the thermostat of your water heater could be set too high, or it might be experiencing a malfunction.
2. THE HEATING ELEMENT
Furthermore, it is possible that your electric water heater is experiencing overheating due to a damaged heating element. As is the case with all things, time tends to cause wear and tear, resulting in reduced efficiency and effectiveness. This principle also applies to the heating element. In many instances, when homeowners encounter an overheated water heater, the root cause of the issue can be traced back to a defective heating element. If you suspect that this may be the situation with your water heater, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
3. SEDIMENT BUILDUP
Finally, sediment accumulation in the tank can lead to excessive heat in your water heater. Over time, sediments can build up and act as insulation, preventing heat from escaping and causing the water heater to work harder and overheat. (This is why regular maintenance is important. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to have the tank flushed to remove the sediment buildup. Since this task involves handling water and electricity, you should leave this job to a licensed plumber.
Neglecting to address an overheated water heater can cause damage to the unit, resulting in significant expenses for repairs or replacement. You don’t want to put off taking care of the issue as soon as you can. So, if you are experiencing problems with your water heater overheating, please contact us. We are eager to assist you and get your system back up and running in no time!
Call Centerville Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-0169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
