Electric Water Heater Keeps Needing Upper Element Reset.?

by Water Heaters on July 8, 2010

My electric water heater needs the upper element reset several times a week. Some times, it will be a few weeks between resets, other times, several times a week. Does it need to be replaced or do the elements need to be replaced or does it need a "flushing"? TIA.
When working, the water is SCALDING hot.


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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Pat July 8, 2010 at 12:22 am

The problem is your lower thermostat. It is either shorted or the temperature sensor has lost contact with the vessel wall. Either way the lower element is continuing to heat the water until the upper thermostat heats up to the point that the upper thermostat (the master thermostat) trips and stops current to both heaters.
It’s not the heaters, though flushing isn’t necessarily a bad idea. If it were the heater elements the water wouldn’t heat at all. The red reset button trips due to temperature, not an electrical fault.

shazaamazam July 8, 2010 at 12:22 am

Try flushing. Elec wrt htrs R cheap Turn down the t-stat. thats tripping the breaker/reset button

William B July 8, 2010 at 12:22 am

bad thermostat, replace it

tech7435 July 8, 2010 at 12:22 am

the upper thermostat will trip if either element is faulting. If you change the upper and lower thermostats and both elements than you can be assured that your problem is gone.While you change the elements than the heater will automatically get flushed Total job for a diy is 60 to 80.oo dollars

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