Hot water tank suddenly too hot
Alright guys,,Thermostat's ?? 50 gallon electric about 3 years old.. I went to take a shower tonight and you could scald a hog with the water. Normal shower is hot wide open,, cold is 1/2 open .. Tonight I had to turn cold wide open and just crack the hot. After shower I flipped the breaker off because I did not feel like having it overheat all night and maybe pop the relief. I read where an element going out could be the problem ?? Ideas ??
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When is the last time it was flushed? 0 -
about 1 1/2 years ago,, I have only flushed it once since I installed it about 3 years ago. I was thinking in the morning to completely drain it threw the flush valve and then refill it before turning it back on to see if that helps. If that does not correct it I think I will just go ahead and change both element's and thermostats. I would rather go ahead and spend the money than jack with it for days trying to figure it out 0 -
Thermostat stuck in the "ON" condition. Time to replace it, it can be dangerous. Usually if the element goes bad, it will just quit heating. I will also suggest that you hook a hose to the spigot on the bottom and flush out any sediment while you are working on it. BTDT! 0 -
I watched the "Myth Busters" episode that showed what happened when a water heater went KABOOM. My suggestion is: turn it off ASAP. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by sharpshooter039
about 1 1/2 years ago,, I have only flushed it once since I installed it about 3 years ago. I was thinking in the morning to completely drain it threw the flush valve and then refill it before turning it back on to see if that helps. If that does not correct it I think I will just go ahead and change both element's and thermostats. I would rather go ahead and spend the money than jack with it for days trying to figure it out
Just a heads up when replacing electric hot water thermostats. (and elements)
There are at least 3 different types of the top stat that the electrical connection terminals look the same when viewed, so be sure you get the exact same type thermostat,
Hardware and plumbing stores will not tell you this little hint.
Make yourself a wiring connection map for the top thermostat terminal connections BEFORE removing the wires, just in case you get a stat that the connections are not the same. Best to take the heater model number and go on computer and look for the EXACT replacement part number, especially for the top stat. If you just go and get one you are rolling the dice in Murphy's favor.
As a electrician, I've had to go help guys that were not aware of such and they just put the wires on a replacement stat terminal for terminal and no operate correctly.
The bottom stat only has two wires and they can connect to either terminal.
Most all 240v water heater elements are 4500 watts, top and bottom, but the length (called insertion depth) are not all same. They will have several different lengths of elements, just don't get ones that are too long for the tank. I've seen instances where Bubba would bend too long a element to get it into a tank. (Don't do such.)0 -
Sediment is worse than I thought, depends on the water supply but I'd get flush recommendation from a local source.
Skip to 1.00 and enjoy your next glass of nice freshwater,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAzKts6Wp1Q0 -
quote:Originally posted by droptop
Sediment is worse than I thought, depends on the water supply but I'd get flush recommendation from a local source.
Skip to 1.00 and enjoy your next glass of nice freshwater,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAzKts6Wp1Q
Sediment buildup can be examined after draining and the lower element removed. Hard water (calcium buildup can happen fast and draining won't get rid of it very well. I've seen sediment build-up to the point where the tank would not drain completely and when the bottom element is being removed lots of sediment and water will pour out.
Doubt that yours being 3 years old has much sediment buildup but you can tell when you remove the lower element. If the sediment is above the level of the lower element you need another tank. It will be common thing for the elements to look crusty (not clean) and have white calcium and iron build-up just from heating the water over 3 years.
Some water supplies (usually hard water or high iron content from a well) require a new water heater about every 10 years. If on a Public water supply a hot water tank tank can last for years without sediment buildup.
I've never seen it worthwhile to replace a residential hot water tanks anode. (if sediment is built up above the lower element replace the tank) I have flushed a lighted coated calcium sediment tank by installing a gallon of white vinegar and let it set for 8 hours then fill with cold water and flush. (the vinegar breaks down the calcium crust build-up in the bottom of the tank so as it will flush)
Your parts warranty is most likely expired, but the tank itself may still be under warranty. (some are 5-6 years on the tank if it has a hole. (BUT not a bullet hole)[;)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by grdad45
Thermostat stuck in the "ON" condition. Time to replace it, it can be dangerous. Usually if the element goes bad, it will just quit heating. I will also suggest that you hook a hose to the spigot on the bottom and flush out any sediment while you are working on it. BTDT!
what he said0 -
Before tearing your hot water heater apart check the diverter valve in your shower. Mine corroded up and it wasn't getting any cold water just hot water. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by JasonV
Before tearing your hot water heater apart check the diverter valve in your shower. Mine corroded up and it wasn't getting any cold water just hot water.
Good point, does it over heat the same at other faucets?0 -
Well the next morning I completely drained it, checked the thermostats and they were both set at 145 from the factory so I backed them down to 130 degrees , refilled it and turned it back on,, its been 24 hours and its still working correctly ,, I don't have a clue,, if it does it again I will just go ahead and change thermostats, the hardware store where I bought the water heater to begin with stocks them, they are pretty cheap and easy to swap 0 -
sounds like it may have been just a fault, keep a close eye on it so it doesn't blow the relief valve. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by sharpshooter039
Well the next morning I completely drained it, checked the thermostats and they were both set at 145 from the factory so I backed them down to 130 degrees , refilled it and turned it back on,, its been 24 hours and its still working correctly ,, I don't have a clue,, if it does it again I will just go ahead and change thermostats, the hardware store where I bought the water heater to begin with stocks them, they are pretty cheap and easy to swap
IMO, You answered your question right there. You know something is not right. No need to wait for that something to cause bigger problems, which may include serious injury, not just property damage.0
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