What Makes A Water Heater Turn Off Frequently?

Does your water heater shut off regularly, requiring you to reset it? If so, it is likely due to the feature that is referred to as emergency cut off (ECO). This feature is designed to turn water heaters off if the temperature gets to a point of dangerous overheating. It can actually aid in preventing water heater damage. However, frequent shutoffs could be a sign that there is something else wrong with your water heater, and it may even be a sign that you will need to replace your water heater in the near future. Some people think that water heaters are built to last indefinitely. They can last for many years, but they will not last forever. The following points will help you to understand reasons why your water heater may be cutting off. 

ECO Damage

The ECO feature has a switch that initiates the cut-off. The switch can become damaged over time due to wear and tear. A damaged ECO switch can be replaced, which is good because you will not have the worry of replacing your entire water heater.

Heating Element Damage

The heating element in water heaters heats the water. It can also get damaged over time. The result is water that overheats and trips the ECO switch. However, in many cases, the heating element stops working or works incorrectly. This can result in water not being heated as expected. Heating elements that are damaged should be replaced because there is a potential risk of scalding water temperatures even if the ECO switch is working properly.

Thermostat Damage

The thermostats in water heaters control the heating elements. A properly working thermostat will shut off a heating element when the temperature reaches the desired point. However, if there is thermostat damage, it may cause the heating elements to run and never shut off. This can lead to overheating and ECO tripping. 

Wiring Issue

If the components of your water heater are all in good condition, a wiring issue may be the culprit for the frequent shutoffs. Wiring issues are serious because they could lead to electrical shock or a fire.

A plumbing service company is a good resource to use to determine the exact reason why your water heater shuts off. They can help you determine whether replacing it is a good idea.They can also determine if there is a simple solution to fix the issue. For example, the thermostat setting may be too high, and adjusting it could resolve the issue.