Our Electric hot water tank (age unknown) has been overheating then kicking off the reset on the thermostat block. I turned the temperature down on the hot water tank thermostat and then pressed the reset. The water again over heated and has shut it's self down again. The obvious is the thermostat is not working but is this a sign of bad elements or even time for a new tank. We bought the house 2 years ago and it was built in the 90's and can not figure out the age of the tank. What should my next step be? Thanks, Glen

We do not know that the water is actually over heating just the electrical breaker. This islikely the original tank so its about 10 years old, consider that when thinking of repairs. You probably have 2 elements and they are not expensive to buy. Can you replace them yourself?

I can replace them myself but I am giving the replacement more thought as the best alternative. Thanks

Under the conditions you are describing, probably the contacts of the thermostat have fused together and it's turning off because of an over temperature.

Thus, I would suspect the thermostat.