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cuttacoupe · Apr 27, 2007, 12:52 PM

I have an electric water heater this about 10 yrs old. I have to constantly press the reset button because the heater runs out of Hot Water. When I press the reset button after a while the water becomes almost scalding hot and will eventually turn cold again, which forces me to press the reset button and it happens all over again.

Do you have any idea what is wrong with my water heater.

Thanks

tkrussell · Apr 27, 2007, 01:43 PM

One heating element is defective. Considering the age, and since the entire tank needs to be drained to replace the elements, you may want to consider replacing both elements.

Being an electrician, I cannot comment on whether a 10 year old tank should be replaced. I believe most tanks are only expected to last 8-10 years.

Hopefully either our resident plumbing expert ,Tom, will jump in, or there are several others that are well versed with plumbing equipment that could offer some help.

newuser01 · Apr 27, 2007, 02:12 PM

I would recommend a new water heater.

1. the age of the boiler.
2. build up inside the tank.
3. Cost of replacing will be same if you replace the element or the boiler itself.

Good luck.

speedball1 · Apr 27, 2007, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by newuser01

I would recommend a new water heater.

1. the age of the boiler.
2. build up inside the tank.
3. Cost of replacing will be same if you replace the element or the boiler itself.

1- My 30 gallon water came with the house. I've replaced the single element once in 53 years, the age of the house.
2- If the heater is flushed on a regular maintenance schedule you won't have mineral build up.
3- WAY Out of LINE! The cost of a new water heater installation as per against replacing a element, ( or for that matter replacing both elements plus the thermostats). If the heater doesn''t leak replace the elements, turn the thermostat back to 120 and enjoy. Good luck, Tom

Missouri Bound · Dec 26, 2010, 01:08 PM

Speedball is correct on all counts. And having to push the reset button generally means the tank is overheating due to a faulty thermostat, since you refer to the water as "almst scalding". Consider replacing the controls as well as the elements after you thoroughly clean out the tank. If the tank won't flush you can vacumn out the sediment with a piece of 3/4" conduit taped to the nozzelof a shop vac. (I have done it, works great)