Why the Water Heater Keeps Tripping Breaker

Stepping into a cold shower that you thought was going to be nice and warm isn't fun— especially when you need to go flick the circuit breaker switch back on because it's tripped again. If you suspect that your water heater keeps tripping the breaker, you may feel at a loss on finding and fixing the problem. 

We've rounded up six of the most common reasons a water heater keeps tripping a breaker so that you can get to the bottom of the problem for good.

1. Burnt-Out Heating Element

A burnt-out heating element can lead your circuit breaker to trip because the compromised heating element either increases how much power the water heater consumes—leading to a tripped breaker—or exposes the heating element to moisture, also tripping the breaker. If your heating element is burnt out, then you might also notice your water is less hot than normal. 

How to Fix It:

Broken water heater elements require the purchase of a new water heater element and minor electrical work. Replacing a water heater element is a challenging job for anyone who doesn’t have experience working with electricity, so don’t hesitate to contact a water heater pro if you don’t feel confident about tackling a repair that requires electrical know-how.

2. Faulty Thermostats

Another common cause for a water heater tripping a breaker is a faulty thermostat. The thermostats on your water heater regulate the temperature of the water inside the heater to prevent scalding, boiling, and pressure build-up. If something is wrong with a thermostat, then too much electricity could be going to your water heater, which may trip the breaker. Traditional water heaters contain two heating elements and have two thermostats.

How to Fix It:

The first thing you want to do is test your water heater thermostats to determine if either of them is malfunctioning. If the thermostat is to blame, you’ll need to replace the thermostat. Replacing a water heater thermostat is a project that you can tackle at home. Make sure that you choose a thermostat that matches the make and model of your water heater to ensure it's compatible.

3. Faulty Water Heater

If you neglected preventative maintenance for your water heater or it is simply old and outdated, then your circuit breaker’s frequent trips may be a sign that the water heater is on the fritz. Old or damaged units can have all kinds of mysterious problems with the water heater components inside them that keep tripping your breaker. 

How to Fix It:

Since an old water heater may have several issues (like your water heater not draining), this can make it hard to determine the source of the problem. It can even make it not worth your while. If your water heater is over eight years old, it might be time to replace it entirely. Hot water heaters last between eight to 10 years on average.

4. Sediment Buildup

If you don’t routinely flush your water heater once a year, hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium can form a thick layer of sediment inside your water heater that makes your unit work on overdrive to perform at baseline. This can cause the breaker to trip.

How to Fix It:

To remove the sediment, you'll need to flush your water heater. Water heater flush costs range between $100 and $200 on average. You can save money by DIYing it, putting costs closer to $80 upfront. 

It's also a good idea to check the anode rod. The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion from rust buildup. Your water heater’s metal tank is prone to corroding over time, and the anode rod deteriorates well before most water heaters go out, as it releases electrons that slow down the corrosion. 

5. Bad Wiring 

Internal wiring isn't the only culprit for a water heater that seems to trip the breaker. In some cases, it might not be your water heater at all. If you have an issue with the wiring in your home or have put too much demand on your electrical circuit, then your breaker will continue to trip regardless of what you try to do with your water heater.

How to Fix It:

Major electrical work typically requires permits and a licensed electrician to safely get the job done. If you notice flickering lights, breaker trips in other circuits, discolored outlets or switches, or other signs of an electrical wiring issue, then you should hire a local electrician to investigate the problem. They might advise you to upgrade your amperage or rewire your home rather than replace your water heater. 

6. Water Leaks

A loose pressure relief valve or cracks or holes in the tank of your water heater can cause water leaks. If water touches sections of electrical wiring, this can cause your breaker to short-circuit.  

How to Fix It:

Water leaks are a dangerous cause of a tripped breaker, even if the cause is a minor fix like replacing the pressure relief valve. This job should be completed by a professional who understands how to navigate safely around potentially wet electrical units. If you notice any water around your water heater, you should immediately shut off the circuit breaker and contact a pro. 

7. Malfunctioning Circuit Breaker

An old circuit breaker can also be to blame rather than your water heater causing the breaker to trip. If your circuit breaker is over 25 years old, or your electrical wiring has caused the breaker to trip more than three to five cycles, then your water heater might not have an issue. Circuit breakers have a limit to the number of cycles they can experience a trip. The older and more outdated your circuit breaker, the more likely it is to be the source of your issues.

How to Fix It:

You'll need to install a new circuit breaker if your old one has kicked the bucket. Your safest option is to work with a licensed electrician who can assess the electrical system in your home, identify the source of the problem, and replace the breaker.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your water heater can extend the life of your water heater, prevent costly repairs, and protect your home from dangerous gas leaks or electrocution hazards. Check out the following tips to keep your water heater working properly: 

• Keep up with routine maintenance checks at least once or twice a year for signs of leaks or corrosion.

• Drain the water out of your water heater once yearly to prevent debris buildup.

• Flush your water heater out if you see a large buildup of sediment or debris.

• If the instruction manual says it’s safe, insulate your water heater by wrapping the tank and exposed pipes in insulated blankets. 

• Hire a professional plumber for an annual inspection and tune-up once a year to catch problems as they arise

• Keep clutter away from your water heater to increase accessibility to your water heater and decrease your chances of a gas leak. 

DIY Fixing the Water Heater vs. Contacting a Pro

While you can fix some culprits for a water heater that keeps tripping your breaker, other causes for a tripped breaker require the experience of a trained professional. For example, if there's a water leak, faulty water heater, bad wiring, or a burnt-out element, then you should contact a local water heater contractor or electrician to assess the situation and fix the problem.

The average cost to hire a plumber is between $180 and $500 on average, while water heater repair costs fall between $220 and $980. For immediate repairs, expect most typical emergency plumber costs to range from $100 to $500, depending on the severity of the problem.

Water Heater Warranty

Before you hire a contractor, check to see if your water heater is still under warranty. Most companies cover multiple years of water heater warranty coverage, not just one, so you may still be covered if your machine is relatively new. 

If you no longer have the paperwork, look for a serial number on your heater (usually on a rectangular sticker near the brand name). Most companies have a spot on their website where you can enter the number to see if it’s still under warranty. You can also contact the company directly for more details.

But, as with most warranty procedures, it’ll likely be a bit of a waiting game before you get approved for coverage and assigned a professional and experienced service. If it’s an emergency, you may be better off just paying out of pocket for faster and more efficient repairs.

Questions to Ask the Water Heater Pro

Once you start seeing signs it’s time to replace your water heater, you should start exploring your local options for a contractor.

If your water heater involves electrical wiring or issues that require the expertise of a licensed plumber or electrician, then it’s important to find a qualified professional to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. You’ll want to vet at least three prospective water heater companies to find the most competitive rates and best customer service. 

Use these questions to help you choose the best water heater pro near you.

1. What are your qualifications?

2. Are you licensed and insured?

3. Are you qualified to do electrical work, or do I need to hire an electrician?

4. How much does it cost to repair my water heater?

5. What does the process look like from start to finish?

6. How long will it take to repair my water heater?

7. Does your company offer a satisfaction guarantee or workmanship warranty?