What causes a water heater to pop a breaker?
Asked by: Elisa Hill | Last update: October 31, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)
What would cause a water heater to trip a breaker?
Call an electrician. They should verify the breaker size, and replace it if necessary. You might just need a new breaker (they wear out if repeatedly tripped). When a water heater starts tripping the ECO repeatedly, it's time to call a plumber for service. There's a good chance that the water in the tank is dangerously hot, and since the problem is usually caused by a failed component, it won't get better until the bad part is identified and replaced. Is your water heater making a popping noise similar to how it sounds when your microwave is cooking popcorn? That popping noise probably means there's sediment at the bottom of your water heater tank. The solution? Simple—the tank just needs flushing.What do I do if my heater keeps tripping the breaker?
How do you fix a water heater that keeps tripping?
What does it mean if your water heater is popping?
Electric Water Heater Not Heating Water And Breaker Is Tripped
Why would a water heater burst?
Excessive Internal Pressure
If too much pressure builds up inside your water heater, it will eventually burst.
What does it mean when your heater is popping?
Popping. If you hear popping sounds and you don't have a bag of popcorn in the microwave, you could be dealing with dirty furnace burners or damaged air ducts. When the burners are dirty, the buildup prevents them from igniting, which causes too much gas to build up, making a popping sound.
Why is my water heater shorting out?
Shorts typically result from cracks in the heating element's metal casing, exposing live wires to water. A bad heating element doesn't respond appropriately when the thermostat tells it to power off. It'll continue to heat the water inside the tank up until 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should a water heater last?
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
How to tell if a heating element is bad?
To test the element, you must measure its resistance. Switch the multimeter settings to measure resistance and place the nodes on the two screws. A functioning heating element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. The heating element is broken if the meter reads 1 or 0.
Why does my heater pop the breaker?
The most common problems are: An overloaded furnace. An overloaded shared circuit. Short circuit or ground fault inside your furnace.
How can I fix my breaker that keeps tripping?
- Move high load, or high amperage, devices to different circuits.
- Turn off electrical devices you're not using to lessen the load.
- Make sure there are no damaged outlets, cords, or plugs running on the circuit.
- Upgrade your circuit to one that has a greater load capacity.
Can excessive heat cause a breaker to trip?
High Air Temperatures
Ambient heat in the air surrounding the breaker can impact the components, too. When outdoor heat causes the strip to flex and hit a contact, the circuit breaker will trip even though there is no excess electricity causing the heat.
How do I stop my heater from tripping the breaker?
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don't lean anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
Why does my hot water heater keep tripping the reset button?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
Can a bad breaker cause a water heater not to work?
Check the circuit breaker.
A tripped circuit can cause your electric water heater to stop heating water.
What are the signs that your water heater is going out?
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a 50 gallon hot water heater?
The average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $700 to $1,800 for an electric unit or $1,000 to $3,100+ for a gas unit, including labor. A 50-gallon water heater costs $500 to $2,100 for the unit alone, depending on the fuel type, energy efficiency, features, and brand.
How often should I flush my water heater?
Flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often. If you leave town, change your water heater to its vacation setting.
Why does my Rheem water heater keep tripping the breaker?
Your water heater may be the cause of your circuit breaker tripping frequently. Damaged wiring or a bad breaker, a burnt heating element, water leaks, and defective thermostat are some of the culprits behind it.
How much should I spend on a water heater?
Average Total: $1,950
Nationwide costs generally fall within the range of $1,600 to $2,400. This estimate includes the following components: Basic tank water heater.
Why would a water heater be short circuited?
Occasionally, when the elements fail, they can split. The result is the electrical components are exposed to the water in the tank causing a short-circuit.
How do I stop my water heater from popping?
To prevent popping sounds and damage to the water heater and the surrounding areas, flush your tank. The process is elaborate, but after a few times, you should be a master. If there is ever a safety concern or if you do not have the DIY mindset, contact a professional plumber to inspect and flush out the tank.
Is popping in water heater bad?
The popping noise comes from boiling water beneath the sediment. While the noise is not dangerous, excessive sediment can result in several problems for your water heater. Sediment buildup can slow heat transfer and cause overheating, damaging the inner lining and steel tank and ultimately resulting in a leak.
Why is my electric heater popping?
Popping or Banging
There could be a few reasons why heaters make this sound, like dirty burners that need cleaning, or an excessive amount of gas inside the chambers. If you hear a banging or popping sound when the heater shuts off, it could mean your ductwork is contracting as the metal cools down.