My water heater keeps tripping the breaker. Any ideas?

Question

I recently purchased a house that was in pretty rough shape. I talked to the previous owners and they said they were having problems with the water heater. As I started using the hot water, the red reset button on the thermostat would trip every 10-20 min after being reset. I replaced both thermostats and both elements and checked the wiring and everything looks like its done correctly. There doesn't seem to be any loose wires or water anywhere. After putting in the new components, instead of the reset button tripping, its tripping the circuit breaker. I plan on replacing the breaker, but does anyone have any idea of what else it might be if that doesnt work? I still can get hot water for long enough for a shower but its a pain to keep resetting the switch everytime. There is no burning smell either when it trips.

Answer 1

sounds like something is shorting out. maybe it was wired wrong before and you just copied they're wiring causing it to still blow the fuse

Answer 2

I suppose it could be a breaker problem.........but usually the breaker is telling you there is an overload.......so my guess there's still something wrong with the tank.......sounds like a new one would be in order. Sorry, the type of thing that makes us all a little more nuts each day. lol bye

Answer 3

Replace the breaker ASAP. When you do, be sure to match the amperage/voltage on the new breaker with the amperage/voltage on the unit. It sounds as if you have a breaker that is too small for the job.

Answer 4

Is your water softened? If not, your water tank is probably full of scale. Time for a new water heater. This is typical of electric water heaters used in a house with hard water.

Answer 5

You might try looking at the wiring into the HWH at the top connection where the wire enters. Moisture from the cold line condensing and getting in there could cause this condition. Another place to check would be the piping as it enters the HWH. corrosion at this point could do it too.

Answer 6

You need to double check your wiring that you did when putting in the new components it sounds like you have a wire touching something since it was not tripping the breaker before I would have to think that it is some thing you did.