Electric Water Heater popping reset button?

Question

I've posted on here before regarding this problem and have followed all the recommendations that have come thru including those located here....http://www.water-heater-repair-guide.com . After following all the instructions at that website, everything checks out as being OK according to my multimeter readings.

Another recommendation was to drain the tank (since we're on a well), take out the lower element and use the shop vac to suck out any sediment build up. I did this too and fired 'er back up and I'm still having the same problem.

Today, I went back downstairs to run some multimeter tests again based on the above website guidelines. With the power off, I checked the lower thermostat. As directed, I set the temp to max and set the upper thermostat to off. The instructions said that if it sweeps to "0" then it should be good which it did. Then, it also says if you turn the thermo off that you should get no reading but, it still sweeps to 0....so, my question is...does this mean that it's bad? Or, does somebody out there have any other ideas? This is getting pretty frustrating so I would sure like to get this settled. Thanks in advance for help.

Answer 1

Sounds like a ground fault surge keeps blowing the GFCI. Check the breaker box for any wires that might be worn through or touching one another. Check the water heater as well. If water is leaking and causes 2 grounds to cross it will trip the GFCI. It is also possible that the GFCI itself has gone bad. The reset button is a GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupt.

Answer 2

You need to replace the thermostat(s) A multi meter will not tell you if they are operating correctly with temperature changes. If the thermostat is not operating correctly it will pop the reset which is a high limit stat fitted for safety.

Answer 3

Sounds like its bad. You can buy the thermostats for few bucks at lowe's id replace both.

Answer 4

The heater has a low water level causing the heater to malfunction.