It seems like everytime my hot water heater kicks on, the main breaker to my house trips. I have no plans to tackle this myself, but what could be the problem?
2007-03-26 07:56:32 · 4 answers · asked by ? 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The heating element in the heater is shorted out. This happens over time especially in an area where you have hard water. The element isn't real hard to change. The breaker for the heater needs to be turned off and the water drained then the element can be removed and replaced. If your're not familiar with the task you'd be better off calling a plumber. An electrician isn't going to want to change the element. That's a plumbers job. However if you go to Lowes or Home Depot they should be able to help you and demonstrate the task on a unit in the store. I've had better luck with Lowes. Home Depot seems to be hard to get assistance in.
2007-03-26 15:12:34 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the water heater is taking out the main breaker to the house, there is a major problem with the heater and its breaker. Don't try to fix it. Call an electrician!
2007-03-26 19:06:13 · answer #2 · answered by frozen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any time a breaker trips, there is too much load on that breaker. You need to call an electrician and have them fix this problem. Because, if the breaker does not trip, for some reason, then a wire may get too hot and start a house fire.
2007-03-26 15:11:00 · answer #3 · answered by toothacres 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the water heater contactor is short-circuiting or something.
Either that, or there is another piece of electrical equipment on the same circuit as the water heater.
Definitely call an electrician - it won't be cheap, make sure to get some quotes.
2007-03-26 15:05:42 · answer #4 · answered by Joe M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋