Considering the high temperatures in Chandler, high mineral content in the water, and the year-round demand for hot water, your water heater needs to work reliably. So, when you suddenly lose hot water, it’s a nuisance. There are several reasons why this may be happening, but if your water heater circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a warning sign that something may be seriously wrong.
What’s Happening When a Water Heater Keeps Tripping the Breaker
Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when electrical current exceeds safe limits. In a water heater, this usually means excess heat, excessive amperage draw, or a fault somewhere in your system. You might see a circuit breaker trip after a power outage or maintenance, but repeated trips are happening for a reason.
Just resetting the breaker without taking a closer look at potential causes may just mask the problem and increase your risk.
Common Reasons a Water Heater Breaker Keeps Tripping
Electrical water heaters rely on multiple components working together. When any of them fails, a breaker trips to prevent dangerous situations. Here are the most common ones.
Electrical Overload on the Circuit
Water heaters require a dedicated circuit. If other appliances share the same line, the circuit breaker can be overloaded. This is common in many older homes that were built with electrical panels that weren’t designed for today’s demands.
Heating Element Failure
Inside your tank, heating elements are submerged in water. They undergo constant stress, and over time, they can crack, burn out, or cause electrical shorts. When you have a damaged heating element, it can draw excessive current, causing your water heater circuit breaker to keep tripping.
Thermostat Problems
Faulty thermostats can allow the heating element to run too long or overheat the tank. You might not notice any problem until your breaker trips repeatedly.
Loose or Damaged Wiring
Heat expansion, vibration, and age can loosen wiring connections inside the heater or at the breaker panel. Loose wires create resistance and heat, both of which can cause breaker trips and pose a fire risk.
Aging Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers can wear out, tripping under even a normal load and when your hot water heater is working fine.
How to Safely Identify the Likely Cause
There are some things you can do on your own. First, check for visible warning signs such as scorch marks, melted insulation, or unusual noises near the panel. If you see any of these, turn off your system and call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical.
Any electrical problems should be left to professionals.
When to Call an Electrician vs. a Plumber
Call an electrician if the breaker trips immediately after reset, if the panel shows signs of heat damage, or if wiring issues are suspected. These problems originate in the electrical system rather than the water heater itself.
Call a plumber when heating elements, thermostats, or internal water heater components are failing, or when the unit may be nearing the end of its service life.
The good news is that you can call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical for all of these concerns. Our team can handle both plumbing and electrical diagnostics to find and repair the problem.
Repair vs. Replacement Considerations
When a water heater keeps tripping the breaker, you’ll want to consider the age of your water heater. Older units often develop multiple issues at once. Patching one problem might give you a bit more time, but when replacement parts, electrical work, and labor start to approach the cost of a new unit, replacement is usually the smarter long-term decision.
The best way to prevent problems is to schedule regular maintenance. George Brazil technicians will clean, inspect, and make any necessary repairs to extend the life of your hot water heater.
Call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical When Your Water Heater Keeps Tripping the Breaker
Circuit breakers are there to protect you and prevent dangerous conditions from escalating. So, if you don’t address a tripping breaker, the risk of fire hazards, electrical damage, or water heater failure increases.
Our team of specialists is expertly trained to diagnose and fix problems. With more than 70 years in business, George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical repairs water heaters fast. We offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and guaranteed work.
Water heater keeps tripping the breaker? Contact George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule a service call.