Why Does My Water Heater Keep Tripping Out My Breaker?

If your water heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a clear sign something is wrong.

In many cases, this issue points to electrical or mechanical problems that should never be ignored. Whether it’s a failing heating element, faulty wiring, or another underlying issue, your system may be in need of professional water heater repair in Franklin, MA.

At G&C Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen this problem countless times, and our Bellingham and Franklin water heater service pros know how to diagnose and fix it quickly.

In this article, we’ll cover the top three reasons why your water heater may be shutting off power, and why it’s important to have a licensed plumber in Franklin address the issue before it leads to a full system replacement or even potential safety hazards.

Before we explore these issues, what causes them, and how to fix them, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t keep flipping the breaker back on as this can cause the wiring to overheat which in turn can lead to a fire breaking out.

1) Burnt Out Heating Element

An indicator that your heating element has burnt out is that your water won’t be as hot as it usually is. In this instance, it won’t trip out your breaker but will still need to be repaired. Sometimes, the casing that protects your heating element can split and expose the electrics inside to water or moisture, which in turn will cause the breaker to trip.

2) Faulty Thermostats

In a traditional electric water heater, there are two heating elements, however, only one element is on at a time thanks to your thermostats. If there’s a problem with your thermostat, it can cause both elements to turn on at the same time which results in breaker tripping because of more electricity being delivered than what it can handle.

3) Bad Wiring

There’s a small chance that the problem may be with your wiring and not the water heater itself. If this is the case, a plumber will let you know and advise you to contact an electrician.

Get Help from Your Local Water Heater Pros Today!

G & C Plumbing & Heating is your number one choice for everything related to water heater repairs. If your water heater in Bellingham or Franklin keeps tripping your breaker, you may need a water heater repair service.

Contact us today to find out more about our service and how we can help you!