A water heater reset button is a safety device that shuts off power to
your water heater when the water temperature inside exceeds 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fun fact: The water heater reset button is also sometimes referred to as the ECO
(emergency cut off) switch.
Ok, now that you know what the ECO switch is, let’s talk about the reasons it may be
tripping. As you may already know, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the sweet spot for
most water heaters. This is because it’s hot enough to prevent the growth of harmful
bacteria, but not so hot as to pose a serious scalding hazard.
If your water heater starts tripping the ECO repeatedly, something isn’t right (obviously,
right). But also, this is something you don’t want to mess on your own either because there’s
a good chance the water in the tank is dangerously hot. It’s time to call Dauenhauer.
If you’re wondering what could be causing your ECO to trip, we’ve put together a quick list
you can reference.
Bad Thermostat
Your thermostat is designed to control a heating element, which in turn heats the water.
When the water reaches the desired temperature, it’s the job of the thermostat to shut the
heating element off. This can’t happen if your thermostat is bad – resulting in overheating
water.
Bad Heating Element
It’s not unheard of for a heating element to go on the fritz with age. When they do, they’ll
just stop heating, or they’ll develop a short and overheat.
Bad ECO
The ECO itself is yet another part that is susceptible to failure. This could be due to wear
and tear from repeated instances of overheating, or it could just be a spontaneous failure.
Still, have more questions about your ECO or your thermostat? We have an easy answer. Call
your local Lexington Dauenhauer, any hour.