My Water Heater’s ECO Switch Keeps Tripping – What Does It Mean?

Residential water heaters are equipped with several safety features. One is the emergency cutoff (ECO) switch, also known as the ‘reset button’ in some circles. The ECO switch is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the water in the tank from getting too hot. If it trips, then it is doing its job.

The question is this: what causes an ECO switch to trip? Moreover, should a homeowner be concerned if the switch trips frequently? Let us address both. As you read, bear in mind that Superior W&A repairs and replaces water heaters in the Salt Lake City and Washington County areas.

Too Much Heat Is Unsafe

Water heaters are designed to deliver an ample supply of hot water for cooking, cleaning, bathing, laundry, etc. But there is a cutoff in terms of how hot the water should be. Too much heat is unsafe. It is just that simple.

Water at 120°F can cause scalding burns. Ideally, you don’t want the water in your tank to be any hotter than that. But there is something else to consider – water boils at 212°F under normal atmospheric conditions. A water heater’s ECO switch is designed to prevent the water from heating any higher than 180°F to prevent boiling.

If the water in your heater boiled, it would create pressure that would eventually rupture the tank. Such catastrophic failure would damage your house. It could also injure someone. So the ECO switch is critically important.

Common Causes of Tripping

An ECO switch can be tripped because of several different things. A rare trip every now and again is not a big deal. But if an ECO switch is tripping frequently, it is time to call in a professional. The water heater could be on the verge of failure.

Here are the most common causes of ECO switch tripping:

• Faulty Thermostat – Most switch trips are the result of water that gets too hot. And when this is the problem, one of the first things a professional will look at is the thermostat. A faulty thermostat may not cut off the heating element, allowing the water to get too hot.

• Faulty Heating Element – Faulty heating element with an electrical short may fail to shut off even if the thermostat is working properly. Repeated overheating is a symptom.

• Faulty Wiring – Faulty wiring and poor electrical connections can generate excess heat and trip the safety switch. Bad wiring is especially dangerous because it can spark electrical fires.

• Faulty Switch – Like any other component on a water heater, the ECO switch can wear out over time. A worn switch is more likely to trip unnecessarily, even when water isn’t too hot.

Regular tripping indicates a problem that needs to be looked at. Full water heater replacement may not be necessary, as faulty components can be replaced. One thing is for sure: an ECO that trips daily or weekly should not be ignored.

Call Superior W&A

If you have been having problems with your safety switch tripping frequently, we invite you to call Superior W&A right away. The problem might turn out to be minor. But if it’s major, a visit from one of our technicians could save you from a more serious issue down the road.

A water heater’s ECO switch is a great safety feature that prevents serious accidents. As long as yours is working as intended, you can rest assured that the water in your heater will never get too hot. You and your family will be safe no matter how much hot water you use.