High Limit Question

Users who are viewing this thread

shawninolympia

Computer Repair
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Olympia
Website
www.pugetsoundcomputerrepair.net
Merry Christmas Everyone!

So I ran to the store today and came home and my wife said she smelled something burning in my daughters room. I went in, checked everything I could and I could not find the source of the smell. For some reason, I decided to check the hotwater tank in the closet behind a false wall. The smell was coming from there. I took off the top cover where the "high limit" is and there is melted and burned plastic. Yes I turned off the breakers and tested to make sure no power was still flowing to it before I did anything. Do you think I should just replace the high limit and if so where would I go to buy one. Thanks for any help! What a time for the tank to not work! Merry Christmas!

Shawn
Olympia, Wa
 

Doherty Plumbing

Journeyman & Gas Fitter
Messages
810
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Location
Penticton, BC
Website
www.facebook.com
Merry Christmas Everyone!

So I ran to the store today and came home and my wife said she smelled something burning in my daughters room. I went in, checked everything I could and I could not find the source of the smell. For some reason, I decided to check the hotwater tank in the closet behind a false wall. The smell was coming from there. I took off the top cover where the "high limit" is and there is melted and burned plastic. Yes I turned off the breakers and tested to make sure no power was still flowing to it before I did anything. Do you think I should just replace the high limit and if so where would I go to buy one. Thanks for any help! What a time for the tank to not work! Merry Christmas!

Shawn
Olympia, Wa

Replace high limit and the thermostats.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
high limit

The replacement "upper" thermostat will come with the high limit. You must have had a loose wire which created high resistance and heat to melt it. You will probably have to shorten, or replace some wires, to eliminate the melted portions.
 

shawninolympia

Computer Repair
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Olympia
Website
www.pugetsoundcomputerrepair.net
Question

I build computers for a living. I'm not a plumber. I do have alot of mechanical ability so I know I can do this and if I don't think I can I will call someone. I do have one question. In order to change everything like you say, I have to drain the tank correct? Thanks
 

Redwood

Master Plumber
Messages
7,335
Reaction score
13
Points
0
Location
Connecticut
If you are changing elements the tank has to be drained.

It does not have to be drained to change the ECO and Thermostat.
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
If the tank is over ten years old, you may want to consider replacement on the tank too.

Water heaters tend to run in the 10 to 20 year range for life expectancy.
Though, that's an average, not a promise.
 

Cass

Plumber
Messages
5,947
Reaction score
7
Points
0
Location
Ohio
If you are changing elements the tank has to be drained.

It does not have to be drained to change the ECO and Thermostat.

I'm not sure how you do it but I can't remember the last time I drained a water heater to change an element...
 

Redwood

Master Plumber
Messages
7,335
Reaction score
13
Points
0
Location
Connecticut
I'm not sure how you do it but I can't remember the last time I drained a water heater to change an element...

I do it on the quick too but I would advise to home handyman type to drain a water heater....:eek:
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks