What Causes Water Heater High Temperature Shutdown? 5 Interesting Reasons!

Are you wondering about what causes water heater high temperature shutdown? A faulty thermocouple, a damaged thermostat, or a malfunctioning gas valve cause the high temperature of your water heater to shut down. 

There is no hot water in your bathroom when you get up every morning. As a result, you go over to your hot water system and try to light it up. However, you either neglect to switch it on or maintain the heater running. 

what causes water heater high temperature shutdown

The status light flashes four times whenever you turn the knob to pilot. It also points to a problem with the water heater shutting down due to a high temperature. The water heater may become locked out for a variety of reasons. You learn them as you further delved into this article. Thankfully, we’ve put together the following instructions to show you how to resolve excessive temperature shutdown. So stay with us to the finish of this article. Let’s get started!

 

Causes Of Water Heater High Temperature Shutdown

Here are the few things that lead the high temperature of the water heater to shut down. Let’s dig them one by one. 

 

#1. Faulty thermostat

A faulty thermostat might cause the hot water system to become overly hot all of a sudden. This component will control the heater elements’ off and on cycles. To put it another way, a thermostat helps to control the temperature. However, a heater heat element may heat the water even if the thermostat is not functioning right. It causes a high-temperature shutdown setting on your heater by raising the temperature of the water to a hazardous level, triggering the. This problem may quickly be resolved by replacing the malfunctioning thermostat. You can call a specialist to change your thermostat if you’re not mechanically inclined. It may also be a good idea to read about how to test water heater thermostat.

 

#2. Clogged pressure valve 

Do you know what causes water heater high temperature shutdown? The vapor that accumulates within the hot water system may cause it to become hotter than usual. As a result, a pressure relief valve is used to allow gas to evacuate from your radiator. This valve will not work correctly if it becomes blocked with dirt. As a result, your water heater enters high-temperature shutdown mode. When your hot water tank may become overheated, turn down your water heater right away if, indeed, the pressure release valve becomes clogged. Then, to get this problem fixed, contact a licensed plumber. Know more about temperature and pressure relief valve.

 

#3. Loose connections 

This problem might be caused by circuit board sloppy wire connections. The issue can be resolved by disconnecting and rejoining the cables. The steps to remove or reattach the wire are outlined below.

To repair the problem, you must reset the circuits. Remove the wire from the ignitor to accomplish this. After that, disconnect the connection that connects the two-terminal temperature sensors. Remove the lid by unscrewing the bolts keeps it in place. Take off 2 plastic hooks from the cover and take them out. From the circuit board, remove the two-wire connections after that. Rep the cable attachments to your circuit board after counting from 1 to 20. Replace all of the items in their proper locations. Then, switch on your hot water system and ignite the pilot, which will resolve the heating problem.

 

#4. Thermocouple failure

If you have a defective thermocouple, the hot water system will go into high-temperature shutdown mode. If dirt accumulates on and surrounding the thermocouple, it may become inadequate. Having to clean the thermocouple is the first step. You don’t always have to spend any money; maybe even a minor cleanup would be enough. If it still does not work just after you’ve completed the cleaning process, it is recommended to upgrade to a new one. Keep in mind that the thermocouple you’re getting is compatible with the one you’d have. A new thermocouple will set you back only $10. Make sure that the spark must pure and lands in the middle of the pole. Read more about how to set heater thermostat

 

#5. Defective valve

Another cause of this issue is a defective gas valve; not only this, a faulty solenoid in your heater gas valve might lead your hot water tank to fail. What important is that you replace the gas valve, regardless of what caused it to malfunction. The issue can be resolved by replacing the malfunctioning gas valve with only a new unit.

 

How Water Heater High-Temperature Shutdown Reset? 

You can reset the water heater’s high temperature shutdown by following these simple steps:

 Starting in the off mode, simply rotate to the pilot setting; there’s a knob on the heater, turn it toward the pilot, hold the button down, and swiftly strike the striker. Next, glance at the light’s status and observe whether the red color light blinks four times. Until the four flashes show, make sure you’re hitting the striker. Rotate knob freely to the extremely high level as soon as the indicator light glows 4 times. Adjust this knob to that very high level after just a 10-second countdown. Turn the knob toward a pilot designated to reset a high temperature shut down for 10 seconds before repeating the process.

 

It’s A Wrap!

After reading this article, we hope you all understand what causes water heater high temperature shutdown. Above, we have discussed everything that shutdown the temperature when the water heater becomes overheated. Read them carefully to understand well. Thank you, friends, for being with us at the end!

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