I have a Reliance 501 model # 5 30 2srs4. I had to reset the unit after waking up to cold water. The water heated up in no time at all but the water was super hot. So hot it triped the reset button again. I reset again. The top of the tank feels warn to the touch and the bottom of the tank feels cool to the touch.there is power to the top thermostat.there is no power in the lower element. does this sound like the lower thermostat needs replacing?
Water Heaters - Reliance - & Lowboy& Electric Water Heater
Answers & Comments
Hi,
No, the top thermostat will always heat first and then it should dwitch the power to the bottom one after the top of the tank heats...this is to get you hot water faster...
The top thermostat is bad and is not shutting off or switching....
Replace the top thermostat/reset combination and you''l be good!!
Check out this tip..
How to replace the Thermostat and Element for Electric Hot Water Heater
heatman101
I had the same problem last weekend and switched out the top thermostat. Yesterday, five days later, the reset button popped again.
Elements test out at 12 ohms. Top element is drawing 16A. I've not caught the bottom element heating as of yet. Ideas? How does one "fool" the top thermostat so I can test the bottom for amps?