Plumber Red Seal · Question
A homeowner reports that their electric water heater is producing lukewarm water and the 'reset' button on the upper thermostat trips frequently. Upon inspection, you find that the lower heating element is not drawing current. What is the most likely cause?
If the lower heating element is not drawing current and the upper thermostat is tripping, it indicates that the upper element is doing all the work and overheat
Start free practice for Plumber Red Seal
177 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day
Question: A homeowner reports that their electric water heater is producing lukewarm water and the 'reset' button on the upper thermostat trips frequently. Upon inspection, you find that the lower heating element is not drawing current. What is the most likely cause?
Answer options:
- A faulty upper heating element.
- A shorted lower heating element. ✅ A defective upper thermostat.
- A broken dip tube.
Correct answer: A defective upper thermostat.
Explanation: If the lower heating element is not drawing current and the upper thermostat is tripping, it indicates that the upper element is doing all the work and overheating the upper portion of the tank. This points to a defective upper thermostat, as it controls the power to both elements and should be switching to the lower element once the top portion of the tank is heated. A faulty upper heating element would result in no hot water or a constant 'reset' trip without the lower element failing.
Start free practice for Plumber Red Seal
177 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day
More about Plumber Red Seal
Related Questions
- Before starting a new plumbing installation in a residential basement, what is the primary reason why a plumbe
- A plumber is installing a new kitchen sink in an existing residential dwelling. The sink drain is connected to
- A plumber is installing drainage for a dishwasher in a residential kitchen. The dishwasher P-trap is located 1
- A plumber is asked to install a backflow prevention assembly on a lawn irrigation system connected to the pota
- A plumber is considering the velocity of water in a 50 mm (2") copper pipe supplying a commercial building. Ex
- A plumber is designing the domestic hot water recirculation system for a multi-story residential building. Wha
More for Plumber Red Seal candidates
Practice tests
Question explanations
- Before starting a new plumbing installation in a residential basement, what is the primary reason why a plumbe
- A plumber is installing a new kitchen sink in an existing residential dwelling. The sink drain is connected to
- A plumber is installing drainage for a dishwasher in a residential kitchen. The dishwasher P-trap is located 1
- A plumber is asked to install a backflow prevention assembly on a lawn irrigation system connected to the pota
Ready to practice?
Free, no signup required. Build a wrong-question list as you go.
Start Free Plumber Red Seal Practice →Related courses
Other Canadian certifications candidates often prepare for alongside this one.