problem..scalding water from electric water heater

[provlima]

I have a 60 gallon State Select electric water heater that is 4 years old.
Recently it started putting out scalding hot water. I shut off the breakers and looked at the top and bottom thermostat and set both to the lowest temperature. It worked okay for two weeks,
but the scalding water problem started again. Has one or both of the thermostats gone bad?
Any other suggestions on what the problem may be? Thanks for you help

 

[phishfood]

It does sound as though you have a bad thermostat. I would shut the power off to the heater until you can get the thermostats changed out. It wouldn't be good to find out that the relief valve is not operable if the thermostat stuck on full time and the water turned to steam. KaBOOOOM time.

 

[Mr_David]

The thermostat can be easily replaced.
Just make sure the power is off.
Check it with a volt meter to be safe
It just rests against the outside of the tank.
The upper one should have a high temp ECO ( electrical cut out ) switch.
The ECO should pop and cut off power to heater if it gets to hot.
If you're not handy call a pro to replace it