Black soot/staining on electric water heater?

[jstaring (Jason Staring, 16000033712)]

What would cause the black above the TPR on a electric water heater?

[jcook7 (Jeremy Cook, CMI)]

Can’t be good.

[rcooke (Roy D. Cooke, Sr)]

@jcook7

Can’t be good.

I agree I would look for a loose electric wire connection that could be arcing .

[dduffy (Dale Duffy)]

@jstaring

What would cause the black above the TPR on a electric water heater?

Did you look inside the top T-Stat cover?

[jstaring (Jason Staring, 16000033712)]

I did not look under any cover.

[Jane_Four]

@jstaring

What would cause the black above the TPR on a electric water heater?

If it’s really humid where you live that could be a likely reason, especially with it being a hot water heater it would be easier for it to rust or stain with water or humidity so nearby.

[rlewis5 (Roy Lewis, CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR RETIRED)]

Someone torched a new nipple in place…Just a guess.

hot water heater

That is funny !