Recurring problem with scalding hot water

Since May 2012, I've been having a recurring problem with my hot water tank and the latest plumber who repaired it believes it may be caused by an electrical problem. When the tank goes bad I get scalding hot water and the tank starts to leak. In at least some of the cases, the water may have been boiling because pockets of air came out along with the hot water. The plumber's invoice states the following: "Thermostats getting stuck in the "On" position causing elements to blow. Recommend electrican."



I live in a townhouse and moved into it with my family in October 2003. The townhouse was brand new when we moved in. I experienced no problems with the original tank until after 8 and a half years when it started producing scalding hot water and leaking.



Below is a chronological list of the problems I've had so far.



May 2012 - new Rheem 50 gallon electric hot water tank installed. (Original tank replaced due to scalding water and leaking.)



February 2013 - hot water tank replaced with identical Rheem 50 gallon electric tank after only 8 months due to two separate occurences of scalding water/leaks.



May 2014 - tank repaired due to problem with scalding water/leak. Also, brown water was coming out of our shower head.



January 2015 - tank repaired due to scalding water.





Any ideas on whether the problem is electrical or something else?

Thanks.

Recurring problem with scalding hot water