Having problems with your water heater? Well, the agony is all too familiar. Thankfully, resetting your water heater can help solve various problems involving not hot enough water, weird noises, and the heater not switching on.
Learning how to reset a water heater can help improve your unit’s efficiency and lifespan. Depending on the causes of those problems, you can easily reset the water heater yourself and spare your pockets the weight and cost of hiring a plumber.
That said, the cause isn’t always so obvious. Sometimes, the water heater reset button may trip, turning your unit off mid-rinse.
In this post, we’ll also walk you through the easy steps on how to reset your heater as well as how to troubleshoot the problems.
When To Reset Water Heater
There are several situations where resetting your water heater may be necessary. The first indication is getting not enough hot water. You may also need to reset the heater if you’re hearing weird noises from the unit, not turning on, or not functioning as efficiently as it could.
The purpose of the reset button on the water heater is that if the water becomes too hot, this small piece of metal that sits against the unit will trip. It will switch off the electricity and resolve overheating problems.
However, 90% of the time, the reason a water heater may not be functioning well is due to a defective thermostat and shorted heating element, or sometimes, a power surge.
But if you run out of hot water and are not sure if you should reset your heater, you can first troubleshoot the issue. You can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Inspect the circuit breaker box or panel, making sure that the breaker has not been tripped.
Step 2: If it’s tripped, turn it back on. If it doesn’t trip again, you may not need to reset it.
Step 3: Check the water heater to ensure there isn’t any leak or other evident fault that may be causing the issue.
Step 4: If the water heater circuit breaker doesn’t trip and the unit doesn’t seem to be leaking, you will most probably have to reset the water heater.
How To Reset an Electric Water Heater
Learning how to reset a water heater is easy. But before you begin, make sure you have all the tools you need: a screwdriver and a flashlight. Then, follow the three easy steps below.
Step 1: Inspect Electrical Panel
First things first, locate the water heater circuit in your electrical panel. You may find it in your garage, basement, storage closet, or utility room. It’s within a metal box (fuse box) that is typically flat against a wall. The breaker should be labeled “water heater.” Use a flashlight to see things clearly.
Tripped Reset Button. Now What?
If the circuit breaker is in the “on” position, flip it to off position. But if it’s off, turn it on. If it quickly turns back off, this may indicate that you have a more serious problem and should contact an electrician.
Step 2: Push the Water Heater Reset Button
Once you’ve turned the power off, look for the metal access panel on the side of your water heating system. Depending on the type of heater you have, you may find two access panels. In this case, make sure to take the top one out.
Tip: There are units without an access panel, but you can just use the thermometer to check the area for the reset button.
Next, loosen the screw to remove the panel. You’ll see a layer of insulation beneath the panel. Remove it to access the internal workings. Any moisture in the insulation may be an indication of leakage, and this also means you need to call a professional plumber.
Once you find the red button, push and release it. Then, reattach the insulation and screw the panel back in place.
If the reset button trips again quickly after you press it, there is something wrong with your unit and you need to contact a professional. Alternatively, you can replace the access panel and reset the appropriate circuit breaker.
Step 3: Switch the Breakers Back On.
At this point, you need to go back to the circuit breaker and turn the water heater on. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your water to heat up again. The time varies depending on how long it has been turned off. But once it’s restored, your water heater should start operating.
If you hear a bubbling sound, this means that it’s starting to produce hot water again. You can test the hot water by running your shower or sink on hot. The water temperature should never exceed 120 degrees, so check if it’s hot enough or too hot to the touch.
Once that’s done, you can now enjoy your supply of hot water and go about your day.
Should I Call a Professional?
Referring to your water heater’s manufacturer and following the simple steps above will get you started. However, some problems require more than basic knowledge from you. If you’re still having problems, then maybe it’s time to call a specialist.
There are a few indicators to look out for and circumstances that hint you need to seek professional help. For example, if the water temperature gets too hot that it drastically exceeds the heater’s setting.
Another serious issue may arise like the heater keeps shutting off due to the high limit switch or the circuit breakers continuing to trip. Also, keep in mind that dealing with water and electricity is dangerous. So, bringing in a pro would be the safest way to handle it.
FAQs
Do Water Heaters Have a Reset Button?
All water heaters feature a reset button. It’s a safety feature that you can flip when you encounter a problem with the water heater. This feature is particularly useful when there is a faulty thermostat or perhaps a power surge. The reset button prevents the water in the heater from becoming overly hot.
A water heater reset button can also be referred to as an emergency cut-off (ECO), emergency limit switch, high-limit safety thermostat switch, or electric water heater reset button.
Where To Find the Reset Button?
It’s typically the red button at the top of the heating element or thermostat. You may find it hidden under a removable panel, though it’s occasionally accessible on the exterior of the water heater and in contact with the tank’s surface.
Just so you know, some water heaters will include a button for each location. So, if you can’t find it on the upper part, it is most likely on the underside of your water heater.
How Long Does It Take a Hot Water Heater To Reset?
It varies depending on the type of hot water heater and the specific problem being tackled. A standard electric or gas hot water heater might take anywhere from 60 or 70 minutes up to 120 minutes to recover. If you have a tankless hot water heater, you may expect to wait a few hours.
Final Thoughts
The reset button on a water heater performs a crucial function: it interrupts power in the case of a problem. Resetting your water heater is a simple and straightforward process that can help keep your water hot and save you money on energy bills.
Reading the manufacturer’s directions before attempting to reset your unit helps, but we hope you’ve found this helpful, and if so, share it around. If you have any more questions about how to reset a water heater, let us know and we’ll gladly help you. Good luck!
