You can find the steps to reset the water heater in this article. If you have an electric water heater in your home, you may have experienced when your reset button is tripped. In this article, you can find the answer you are looking for.
Having dealt with a malfunctioning hot water heater myself, I can assure you that resetting it can often be straightforward, but knowing the proper steps and safety measures is crucial.
How to Reset Hot Water Heater
The first thing you have to do is unplug the cable to disconnect the electricity. You need to open a part of your water heater, which is dangerous if it is still connected to electricity. Next, find a metal plate that is held by screws. You can find a button to reset the water heater inside the metal plate.
Press the button until you feel the ‘click’. Lastly, put everything else back on where it should be. Although you have unplugged the cable, be careful with these steps. Always ask for professional help if you are not sure of yourself.
If your water heater doesn’t reset on the first try, it might indicate a more serious underlying problem. In such cases, it’s best to consult a professional rather than attempting further resets, which could exacerbate the issue.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for Hot Water Heater Issues
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Hot Water | Tripped circuit breaker | The pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit |
| Reset the circuit breaker and water heater | Faulty thermostat | Adjust thermostat, reset heater |
| Water Heater Keeps Tripping | Electrical overload | Check wiring, consult a professional |
| Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit | Gas supply issue or faulty sensor | Check gas supply, call for service |
The reset button
You may notice that your water heater’s reset button sometimes trips and cannot be pressed. Why does this happen? The best answer is that your water-filled water heater is hotter than it usually is.
The red reset button is a fail-safe system that prevents you from burning your home when using your water heater.
When the water temperature reaches a certain temperature or gets hotter than it should be, the reset button will trip. One reason your water can be hotter than it usually is is a bad thermostat, which is the main reason your water heater keeps tripping the reset button.
Bad thermostat
You need to double-check on this issue if you are not sure why your reset button trips, whether it is because of the bad thermostat or another reason like thermostat flashing cool on, for example.
In some cases, you might notice the water temperature fluctuating or the reset button frequently tripping. This could be an indication of a failing thermostat or even a more severe internal issue that requires professional attention.
If you are not sure you can fix it on your own, you can call a plumber. It may cost more money, but it is also safer.
Well-maintained water heater
If you often experience your water heater tripping the reset button, ask a plumber to check it. Although a water heater can last for several years without being maintained, there is still a missing factor for being accountable.
Make a plan for when the plumber should maintain your water heater, such as once a year or maybe twice a year. Consult your plumber about this.
Safety Tips
It’s important to remember that working with water heaters involves dealing with water and electricity or gas, making it potentially hazardous. As one expert points out, ‘Always ensure the power supply is turned off before attempting any reset or repair to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
I believe that any house equipment should be well-maintained, not only the water heater but also the other equipment. Being well-maintained helps reduce the risk of accidents. Finally, always avoid any risk when you are unsure that you can fix it independently, although you know how to reset the water heater.
