How to reset your Water Heater

If you have an electric water heater, it’s possible that the unit’s reset button tripped. Every once in a while, those buttons randomly trip. Often, though, it happens because:

  • The unit’s thermostat is faulty
  • The reset button itself is malfunctioning
  • The part of the unit that prevents water from getting too hot—the high-limit switch—is no longer functioning correctly
  • The heating element has an open, or short circuit
  • There’s a loose connection in the wiring

Keep in mind that reheating the water in the tank will take a few hours.

Resetting your water heater

Perform the following steps in order

Total Time: 10 minutes

  1. Check your electrical panel

    It may be that your circuit breaker for the water heater has tripped. Flip the switch to the off position, and then flip it back to the on position.

  2. Locate and press the water heater reset button

    A reset button can be found somewhere on your electric water heater. It’s usually red, and it’s usually next to the thermostat. It might also be buried behind the unit’s removable metal panel—and then under some insulation. Push and release the button once you’ve located it.

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