How To Reset an Electric Water Heater

Safety first

Electric water heaters run on high voltage electricity. As you know, water and electricity can make for a deadly combination. So, be vigilant when addressing electric water heater issues. Inspect for signs of a water leak and/or exposed wiring. It’s always advisable to hire a professional if you notice risky conditions. If you’re confident in yourself, then remember to wear rubber gloves and boots.

Resetting the electric water heater

First thing’s first: head to the electrical panel and check to see that the respective circuit breaker is in the ON position. If it’s OFF, then flick it back into the ON position. A circuit breaker that instantly switches back into the OFF position indicates that there is a deeper problem with the electrical wiring.

If the circuit breaker is fine and in the ON position, then head to your electric water heater. Make sure there are no water leaks, water stains, or loose or exposed wiring. With the coast clear, open the water heater panel and locate the reset button typically found near the thermostat. Press and hold the reset button firmly.

Once the button is pressed, you should notice the system restart. Now, you’ll have to wait some time to see if the water heater is working. If you have a tank-style water heater, you’ll need to wait until the batch is heated. With a tankless water heater, you may be able to check a lot sooner.

Why a reset can fix things

Over time, thermostats, heating elements, or sensors can get temporarily overwhelmed and shut down as a safety measure. This is common if your water heater has been running overtime or if there’s been a small power surge. By resetting the unit, you’re telling the system to “clear out the cobwebs” and get back to normal function.

When to call a trained plumber

If resetting the water heater did not do the trick, then you might be tempted to check online for guides and tutorials on troubleshooting. Water heater issues can be complex, however, and addressing them without the right knowledge or tools can sometimes make things worse.

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