Jumping into a shower only to get hit by ice-cold water is a terrible way to start the day. If your water heater suddenly stops working, the solution might be as simple as pressing a button. You just need to know how to reset a water heater safely.
We explain what the reset button does, how to access it, and when you should call a professional for help.
Key Takeaways
- Safety First: The reset button, also known as the ECO (Energy Cut Off), cuts power when water gets too hot to prevent burns or tank damage.
- Location: On electric heaters, the button is red and located on the upper thermostat, usually hidden behind a metal access panel.
- The Process: Turn off the circuit breaker, remove the access panel and insulation, and press the button until it clicks.
- Troubleshooting: If the button keeps popping out, it indicates a failing part like a thermostat, heating element, or loose wiring.
How the Reset Button Works
The reset button, technically called the Energy Cut Off (ECO) switch, is a vital safety device. As the heating elements warm your water, the thermostat monitors the temperature. If the water gets too hot (usually above 180 degrees Fahrenheit) due to a malfunction, the ECO trips.
This cuts power to the elements immediately. Without this feature, the water could reach dangerous temperatures, causing scalding burns or even causing the tank to burst from pressure buildup.
When the button pops out, you have to manually reset it to restore power. However, if it trips repeatedly, it is trying to tell you that a component inside the heater is failing.
Where Is the Reset Button on a Water Heater?
On most electric water heaters, the reset button is red. It is located on the upper thermostat, which is mounted against the side of the tank.
You won’t see it immediately because it is hidden for safety. You will need to remove the upper metal access panel and peel back a layer of insulation to find it.
Note on Gas Heaters: Standard gas water heaters generally do not have a red reset button like electric models. Instead, they rely on a gas control valve and a thermal switch located near the burner at the bottom. If a gas heater fails, it usually involves relighting the pilot or replacing a thermal sensor.
How to Reset a Water Heater
Resetting an electric water heater is a straightforward task, but you are dealing with high-voltage electricity. Follow these steps carefully to stay safe.
What You’ll Need
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
- Non-contact voltage tester (optional but recommended).
- Flashlight.
- Insulated gloves.
1. Turn Off the Power
Go to your electrical panel (breaker box) in the garage, basement, or utility room. Find the circuit breaker labeled “Water Heater” and flip it to the “OFF” position.
Safety Note
Never open the water heater panels while the power is on. Water heaters carry 240 volts of electricity, which can be lethal.
2. Access the Thermostat
Locate the upper access panel on the side of the water heater tank. Remove the two screws holding the metal cover in place. Set the cover and screws aside.
You will see a layer of insulation. Fold this back or remove it to reveal the thermostat and the red reset button.
3. Press the Button
Look for the red button on the thermostat block. Press it firmly inward. You should hear or feel a distinct “click” as it resets.
If the button feels loose or doesn’t click, it might not have tripped, or the mechanism could be broken. While the panel is open, check for any visible loose wires, but do not touch them unless you have verified the power is off with a voltage tester.
4. Close Up and Power On
Replace the insulation so it covers the thermostat completely. Screw the metal access panel back onto the tank.
Return to your breaker box and flip the switch back to “ON.”
How Long for Water to Heat After Reset?
You won’t get hot water immediately. An electric water heater works effectively, but it takes time to heat a full tank of cold water.
For a standard 40 to 50-gallon tank, expect to wait about an hour or two before the water is hot enough for a shower. Smaller tanks heat faster, while larger 80-gallon tanks will take longer.
What Trips the Reset Button on a Water Heater?
If you reset the button and it works for months, it was likely a random power surge or glitch. If it trips again within hours or days, you have a specific part failure.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat acts as the brain of the operation. It tells the elements when to turn on and off. If the thermostat fuses in the “ON” position, it will heat the water continuously until the safety limit switch trips to prevent an explosion.
Replacing a thermostat is an inexpensive repair. This Reliance thermostat is a solid, affordable choice for most electric models.
Burnt-Out Heating Element
When a heating element fails, the casing can split, exposing the internal filament to the water. This can create an electrical short that trips the reset button or the breaker.
You can test this with a multimeter, like this AstroAI 2000. If the element is dead, swapping it for a new model is a standard DIY task. This Camco screw-in element is a universal part that fits many major brands.
Loose Wiring
Vibrations or poor initial installation can cause wires to loosen over time. A loose connection creates heat (resistance), which can be enough to trip the ECO switch.
With the power off, inspect the screw terminals on the thermostat and elements. If any wires are loose, tighten them down.
Bad Reset Button
Sometimes the switch itself is the problem. Like any mechanical part, the spring inside the reset button can wear out, causing it to pop open even when the temperature is normal. Since the button is built into the thermostat, you will need to replace the entire thermostat unit.
This Bradford White switch is a common replacement part, but always check your heater’s manual for compatibility.
When to Replace a Water Heater
No appliance lasts forever. The typical lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. If your tank is leaking, rusting, or requiring frequent repairs, it is usually more cost-effective to replace it than to keep buying parts.
Newer models are also significantly more energy-efficient, which can save you money on monthly utility bills.
FAQs
How Long Do You Hold the Reset Button on a Water Heater?
You generally do not need to hold the button down. Firmly press it until you hear or feel a “click,” then release it. If the button does not stay in, or if there is no click, the mechanism might be broken, or the thermostat requires replacement.
How Do I Know if My Water Heater Is Working?
The only reliable test is to wait. After resetting the button and turning the breaker on, wait 60 to 90 minutes. Run a hot water faucet. If the water is hot, you were successful. If the water is still cold, verify that the breaker didn’t trip again.
Do All Water Heaters Have a Reset Button?
Most electric water heaters have a red ECO reset button. Standard tank-style gas water heaters usually do not have a button in the same location; they rely on a gas control valve and pilot light safety systems. Tankless heaters typically have digital reset functions on a control panel or remote.
What is the Most Common Problem With Water Heaters?
For electric heaters, burnt-out heating elements and failed thermostats are the most common mechanical issues. Regarding longevity, tank corrosion and water leaks are the eventual killers of almost all water heater units.
How Many Years Does a Water Heater Last?
You can expect 10 to 15 years of service from an electric model and 8 to 12 years from a gas model. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually to remove sediment, is the best way to extend the lifespan of your unit.
Can I Keep Pressing the Reset Button?
No. You should never simply keep pressing the button if it continues to trip. It is a safety device warning you of a dangerous condition. If it trips more than once, leave the breaker off and call a plumber or electrician to diagnose the faulty component.
What Does the Reset Button Do on a Hot Water Heater?
The reset button is a high-limit switch. It mechanically disconnects the electrical power to the heating elements if the water temperature exceeds safe limits (typically 180°F), preventing scalding and overheating.
Where Is the Reset Button on a Gas Water Heater?
Most standard gas water heaters do not have a red reset button. Instead, they have a thermal switch located near the combustion chamber at the bottom. If the unit overheats, a glass vial inside this switch breaks, shutting off the gas supply. This type of switch is single-use and must be replaced rather than reset.
How Long Does It Take for Hot Water to Come Back?
After a reset, it typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours for the water to reach the set temperature, depending on the size of your tank and the wattage of your heating elements.
Keep it Safe
The reset button is your water heater’s way of protecting you from dangerous temperatures. While a quick reset can often get your morning shower back on track, respect the mechanism. If the button trips repeatedly, don’t ignore the warning signs. Call a professional to inspect the thermostats and elements before a small repair turns into a flooded basement.
