If your shower suddenly feels cold, the first thing to try is a reset. Most electric water heaters have a built‑in reset button that can clear minor faults. Doing this yourself saves a callout fee and often restores hot water in just a few minutes.
Water heaters have safety switches that shut the unit off when they detect overheating or a spike in voltage. The reset button sits behind a small metal cover on the thermostat housing. When the heater trips, you’ll notice no hot water, a tripped breaker, or a clicking sound from the unit. A reset clears the safety lock so the heating elements can work again.
Common reasons for a trip include a temporary power surge, a buildup of sediment that makes the thermostat overheat, or a loose wiring connection. If the heater trips repeatedly, the underlying cause may need professional attention, but a single reset is often enough to get you back on track.
1. Turn off power. Go to your circuit breaker and flip the switch for the water heater to the OFF position. This protects you from electric shock.
2. Locate the reset button. Open the access panel on the side of the tank. You’ll see a red or black button labeled “Reset” near the thermostat.
3. Press the button. Use a pen or a small screwdriver to push the button firmly. You should hear a click, indicating the safety switch has reset.
4. Replace the panel. Snap the access cover back on securely.
5. Restore power. Flip the circuit breaker back to ON. Wait a few minutes for the heater to start heating the water.
6. Check the water. Turn on a hot tap. If hot water returns, the reset worked. If the water is still cold, repeat the steps once more. If it trips again, call a qualified technician.
While you’re waiting for the water to heat, it’s a good time to check a couple of easy maintenance items. Look for a leaking pressure‑relief valve, and make sure the tank’s temperature setting is around 120°F (49°C). Too high a setting can cause frequent trips.
Remember, safety comes first. If you’re uncomfortable opening the panel or handling electricity, skip the reset and contact a local repair service. In Hinckley, our experts can diagnose deeper issues, flush sediment, or replace faulty thermostats—all without you lifting a screwdriver.
Doing a reset is a handy trick that often solves the problem in minutes. Keep this guide near your breaker box, and the next time the water turns cold you’ll know exactly what to do. Quick, easy, and budget‑friendly – that’s the power of a simple reset.
20 June 2025 · 0 Comments
Not sure if you need to switch off the breaker before resetting your water heater? This guide gives you the clear steps and reasons behind them, so you don’t risk safety or damage. Find out when it's really necessary, how to do it right, and what happens if you skip this step. Learn to troubleshoot common issues and get real tips from experience. Get back to hot showers without any guesswork.
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