Ever jumped into the shower expecting a nice, warm spray only to get blasted with cold water? Ugh, we hear you. Often, the culprit is a tripped electric water heater. Luckily, fixing it yourself is usually pretty straightforward.
If you live in Wilmington, NC, and need heater repair, One Hour Magic Air Conditioning & Heating is your number one stop. Whether it’s water or any other HVAC issues, our team of pros is ready to save the day.
And if you want to know how to reset your water heater, saving you some time and cash, here is the scoop.
Understanding Your Electric Water Heater Reset Button
Your electric water heater comes with a reset button, also known as an emergency limit switch. Its primary function is to stop the heater from overheating by cutting the power when temperatures get too hot.
This built-in safety feature is like a bodyguard for your heater, helping prevent potential damage to the unit or your home.
Once you press the button, the system will resume normal operation. At this point, the temperatures are already under control.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your Water Heater
This little button on your water heater may trip (need a reset) for several reasons. Maybe there was a power surge or a thunderstorm. Both can mess up your electrical system, causing the water heater to shut off as a precaution.
Sometimes, it’s just your heater’s way of saying that internal parts like the thermostat or heating elements are breaking.
In many cases, a simple reset can get things back to normal. However, if your button trips repeatedly, there could be a bigger problem. So, we recommend paying attention to the warning signs and getting the help of a pro. It’s always better to get to the root of the problem before it gets worse.
Identifying the Electric Water Heater Reset Button
The reset button may also be called the emergency cut-off switch or the ECO switch. Finding it is usually pretty easy. It’s typically hiding behind a little panel on the front of your water heater.
Look for a red button near the thermostat (this makes it easy to spot once the panel is opened). It’s great to familiarize yourself with its location to act faster if your water heater ever trips.
When to Reset Your Water Heater
Now, before you go pressing buttons, let’s do a quick check. First, make sure the circuit breaker that powers the unit hasn’t tripped. If the breaker is OK, check the water supply to rule out any issues there. Lastly, look at whether the temperature setting on the heater isn’t sky-high. If it’s set too high, this causes the system to overheat.
If all looks good, but you’re still shivering in the shower, it’s reset time. Common signs that indicate you need a reset include a lack of hot water after a power surge or a sudden shutdown.
4-Simple Steps to Reset Your Electric Water Heater
Here’s a quick lowdown on how to reset your electric water heater and get your hot water flowing again.
Step 1: Turn off Circuit Breakers
Safety first! Before touching the water heater, go to your electrical panel and shut off the circuit breakers that supply power to the unit.
Step 2: Find the Reset Button
Is the the power off? Time to locate the reset button we talked about earlier. Take off the panel on the water heater, and you should see a red button near the thermostat.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
Please give it a firm press. You should hear a good click, indicating that the heater has been reset.
If the button doesn’t stay pressed or trips again immediately, there could be a more serious issue. Try to address it ASAP.
Step 4: Turn the Circuit Breakers Back On and Check the Hot Water Levels
After resetting the heater, close the panel and turn the power back on.
Give the water heater a few minutes to reheat, then test your water. Fingers crossed for steamy goodness! If it is not, you may need to call a tech for help. If you are in Wilmington, NC, One Hour Magic can help you out with all your water heater repair needs. We are experts in water heater woes.
When to Call a Pro for Electric Water Heater Repair
Resetting the water heater might not always solve the problem. If your unit frequently trips its reset button, the issue could lie with the thermostat, heating elements, or wiring. In this case, you need the help of a tech.
But don’t worry! In Wilmington, NC, the One Hour Magic team knocks the socks off on all types of heater repair services. Our superheroes can handle everything from simple resets to more complex repairs.
One Hour Magic certified team is always ready to swoop in a range of home heating services, all delivered with a focus on quality and safety. If resetting your water heater doesn’t do the trick, let our pros take care of the issue.
Your comfort and safety are important to us. Give us a call today!