Your morning is going great, until you hop in the shower and there’s no hot water, or you want to relax in a nice hot bath after a long day…and nothing. It’s frustrating for sure, but when your water heater shuts down, it may also be telling you there’s a problem like a thermostat or heating element that’s burned out, or scale buildup from minerals in our hard water is causing your unit to overheat.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to reset a hot water heater, how long for a hot water heater to heat after a reset, and when you need a highly trained plumber to service your unit.
How Do You Reset a Water Heater?
How to reset a hot water heater depends on the type of system you have. We’ll break down the steps, but first, let’s talk safety.
You should always shut off power at the breaker for electric units. For gas hot water heaters, you’ll need to turn the gas control to off before starting. Never attempt to reset your water heater if you see leaks or water damage, or if you smell gas or a burning odor.
Steps to Reset Your Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters have a built-in safety mechanism to shut down the unit to prevent overheating and a manual reset button.
Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually located behind the upper access panel on the side of the tank. After turning off power at the breaker, remove the panel and any insulation that may be covering the button. The reset button is usually red and mounted above the thermostat.
Press the Button
Press the reset button. You may have to push a bit; it often takes a firm push to reset. When you hear a click, you can let go, replace any insulation and access panel, and then turn the power back on.
After the reset is done, you should hear the unit start to heat in a few minutes.
What Repeated Reset Trips Mean
If the reset button can’t be reset, trips repeatedly, or trips more than once a month, there’s likely a problem with your heating element or a faulty thermostat. Call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical to identify the problem.
Steps to Reset Your Gas Water Heater
For a gas water heater, there are a few more steps. A reset here typically means relighting the pilot.
Turn the Control Knob to Off
First, you’ll want to turn the control knob to the off position and wait a few minutes to make sure any gas dissipates.
Set the Knob to Pilot
Next, turn the control knob to the Pilot position.
Light the Pilot
To light the pilot, you will need to press and hold down the knob while you press the igniter button. It may take a few tries for the electronic igniter to work. Look inside the viewing window for a flame.
Finalize the Reset
Release the knob and turn it to the on setting.
Steps to Reset Your Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters rely on electronic sensors and control boards. Before you reset a tankless water heater, check for any error codes displayed on the panel. This can help diagnose any problem you may have. If there are error codes, call George Brazil for a diagnosis and repair.
In most cases, tankless systems are reset by turning off the power and turning it back on. This may be done through the unit’s control panel or at the breaker.
How Long for a Hot Water Heater to Heat After a Reset?
After resetting a water heater, recovery time depends on the system type, tank size, and how much water you plan to use:
- Tankless systems: Within a few minutes
- Gas water heaters: 30–60 minutes for a full tank
- Electric water heaters: 1–2 hours for a full tank
When Resetting Is Not Enough
If you’re having to reset your hot water heater more than once, there’s typically a problem. Resetting it again won’t fix the underlying cause and could increase your safety risk. If you’re seeing any of these conditions, call a professional:
- Water heater needs multiple resets
- Burning smells or scorch marks
- Visible leaks or moisture
- Unusual noises like popping, banging, or hissing
- No hot water after a reset
Schedule service with George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical today to diagnose hot water heater problems. We offer same-day service with fully stocked trucks to handle most repairs on the spot. Our technicians are trained on all makes and models and provide upfront pricing before work begins.