For many homeowners in Phoenix, the sudden loss of hot water can feel like it comes out of nowhere. Your water heater might need a simple reset, or it might be a warning sign of bigger problems and safety issues.
Knowing how to reset a water heater correctly may help you get the hot water flowing again, but you need to also understand when the situation requires professional service.
What Does the Rest Button on My Hot Water Heater Do?
The reset button on your electric water heater is part of the safety system built into your unit. If the water temperature exceeds safe limits, it will trigger and interrupt power to the unit to prevent overheating or damage to your electric water heater.
When you press the button, you can restore power to the unit and start heating again. However, this doesn’t fix any underlying problem. So, repeated trips mean there’s a persistent issue that needs attention.
When You Should Reset Your Electric Water Heater
A reset may be appropriate when:
- Hot water stops suddenly after a power outage.
- Electrical work or maintenance was recently performed.
- The system experienced a brief surge or interruption.
Before Resetting, Take These Safety Precautions
Before accessing your water heater:
- Confirm there is no standing water or moisture near electrical components.
- Avoid touching wires, terminals, or exposed metal.
- Stop immediately if you notice burn marks, melted insulation, or corrosion.
- Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
If any of these warning signs are present, professional service is required.
Step-by-Step: How to Reset an Electric Water Heater
Let’s take it step-by-step.
Step 1: Shut Off Power at the Breaker
This is critical to prevent electrical shock while accessing your water heater. So, head over to your electrical panel and turn off the breaker that connects to your unit.
Step 2: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually behind the access panel on the side of the tank. After taking off the panel, look for a red button mounted on the thermostat. You may have to move some insulation out of the way in some older units.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button Firmly
Give it a firm press. You’ll hear a loud clicking sound to let you know when it’s reset. If you can’t press the button in, it doesn’t stay pressed, or it trips again right away, stop and call the hot water experts at George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical.
Step 4: Restore Power and Check Hot Water Levels
After resetting the heater, you’ll need to close the panel back up and then turn on the circuit breaker. Your unit should fire back up shortly and start to heat the water. It can take a few hours to get very hot water (depending on the size of your tank), so give it a bit of time and then check out the temperature at a faucet in your home.
What to Do if a Water Heater Reset Doesn’t Work
If hot water does not return, or the reset trips again, there are a few common causes, such as:
- Faulty thermostats allowing overheating
- Failing heating elements drawing excessive current
- Electrical wiring issues
- Heavy mineral buildup causing false temperature readings
Don’t keep pressing the reset button as this can put extra stress on your unit and lead to safety concerns.
Stop Resetting and Call for Help
You need a professional diagnosis if you’re seeing any of these signs:
- The reset trips again within hours or a few days
- The circuit breaker also trips
- There is visible damage or burning
- The heater makes popping, buzzing, or crackling sounds
- Water isn’t heating properly
When reset issues become frequent, the decision shifts from how to reset a water heater to is it time for a replacement?
Repair or Replace?
Water heaters typically last between 8 to 12 years with regular maintenance. If your unit is less than 8 years old and the issue is a faulty thermostat or heating element, repair may make sense. If you have an older unit or your water heater has recurring problems, you may want to consider replacement. Overheating puts extra wear on your tank, so if you keep tripping the reset button, you’re likely on the way to bigger problems.
The licensed professionals at George Brazil can do a thorough diagnosis and present your options so you can decide whether it makes more sense to do a spot repair or a replacement.
Resetting Is a Safety Signal, not a Solution
The reset button is there to protect your home. It’s not a workaround or something you should have to do regularly. If your unit keeps requiring a reset, ignoring it can lead to breakdowns and safety problems.
If you need clear guidance on how to reset an electric water heater safely, or want expert help diagnosing the problem, George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical provides trusted service, accurate diagnostics, and reliable solutions for homeowners in Chandler and throughout the Phoenix metro area.
Schedule a service appointment today. We offer same-day service and transparent, upfront pricing.