Hot water never disappears at a convenient moment. It usually happens right when you step into the shower, start washing dishes, or you’re getting ready for company.
In Scottsdale, water heaters experience heavy strain from hard water and temperature swings, which can lead to problems. There may be a quick fix, or you may find it’s something more serious that needs immediate attention.
This guide explains how to reset your hot water heater safely, why resets are sometimes needed, and how long it takes for a hot water heater to heat after a reset so you know what to expect.
Why Water Heaters Shut Down in Scottsdale Homes
There are several reasons why water heaters shut down, and it may be for safety reasons. Built-in safety limit switch can shut off your system to keep it from overheating and burning out. So, when your water heat shuts down, you want a professional to take a look to determine if it’s safe to fire it back up, especially if you notice it shutting down regularly.
In Scottsdale, we often see problems cause by:
- A tripped high limit switch
- Thermostat failure
- Heating element burnout
- Power interruptions
- Sediment buildup from hard water
Sediment buildup is especially common in the Valley. Scottsdale’s mineral-filled water creates scale inside tanks, which traps heat inside the system.
Think Safety First Before Attempting Any Reset
Sometimes, a reset is a simple task, but you always want to put safety as your top priority. So before you attempt a rest, take these steps:
- Turn off power or gas supply
For electric units, shut off the breaker. For gas systems, move the control to the off position to stop the gas flow. - Check for leaks
Any pooling water around the base of the heater means you should stop immediately. - Look for warning signs
There are some things that signal a failure might be dangerous. If you hear popping or crackling noises, see scorch marks, hear hissing sounds, or smell something burning, don’t take the chance. Stop and call a professional.
If things are good so far, you can move on to the next steps.
How To Reset Hot Water Heater Systems
Although every model differs slightly, most Scottsdale homes have standard electric or gas water heaters that follow a similar reset procedure.
Step 1: Locate The Access Panel
Electric systems usually have an upper thermostat located behind a small metal access panel. Remove the screws. You may have to fold some insulation back.
Step 2: Press The Red Reset Button
Inside, you will see a small red button on the thermostat. Press it firmly until it clicks into place. This resets the high limit switch that shut the system down.
If the button pops back out immediately, there is an underlying issue that needs professional attention.
Step 3: Restore Power
Turn the breaker back on, but if the breaker immediately trips again, do not attempt another reset.
Step 4: Check For Operation
You may hear the system begin heating. Gas units will ignite the burner. Electric units activate their heating elements more quietly. If you smell gas, see sparks, or hear loud noises, shut everything off right away.
How Long for Hot Water Heater to Heat After Reset
After you reset your water heater, it needs a bit of time for the unit to heat back up. Typically, this might be:
- Electric heaters: 45 to 60 minutes
- Gas heaters: 20 to 30 minutes
- Tankless systems: almost immediate unless another issue exists
Sediment buildup can significantly extend these times. If your water is still not warm after an hour for electric or thirty minutes for gas, the reset did not fix the problem.
When A Water Heater Reset Doesn’t Work
If your water heater keeps shutting off, the reset button is preventing overheating, and that means there’s a bigger issue. Many homeowners search for how long it takes for a hot water heater to heat after a reset, but if you’re constantly resetting and still not getting hot water within the normal timeframe, continuing to reset your system could be unsafe and damage it even further.
Why Scottsdale Homeowners Choose George Brazil When the Hot Water Goes Out
Losing hot water disrupts your routine, your comfort, and your schedule. When this happens, you need a professional who arrives quickly, diagnoses the real issue, and restores your home safely.
For more than 70 years, George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical has been the trusted choice for Scottsdale families. When you call us, you can expect:
- Technicians trained to diagnose problems accurately
- Upfront flat rate pricing with no surprises
- Fully stocked trucks so most repairs are completed the same day
- Work performed with precision and guaranteed craftsmanship
We understand how stressful it is when hot water heater stops working, so our team responds fast. Call us at (602) 529-3749. You’ll get a live person answering the call 24/7, ready to solve your hot water heater problems.