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How to Reset an Electric Water Heater in Ii Easy Steps

Picture this. Information technology'due south a subzero Monday morn. Y'all've hit the snooze button six times—and if it weren't for your spouse threatening to suffocate you lot in your slumber, you would've hit it a seventh fourth dimension. Instead, you sigh deeply, toss back the covers, and scurry to the bathroom. You lot turn on the shower, look for the glorious steam to chimera over the curtain, and hop in. And then, two milliseconds after y'all soap upward, your dainty hot shower practically turns to sleet. "GAAAAAAAAH!" you lot scream. "What the bleepity-bleep-bleep happened to the hot water?!" OK, admittedly, in that location are worse plumbing "situations" one could have. But that i? The one with shampoo streaming into your optics? The 1 in which you're groping blindly for a towel in an attempt to stop your teeth from chattering? That definitely makes our listing of Acme 10 No-Fun Moments in Home Ownership.

Why Electric Water Heaters Quit

So, what causes Hot-Showerus Interruptus? If y'all accept an electric water heater, information technology'southward possible that the unit's reset button tripped. Every once in a while, those buttons randomly trip. Often, though, it happens considering:

  • The unit of measurement'due south thermostat is faulty.
  • The reset button itself is malfunctioning.
  • The part of the unit that prevents water from getting too hot—the high-limit switch—is no longer working.
  • The heating element has a short.
  • There's a loose wire somewhere.

Proceed in mind that a water heater's reset button serves an important purpose—interrupting power in the event of a malfunction, such every bit a ability surge or a faulty thermostat. If your water heater loses power repeatedly, in that location'south likely a problem that should exist addressed by a professional Culpeper County plumber. And delight remember that the combination of electricity and water is dangerous—even mortiferous. Never hesitate to call in a pro to cheque things over. For the purposes of this post, nosotros're bold your water heater typically minds its manners and this isn't a recurring consequence. With that understanding, let's walk through two simple steps to go it going over again.

Commencement, bank check your electrical panel.

Head to your electrical panel (commonly in the garage, basement, or storage closet), and locate the circuit labeled "water heater."

  • If the billow'south in the OFF position: Flip information technology to ON. If it stays at that place, you tin can probably assume all this unpleasantness was a fluke and you lot can go along well-nigh your business. Simply if it flips dorsum to OFF—either immediately or shortly thereafter—call an electrician.
  • If the breaker's in the ON position: Flip it to OFF.

Then, push the water heater reset push(south).

Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll detect a reset button. Information technology's usually red and oft located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden backside a removable metallic panel on the unit—and and so backside some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it. While yous have the admission panel off, meet if there's a second thermostat and second reset button. If the button trips again immediately after y'all push information technology, something'southward not working correctly, and y'all should phone call in a pro. Otherwise, replace the access console, and then flip the relevant circuit breaker back to ON.

  • If your h2o heater now has ability, you're all fix. (Manner to go!) Just go on in mind it'll take a few hours to reheat the water in the tank.
  • If your water heater withal doesn't work, flip the breaker to OFF, and call us so nosotros can determine what'south happening and get hot water flowing again.
  • If your h2o heater starts working but the reset button trips again, switch that breaker dorsum to OFF, and permit u.s.a. accept a look. Again, your reset button is a rubber feature, so if information technology keeps tripping, something's not quite right.

Is Your H2o Heater Trying to Tell You Something?

Ane suddenly cold shower is (sort of) funny. Only when it keeps happening, that's an aggravating trouble. We'd exist honored to cease by and figure out what's going on, so give us a phone call today. You deserve nice hot showers!