The reset button on your electric water heater is a safety device that trips when water gets too hot. If you've suddenly lost hot water, resetting this button might be all you need. Here's what Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and Daniel Island homeowners should know.
What Is the Reset Button?
The reset button, also called the "high-limit switch" or "emergency cut-off (ECO)," is a safety device on electric water heaters. It automatically shuts off power to the heating elements if water temperature exceeds safe levels (usually 180°F).
Purpose:
- Prevents scalding
- Protects against tank damage
- Guards against potential explosion from extreme pressure
Where to Find the Reset Button
Location
The reset button is typically located:
- Behind the upper access panel on the water heater
- Near the upper thermostat
- Usually red in color
- May have "RESET" printed on it
How to Access It
Tools Needed:
- Flathead or Phillips screwdriver
Steps:
- Locate the upper access panel (usually held by 1-2 screws)
- Remove the screws
- Pull back any insulation
- Look for the red button near the thermostat
⚠️ Safety Warning: Turn off the circuit breaker before touching any electrical components.
How to Reset Your Water Heater
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Turn Off Power Go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker labeled "Water Heater" to OFF.
Step 2: Remove Access Panel Unscrew and remove the upper access panel on the front of your water heater.
Step 3: Move Insulation Carefully pull back the insulation to expose the thermostat and reset button.
Step 4: Press the Reset Button Push the red button firmly. You should hear or feel a click.
Step 5: Replace Insulation and Panel Put the insulation back in place and reattach the access panel.
Step 6: Restore Power Turn the circuit breaker back ON.
Step 7: Wait and Test Give the water heater 1-2 hours to heat up, then test hot water at a faucet.
Why Does the Reset Button Trip?
Common Causes
1. Faulty Thermostat A malfunctioning thermostat may not stop heating at the set temperature, causing overheating.
2. Bad Heating Element A shorted or grounded heating element can cause continuous heating.
3. Loose Electrical Connections Poor connections create resistance and heat, triggering the safety switch.
4. Thermostat Set Too High If someone set the thermostat above 140°F, it may cause occasional trips.
5. Sediment Buildup Sediment can insulate the tank bottom, causing localized overheating.
One-Time vs. Repeated Trips
One-Time Trip: May be a fluke or minor issue. Reset and monitor.
Repeated Trips: Indicates an underlying problem that needs professional diagnosis.
When Resetting Isn't Enough
Call a Professional If:
- Reset button trips again within 24 hours
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- You hear popping or sizzling sounds
- Water is extremely hot or discolored
- You smell burning
- Circuit breaker also trips
Likely Repairs Needed
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip | Minor fluctuation | None (just reset) |
| Repeated trips | Faulty thermostat | $150-$250 |
| Trips with noise | Bad heating element | $150-$300 |
| Breaker + reset trip | Electrical short | $150-$400 |
Safety Precautions
Always Turn Off Power First
Electric water heaters use 240 volts. Never touch internal components with power on.
Don't Bypass the Reset
Never attempt to bypass or disable the high-limit switch. It's a critical safety device.
If In Doubt, Call a Professional
If you're uncomfortable working with electricity, there's no shame in calling for help.
Water Heater Won't Reset
If the Button Won't Click
- May already be in the reset position
- Try pressing more firmly
- Button mechanism may be faulty
If Button Clicks But No Hot Water
- Allow 1-2 hours for heating
- Check that breaker is ON
- Thermostat or element may be faulty
If Power Won't Restore
- Check breaker is fully in ON position (not tripped again)
- Other circuit issues may exist
- Professional diagnosis needed
Preventing Reset Button Trips
Proper Temperature Setting
Keep thermostats at 120°F. Higher settings increase trip risk.
Regular Maintenance
Annual flushing removes sediment that can cause hot spots and overheating.
Inspect Electrical Connections
During maintenance, a professional can check for loose or corroded connections.
Replace Old Components
Thermostats and heating elements wear out. Proactive replacement prevents problems.
Upper vs. Lower Reset Buttons
Most electric water heaters have two thermostats and potentially two reset buttons:
Upper Thermostat/Reset:
- Controls upper heating element
- Usually the only true "reset" button
- More commonly trips
Lower Thermostat:
- Usually doesn't have separate reset
- Controlled by upper thermostat's safety circuit
If you only find one reset button, that's normal.
Service Areas
Water Heater Doctors provides electric water heater service throughout the Charleston Lowcountry:
Mount Pleasant - All neighborhoods. Daniel Island - Residential and commercial. Charleston - Downtown, West Ashley, James Island. Sullivan's Island - Full service. Isle of Palms - Including Wild Dunes.
FAQ: Water Heater Reset Button
How do I know if the reset button has tripped? You'll have no hot water, but the circuit breaker will still be on. The button will feel "popped out" slightly when you access it.
Is it safe to reset my water heater myself? Yes, if you turn off power first. The reset procedure itself is simple and safe when done correctly.
Why does my reset keep tripping? Repeated trips indicate an underlying problem - usually a faulty thermostat or heating element. Professional diagnosis is needed.
How often is it normal for the reset to trip? Never, under normal operation. Even occasional trips indicate a problem worth investigating.
Can a tripped reset button cause a fire? The reset button prevents dangerous conditions. However, repeated overheating and trips indicate problems that should be addressed promptly.
Is your water heater reset button tripping repeatedly? Water Heater Doctors provides expert diagnosis and repair throughout Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms. Call (843) 990-6524 for fast, reliable service.