If you have a water heater, you would know that it trips and stops working from time to time. There are many factors that can cause it to trip, and when a water heater stops working, it means you need to reset it. This is pretty easy to do, and we will guide you just exactly how to reset a hot water heater.
How to Reset a Water Heater
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset your water heater:
- Turn off the heater: First, You will have to disconnect electricity from the water heater.
- Locate the reset button: Near the thermostat, you will find a big red button, sometimes also labeled as the reset button. In case you cannot find it there, you will have to remove the cover of the control panel as well as the insulation pad to do so.
- Push the button: Gently press the red button and do not remove your finger from it until you hear a clicking sound.
Why Does a Water Heater Need to be Reset
A hot water heater would need to be reset in three different situations:
- A faulty thermostat: If it overheats the water, then the thermostat is broken, and thus, it will trip. Also, if any of the thermostats stop working (the upper or the lower one), you will stop getting hot water soon as it will replace cold water. Hence, you will have to replace the thermostat.
- Water leakage: If any part of the water heater allows leakage of water and the water comes in contact with any electric wires or circuits, it will cause the heater to trip. In fact, this is pretty dangerous, and you will have to call a plumber. A malfunctioned gasket might also cause such a situation, and you will have to get it repaired as soon as possible.
- A malfunctioning breaker: Although rare, the circuit breaker of the water heater might malfunction. Replacing it with an identical new one would be the best option.
Precautions & Measures
In case you see the need to reset your hot water heater, you will have to find out if it’s just a small fault or something serious. Upon seeing even the slightest breakage of any part of the water heater, immediately reach out to a professional and stop using the heater meanwhile. Remember not to oversee anything at all.
Always keep in mind to never even touch the water heater if it is plugged in and is running. These appliances can be hazardous to such an extent that they can put your life at risk as well. Thus, be very careful around them and take good care of them by checking up on them often as well.
Make sure the plug is secure and there are no loose wires. Any defect – whether it is a mistake or something naturally caused by the water heater would need to be thoroughly looked at and fixed.
Another thing to remember is that do not try to fix up anything on your own. Plumbers or professionals should be contacted, and in the meantime, the water heater should be switched off, and you need not come close to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of danger from a water heater?
The signs for danger are if:
- The water heater keeps tripping even after you reset it.
- It starts making an unusual sound.
- You see any broken part in the water heater.
- You see any leakage in the heater.
- Any sparks are seen.
- Any loose wires are noticed.
How to find the reset button in a water heater?
The reset button is a large red button that can clearly be seen near the thermostat. If it is not there, then you will have to open up the control panel by unscrewing the metal plate. Then, if you see the insulation pad there, gently remove it with your hands out of the heater. Finally, you will be able to see the red reset button clearly.
What to do if the water heater does not reset?
In case this happens, all you need to do is turn off the heater and call a plumber. It is best if such problems are looked into by a professional.
Is tripping of water heater a serious problem?
It is not necessarily a serious problem. Only if you find anything else wrong, professional aid should be sought. Otherwise, hot water heaters tend to trip from time to time. However, always check the cause of it tripping every time it does so.
Conclusion
If your water heater has stopped working, you would need to reset it. Above is a well-explained and very informative yet short blog looking into the hazards and a step-by-step method on how to reset the hot water heater. Plus, it answers the FAQs related to it as well.