Few things are as frustrating as stepping into a shower only to discover the water is ice-cold. Often, the culprit is a tripped water heater reset button. Resetting your water heater can be a simple fix that restores hot water in minutes but only if you do it safely and correctly.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to reset electric, gas, and tankless water heaters, why resets are sometimes necessary, and what to do if your heater keeps shutting off. By the end, you’ll know how to get your hot water running again and whether a repair is needed beyond just hitting reset.
Safety Precautions Before Resetting
Before you attempt to reset your water heater, always follow these safety steps:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker for electric models.
- Shut off the gas supply if working on a gas heater.
- Allow the water to cool—never attempt maintenance when the tank is extremely hot.
- Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
Resetting may be simple, but safety should always come first.
Understanding the Water Heater Reset Button
What the Reset Button Does
The reset button is part of the high-limit safety switch inside your water heater. It acts as a safeguard by cutting power if the water temperature climbs too high—usually above 180°F (82°C).
By pressing it, you restore power to the heating elements or ignition system, allowing the unit to heat water again.
Where to Find the Reset Button
- Electric Water Heaters: The reset button is usually located behind the upper access panel on the side of the unit. It’s often red and labeled “RESET.”
- Gas Water Heaters: The reset mechanism is tied to the pilot light and gas control valve, typically found near the base of the tank.
- Tankless Heaters: Many have a reset function on the digital control panel or require a power cycle.
Why It Keeps Tripping
If you find yourself pressing reset often, your heater may have one of these issues:
- Faulty thermostat that doesn’t regulate temperature correctly.
- Bad heating element causing overheating.
- Sediment buildup inside the tank, leading to hotspots.
- Electrical wiring problems.
- Gas supply or venting issues in gas models.
Pressing reset may fix the immediate issue, but identifying the root cause is critical for long-term reliability.
READ MORE: What to Do When a Water Heater Leaks
Resetting an Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are among the easiest to reset, but they require caution because you’re working around electrical components.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn Off the Power – Switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the water heater.
- Locate the Reset Button – Remove the upper access panel on the side of the heater. Peel back the insulation to reveal the red reset button.
- Press the Button – Firmly press the button until you hear a click. If it doesn’t stay in, the thermostat may be faulty.
- Replace the Cover and Restore Power – Reinstall the insulation and panel cover. Flip the breaker back on.
- Wait for Hot Water – It may take 30–60 minutes for the tank to fully reheat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the breaker shutoff – Always cut power before touching the reset button.
- Ignoring repeated trips – If you have to reset frequently, call a technician.
- Not checking for leaks – Water leaks can cause electrical shorts.
When to Call a Professional
If your electric heater keeps shutting off after resets, you may have a defective thermostat, burned-out heating element, or electrical wiring issue. These are jobs best left to a qualified technician.
Resetting a Gas Water Heater
Gas water heaters don’t have a reset button like electric models. Instead, the reset involves relighting the pilot light or resetting the gas control valve.
Pilot Light and Gas Control Basics
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner when hot water is needed. If it goes out, your heater won’t produce hot water. Modern gas heaters also have a thermocouple or flame sensor that shuts off gas flow if the pilot goes out for safety reasons.
Step-by-Step Reset Guide
- Turn Off Gas Supply – Switch the gas control valve to “OFF.” Wait at least 5 minutes to clear any residual gas.
- Access the Pilot Assembly – Remove the cover panel at the base of the tank.
- Turn the Control to “PILOT” – Press down to allow gas to flow to the pilot.
- Ignite the Pilot – Use the built-in igniter button or a long lighter to ignite the pilot flame.
- Hold the Button – Continue holding for about 30–60 seconds to heat the thermocouple.
- Turn Control to “ON” – Release the button and turn the knob back to “ON.” Replace the cover panel.
Troubleshooting Ignition Issues
- Pilot won’t stay lit? Your thermocouple may be dirty or defective.
- Still no hot water? The gas control valve may need replacing.
- Smelling gas? Stop immediately and call your utility provider.
Resetting the gas heater is usually straight, but persistent issues may require professional servicing.
READ MORE: What Trips the Reset Button on a Hot Water Heater?
Resetting a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are more high-tech, and their reset process often involves digital controls.
Digital Control Panel Reset
Most modern tankless heaters have a reset button on the digital interface. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the system restarts.
Power Cycle Method
If your unit doesn’t have a dedicated button, you can reset it by:
- Turning Off the Unit using the power button.
- Switching Off the Breaker to cut electricity.
- Waiting 30 Seconds and then restoring power.
Error Codes to Watch Out For
Tankless heaters often display error codes when something goes wrong. Common ones include:
- E1/E2 – Ignition failure.
- E5 – Overheating.
- E10/E12 – Scale buildup detected.
If a reset doesn’t clear the code, check the manual or call a technician.
Reasons Your Water Heater May Need a Reset
Water heaters don’t trip their reset button for no reason. If yours keeps shutting down, it’s a signal that something isn’t right. Understanding the general reasons helps you decide whether a quick reset will fix the issue or if a professional repair is required.
Power Surge or Electrical Issue
One of the most common causes for electric water heater reset is the power surge. A sudden spike in the voltage can travel to the reset button to protect the heater from electrical damage. This can happen after storms, power outages, or if your home has unstable wiring.
If resets only happen occasionally and coincide with power issues, it may not be serious. But frequent resets point to a deeper electrical fault possibly in your home’s breaker box or the water heater wiring itself.
Overheating Protection
The reset button is part of the high-limit safety switch, which prevents water from getting dangerously hot. If the thermostat malfunctions or sediment builds up inside the tank, water may heat unevenly and trigger the cutoff.
This is more than an inconvenience, it’s a safety issue. Water that exceeds 180°F can cause severe burns within seconds, so the reset mechanism is protecting you from a potential hazard.
Faulty Thermostat or Heating Element
Your water heater uses thermostats to regulate temperature. If one goes bad, it may allow heating elements to run continuously, overheating the water. Similarly, a burned-out heating element can cause electrical problems that trigger the reset.
In this case, resetting the button will only bring temporary relief. Replacing the faulty component is the only permanent solution.
Gas Supply or Ventilation Issues (Gas Models)
For gas water heaters, resets often stem from gas supply interruptions or ventilation blockages. A clogged vent can cause incomplete combustion, while weak gas flow prevents the burner from staying lit.
If your pilot light keeps going out despite proper resetting, you may need to clean the venting system, replace the thermocouple, or have your gas line inspected by a professional.
READ MORE: How to Properly Transport a Water Heater Upright
Troubleshooting After a Reset
Sometimes a simple reset brings your hot water back immediately. But what if it doesn’t? Here’s what to check next.
Water Still Not Heating
If you’ve pressed reset but the water remains cold after an hour, the problem lies deeper. Common culprits include:
- Tripped Circuit Breaker: Even after resetting, check your breaker box. If the breaker keeps tripping, you may have a wiring issue.
- Burned-Out Heating Element: In electric heaters, if one or both heating elements fail, the water won’t heat properly.
- Pilot Light Issues: In gas heaters, if the pilot won’t stay lit, resetting alone won’t help.
At this stage, testing components with a multimeter or calling a technician is your best bet.
Reset Button Keeps Tripping
If your heater repeatedly shuts down after resets, it’s a warning sign. Possible causes include:
- Faulty Thermostat: It may be sending incorrect signals, allowing overheating.
- Wiring Problems: Loose or damaged wiring can cause intermittent shorts.
- Sediment Buildup: Excess minerals create hot spots inside the tank, overheating the water.
Constant press reset is not a solution, it is a temporary bandage. If the problem persists, professional servicing is necessary to prevent long -term losses.
Preventing Future Water Heater Resets
Resetting your water heater shouldn’t become a routine task. A well-maintained system rarely needs it. Here’s how to keep yours running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance Tips
- Flush the Tank Annually – Sediment buildup is one of the biggest causes of overheating and reset trips. Draining the tank once a year prevents this.
- Check the Anode Rod – The anode rod protects against corrosion. Replace it every 3–5 years to extend your tank’s lifespan.
- Inspect Valves and Connections – Look for leaks, rust, or loose fittings that could affect performance.
- Test the Thermostat Settings – Make sure your thermostat is set to 120°F, the ideal balance between safety and efficiency.
Upgrading to a More Reliable System
If your water heater is more than 10–12 years old (for tank models) or it requires frequent resets, replacement may be the smarter option. Modern heaters both tank and tankless are designed with more reliable safety systems and higher efficiency.
- Tank Heaters: Cheaper upfront, suitable for most households.
- Tankless Heaters: More expensive but offer better reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
Sometimes investing in a new system is more cost-effective than constant repairs.
READ MORE: How Big of a Tankless Water Heater Do I Need
Resetting vs. Repairing a Water Heater
Resetting your water heater is a useful quick fix when the system shuts down due to power fluctuations or minor issues. But if the button keeps tripping, it’s not something you can ignore. Persistent problems point to faulty components, wiring issues, or sediment buildup all of which require proper repair.
Think of the reset button as a warning light in your car. Pressing it gets you moving again, but if it keeps coming back, it’s time to look under the hood.
If your heater is newer and well-maintained, a reset may be all you need. But if it’s older and resets are happening more often, replacement could be the smarter, safer investment.
Conclusion
Knowing how to reset your water heater can save you from a cold shower and help you quickly restore hot water in your home. Whether you have an electric, gas, or tankless model, the process is relatively simple but always approach it with caution and safety first.
That said, frequent resets are never normal. They signal deeper issues that need professional attention. Regular maintenance, like flushing the tank and checking components, will reduce the need for resets and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
If you find yourself constantly pressing reset, it may be time to stop patching the problem and either repair or replace your water heater altogether.
FAQs
1. Where is the reset button on an electric water heater?
Usually behind the upper access panel on the side of the tank, hidden under insulation. It’s typically red and clearly labeled.
2. Why does my water heater keep needing to be reset?
Frequent resets often mean overheating, a faulty thermostat, wiring issues, or sediment buildup in the tank.
3. Can I reset my water heater too often?
Yes. Constantly pressing reset without fixing the root problem can damage the heater and mask a serious issue.
4. Is it safe to reset a gas water heater myself?
Yes, as long as you follow proper safety steps when relighting the pilot or resetting the gas valve. If the pilot won’t stay lit, call a technician.
5. How do I know if my water heater needs repair instead of a reset?
If hot water doesn’t return after resetting, or the button keeps tripping repeatedly, it’s a sign your heater needs professional repair or replacement.
