How to Reset a Water Heater: Electric, Gas and Tankless
How to reset a water heater safely: switch off the power, press the red reset button on an electric model, relight a gas pilot, and see why it keeps tripping.
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How to reset a water heater depends on the type. An electric heater has a red reset button behind the upper access panel, pressed after the breaker is off. A gas heater is relit from its control knob, and a tankless unit is power-cycled. If it trips again, there is a fault to fix.
How to reset a water heater: safety first
Electric water heaters run on 240 volts. The panel hides live wiring, so always switch off the dedicated breaker before you remove anything. If you are not comfortable working near electrical parts, call an electrician or plumber.
| Quick facts: how to reset a water heater | |
|---|---|
| Electric | Red reset button behind the upper access panel |
| Gas | Control knob and pilot button; follow the label |
| Tankless | Power off and on; check the error code |
| Rule | Do not keep resetting if it trips again |
Resetting an electric water heater
- Turn off the breaker for the heater at the main panel.
- Remove the upper access panel and fold the insulation aside.
- Look for the red reset button on the upper thermostat. It is often labelled ECO or high limit.
- Press it firmly. You may feel a click.
- Replace the insulation and panel, then switch the breaker back on.
- Wait about an hour for the tank to heat, and check the water temperature.
Resetting a gas water heater
Gas heaters rarely have a reset button. A tripped safety usually means the pilot has gone out. Follow the lighting instructions on the label, and see our guide to relighting a pilot light. If you smell gas, do not try to light anything: leave and call the gas utility.
Resetting a tankless water heater
Turn off the power and gas, wait a minute, and restore them. Many units show an error code on the display. Look it up in the manual: it may point to a flow, ignition or venting problem.
Why the reset keeps tripping
| Cause | What it means |
|---|---|
| Faulty thermostat | Water overheats because the thermostat does not shut off the element |
| Shorted heating element | The element draws too much current or overheats |
| Loose or damaged wiring | Arcing or overheating at a connection |
| Sediment | The element overheats when buried in sediment |
| Wrong voltage or breaker | An electrical supply problem |
The reset button is a safety device. It cuts power when the water gets too hot. A one-off trip may be harmless, but repeated trips mean something is wrong and should not be ignored.
What to do if it trips again
Do not press the button again and again, and do not bypass it. Turn off the breaker and call a plumber or electrician to test the thermostat and elements. Understanding how to reset a water heater is helpful, but a repeat trip needs a repair.
What the reset button actually protects against
The high-limit switch is wired to cut power to the elements if the water temperature rises above a safe limit, usually well above the thermostat setting. When it trips, something has let the water overheat: a thermostat stuck on, an element that has shorted, or an element running dry. Resetting without fixing the cause can lead to repeated trips and, in rare cases, a dangerous overheating condition.
Checking for obvious causes
With the breaker off, look for melted insulation, discolouration around the thermostat, loose wire nuts and signs of water leaking onto the elements. Do not touch bare wires, and do not test voltage unless you are qualified. If you see damage, leave it and call a professional.
Warning signs
- Scorch marks or a burning smell around the access panel.
- Hot water that is far hotter than the setting.
- A breaker that trips along with the reset.
- Water around the heater.
- A reset button that will not stay pressed in, or that clicks back out within moments.
- Hot water that appears only for a short time after each reset.
Related reading
- How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light Safely, Step by Step
- What Temperature Should a Water Heater Be Set At? 120°F?
- Hot Water Runs Out Quickly? 7 Causes and Fixes
- Water Heater Popping Noise: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Browse all plumbing guides, or find a plumber in your city from the plumbing directory.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the reset button on a water heater?
On an electric water heater it is a small red button on the upper thermostat, behind the upper access panel. Turn off the breaker, remove the panel and insulation, and press the button. Gas heaters usually have no reset button.
How to reset a water heater that has no hot water?
For an electric model, switch off the breaker, press the red reset button on the upper thermostat, restore power and wait about an hour. For a gas model, relight the pilot following the label. If it fails again, call a technician.
Why does my water heater reset button keep tripping?
Repeated trips point to a faulty thermostat, a shorted element, damaged wiring or heavy sediment. The reset is a safety cut-out, so do not bypass it. Switch off the breaker and ask a technician to test the parts.
Is it safe to reset a water heater myself?
Yes for most homeowners if you switch off the breaker first and do not touch bare wiring. If you are uneasy near electrical parts, or the heater trips again, call an electrician or plumber to do it.
Do gas water heaters have a reset button?
Rarely. Most gas heaters use a pilot and a thermocouple, so a trip shows as a pilot that has gone out. Relight it using the instructions on the label. Some newer models have an ignition control with a reset.
How long after a reset does the water get hot?
An electric tank usually needs about an hour to heat after a reset, depending on its size and the incoming water temperature. A gas heater may take a similar time. Check the temperature at a tap after waiting.
What does ECO mean on a water heater?
ECO stands for energy cut-out. It is the high-limit safety on the upper thermostat that shuts off the power if the water gets too hot. Pressing the red button resets it, but the cause of the overheating needs finding.
When should I call a professional to reset a water heater?
Call if the button trips repeatedly, if you see scorched wires or smell burning, if the water is far hotter than the setting, or if you are not comfortable working near the electrics behind the panel.
What if resetting the water heater does not work?
A failed element, thermostat, wiring problem or tripped limit switch may be the cause. If the reset trips again, stop and call a plumber or electrician. Do not keep pressing the reset button, since repeated trips usually signal a fault that needs a proper fix.
Do I need to turn off power before resetting?
Yes, turn off the breaker before opening the access panel, then press the red reset button on the upper thermostat and restore power. Test the wires with a voltage tester before touching anything, and keep the panel closed until you are done.
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