An electric water heater is a convenient tool for heating water in your home, but it does have a limited lifespan. A recent survey found that Americans spend over $50 million per year on electricity for their water heaters. That’s almost $2 billion annually!
Imagine—you’re taking a shower, and the hot water just stops. Maybe you have kids in the house, and they’re up at the crack of dawn, ready to get their morning showers. Maybe you’re just so used to having a hot shower that you don’t even think about it anymore.
That’s why resetting the water heater is so important.
When the temperature of your water heater changes, it’s time to reset the device. This is especially true if you’ve noticed that your water isn’t as hot as it used to be or if you’re experiencing issues with the pump or heating element.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to reset an electric water heater and get it back up and running again.
7 Reasons Why Hot Water Heater Not Working?
When your hot water heater isn’t working, it can be a major inconvenience. If your hot water heater has been in use for a few years or if it has been maintained well, it may just need to be replaced.
However, there are a few other reasons why your hot water heater might not be working before you think about learning how to reset tankless water heater:
Power Supply
If your hot water heater is not getting power, it will not operate. Make sure that the power cord is plugged in and that there are no loose connections or blown fuses. If necessary, call an expert for Stafford County hot water heater inspection to check the wiring and make any necessary repairs.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat on an HWH regulates the temperature of the water inside by turning it on and off as needed. If your heating system is not working properly, it could be due to a faulty thermostat. You can usually replace your water heater thermostat yourself. However, if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, contact a professional technician for help.
The Heating Element Has Gone Bad
The heating element is the heart of your hot water heater, and it’s responsible for ensuring that your home’s water is at a high enough temperature to get you clean. If this part goes out, your entire system won’t work properly.
Sediment Buildup
If your hot water heater is not working and you have checked both fuses and the circuit breaker, then it’s time to check for sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment buildup occurs when minerals from the water build-up on the bottom of the tank and cause corrosion on metal parts such as pipes or heating elements.
Pressure or Temperature Relief Valve
The pressure or temperature relief valve is designed to release the hot water heater’s contents if the pressure or temperature gets too high, which can cause a major issue for your home. If there’s a problem with your pressure or temperature relief valve, it will leak hot water at a steady rate. To fix this problem, you may need to replace your pressure or temperature relief valve.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common causes of water heaters not heating. For example, if there is a leak in your hot water heater’s tank, it can cause damage to your home and appliances over time by seeping into them through cracks in the walls or floorboards around them. You should always check for signs of leaking water on any surfaces near your hot water heater so that you can address these issues before they become serious problems!
Age or Wear
Over time, the water heater in Stafford County, VA, can wear down and need to be replaced. This is especially true of older models that were built back when the average lifespan of a water heater was only 10 years.
Signs It’s Time To Press The Electric Water Heater Reset Button
Electric water heaters are a great way to save energy and money. But they do need some maintenance every now and then. If you have an electric water heater, here are four signs that it’s time to press the water heater reset button:
No hot water
If you can’t get warm water from your faucets and the electric water heater is not working, you may have a faulty thermostat. This is a common problem with old models of electric water heaters. If you’re not sure whether or not your model is old enough to be affected by this issue, check its age online or consult with a professional as soon as possible.
Power interruption
If your home is without power for an extended period of time, then it’s possible that your tankless water heater Stafford County VA has lost its memory. In order to reset it, turn off the power at its source before pressing the reset button on the unit itself. Then wait for about 10 minutes before turning the power back on again. You should notice an immediate change in temperature once everything has been restored to normal operation mode.
Visible reset button tripped
In some cases, the high-limit switch may visibly indicate that it has tripped. Wondering, “Is there a reset button on electric hot water heaters?” Yes. Look for a small red or black button on the front or side of the water heater. If the button is popped out or in a different position than the surrounding buttons, it likely means the switch has tripped and needs to be reset.
Overheating smell
If you notice a strong overheating smell coming from the water heater or its surroundings, it could indicate that the high-limit switch has tripped due to excessive heat. In such cases, pressing the reset button after allowing the unit to cool down might help restore normal operation.
Do Electric Water Heaters Have A Reset Button?
Yes, electric water heaters do have a reset button.
And, to answer your question, “do electric hot water heaters have a reset button? And how to find it?” So this button is usually found on the bottom of your electric water heater, on the side facing away from the wall. It’s also often labeled as “reset” or “reset button.”
How To Reset Hot Water Heater?
The hot water heater is one of those household appliances that we don’t give much thought to until it stops working. Then, the whole house feels like a walk-in freezer.
Whether your hot water heater needs resetting because of an electrical problem or a faulty temperature sensor, there are several steps you can take before calling a professional water heater repair plumber in Stafford.
To reset a hot water heater, follow these general steps:
Turn off the power.
Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the water heater and switch it off. For an electric water heater, find the specific breaker labeled for the water heater. For a gas water heater, look for the gas control valve and set it to the “Off” position.
Give it time to cool.
Hot water heaters can be hot to the touch, so it’s important to allow the unit to cool down for at least 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding.
Locate the reset button.
For electric water heaters, some models have a reset button on the thermostat or a high-limit switch. The reset button may be a small red or black button that is either protruding or recessed.
Press the reset button.
If the reset button is protruding, press it firmly until you hear a click. If the reset button is recessed, you might need to use a small tool, such as a paperclip or a pen, to press the reset button for about 30 seconds until you feel a click.
Turn on the power.
After resetting the hot water heater, you can turn on the power by flipping the circuit breaker or fuse back on. For a gas water heater, turn the gas control valve back on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light if necessary.
Monitor the heater.
Once the power is restored, observe the hot water heater to ensure it starts operating normally. Give it some time to heat the water, and check if hot water is being delivered to the faucets or outlets in the building.
It’s important to note that the reset process may differ based on your specific model and type of hot water heater. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a professional water heater repair plumber if you are uncertain about the reset procedure or if the issue persists after resetting the water heater.
Pro Tips for Resetting Your Water Heater
Water heaters are the unsung heroes of the home. They quietly provide hot water to the family, but when something goes wrong, they can become a real pain in the neck.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reset your water heater and get it back up and running in no time. Here are six of those tips for resetting your water heater so that you can get back up and running in no time at all with utmost comfort:
Read the manufacturer’s instructions.
The first step to resetting your water heater is to read the manufacturer’s instructions. The best thing you can do is to read those instructions before you even start so that you know what tools you’ll need and what steps are involved in resetting your water heater. It may not always be possible to read these instructions before starting, but at least try to remember that there were some written down somewhere!
Always use safety precautions.
It’s important to make sure that you’re using the right safety precautions when working on or around the water heater. Make sure that no one is standing directly behind or underneath the unit while you’re working on it; if someone accidentally bumps into it while you’re making repairs, they could be hurt by falling parts of the unit falling off their heads!
Inspect for visible signs of issues.
While you’re near the water heater, take a moment to inspect it for any visible signs of problems visually. Look for leaks, corrosion, loose connections, or other abnormalities. If you notice any concerning issues, it may be best to call a local plumber or technician to assess and repair the water heater.
Check for error codes or indicators.
The next thing you’ll want to do is check for any error codes or indicators that might be showing up on your water heater’s display panel. These will let you know which part is malfunctioning and what must be replaced or fixed before resetting anything else.
Give it time to reset.
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to wait for the system to reset itself naturally by itself over time—this could take anywhere from an hour up until several days, depending on how serious the problem is! Don’t try anything else until after this happens because there may be more damage if you do more than just wait patiently for things to settle down on their own before making any further changes or repairs elsewhere within your home’s plumbing system overall!
Monitor performance
After resetting the water heater, closely monitor its performance. Check if hot water is being produced and delivered to the faucets or outlets as expected. Keep an eye out for any unusual noises, leaks, or changes in performance. If you notice persistent issues or the problem reoccurs, it may be necessary to contact a professional plumber in Stafford, VA, for further inspection and repairs.
DIY Vs. Professional Water Heater Repair
Water heaters are necessary for any home, but they can also be notoriously finicky and expensive to repair. When you have a problem with your water heater, you’ll need to decide whether to hire a professional or attempt the repair yourself.
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting the key factors to consider when deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional plumber for water heater repair:
| Factors | DIY Water Heater Repair | Professional Water Heater Repair |
| Cost | Generally less expensive, as you avoid service fees | Service fees and labor costs may be higher |
| Skill and Knowledge | Requires moderate to advanced plumbing and electrical skills | Professionals possess expertise and experience |
| Time and Effort | Can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts | Professionals can complete repairs more efficiently |
| Safety | Potential risks involved if not familiar with safety measures | Professionals prioritize safety during repairs |
| Diagnostic Accuracy | May be challenging to identify the root cause of the problem | Professionals can accurately diagnose the issue |
| Warranty and Guarantees | DIY repairs may void the manufacturer’s warranty | Professionals offer warranties on their work |
| Complex Issues | Limited ability to handle complex or major repairs | Professionals can handle various complex situations |
| Tools and Equipment | Requires access to proper tools and equipment | Professionals have specialized tools for the job |
| Convenience and Peace of Mind | Depends on personal availability and schedule | Professionals handle the repair, providing peace of mind |
It’s Time to Call Professional Water Heater Repair Plumber in Stafford, VA!
You know how it is. You’ve been thinking about calling a professional, but you’re just not sure where to start. You want someone who will take care of your water heater repair, and you want them to do it right—but you don’t know if there’s a company out there that will give you what you need at a price that fits your budget.
Well, look no further! Haynes Plumbing Services is here for you. We’re the Water Heater Experts in Stafford. We have 25 years of experience working on water heaters (and other plumbing services) in Stafford and surrounding areas, and we’re ready to help you out today!
Whether you’re looking for a new water heater installation or need a plumber to fix an existing one, we can help!
We specialize in all aspects of plumbing, including:
– Water heater repairs and replacements
– Sewer line cleaning and repair
– Drain cleaning and repair
– Faucet installation and repair
– Toilet repair and replacement
– Leak Detection and Repair
– Kitchen sink installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance
Our technicians are licensed and certified by the National Board of Certification for Crane Operators (NBCCO), so you know they will have the skills needed to fix whatever problems you may have with your water heater. We also offer emergency services 24/7/365 so that no matter what time of day or night it is, we can come out and take care of any issues that might arise with your water heater.
So, whether you need a simple repair or want to upgrade your system, our plumbers will work quickly and efficiently to get your water back up and running in no time at all. Call us today at (540) 659-3295 to schedule an appointment with our expert plumbers!