Water Heater Reset Assistant
Check Your Water Heater Situation
If your hot water heater suddenly stops delivering hot water, the first thing you should try isn’t calling a plumber-it’s resetting it. Most electric and gas water heaters have a reset button designed exactly for this situation. It’s a simple fix that works in about 70% of cases where the heater shuts down unexpectedly. You don’t need tools, special skills, or a service call. Just follow these steps carefully.
Why Your Water Heater Might Need a Reset
Water heaters don’t just stop working for no reason. They’re built with safety features that shut them down automatically when something goes wrong. The most common triggers are:
- Overheating due to a faulty thermostat
- Electrical overload on the heating elements
- A tripped high-limit switch (this is what the reset button does)
- Gas valve issues in gas models
- Mineral buildup causing the tank to overheat
When one of these happens, the system cuts power or gas to prevent damage-or worse, a fire. The reset button is your way of telling the system: “I’ve checked it, it’s safe to try again.”
How to Reset an Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are the most common type in Australian homes. They’re usually found in laundry rooms, garages, or under sinks. Here’s how to reset one:
- Turn off the power. Go to your circuit breaker panel and flip the switch labeled “Water Heater” or “Hot Water” to the OFF position. This is non-negotiable. You’re dealing with live wires.
- Locate the reset button. Remove the metal access panel on the side of the tank. Behind it, you’ll see a thermostat with a small red button-usually near the top. That’s the reset button.
- Press the button. You should hear a soft click. If it doesn’t click, it wasn’t tripped. That means the problem is deeper.
- Replace the panel and restore power. Put the cover back on and flip the breaker back on.
- Wait 30 minutes. Give the heater time to heat the water. Test the hot water tap in your bathroom.
If the water still isn’t hot after 30 minutes, the reset button may have tripped again. That’s a sign of a failing thermostat or heating element. Don’t keep pressing it. Repeated resets can damage the system.
How to Reset a Gas Water Heater
Gas water heaters work differently. They don’t have a reset button you can press. Instead, you need to relight the pilot light if it went out.
- Turn off the gas. Locate the gas control valve near the bottom of the tank. Turn the knob to the “OFF” position. Wait at least 5 minutes to let any gas fumes clear.
- Find the pilot light assembly. Look for a small metal tube near the bottom with a tiny flame opening. It’s usually behind a removable access panel.
- Set the knob to “PILOT.” Turn the control knob to “PILOT.” Press and hold it down.
- Light the pilot. Use a long-reach lighter or match. Hold the flame to the pilot opening while keeping the knob pressed. Hold for 30 seconds after the flame lights.
- Turn to “ON.” Release the knob and turn it to “ON.” You should hear a soft whoosh as the main burner ignites.
If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple is likely faulty. This is a small copper tube that senses heat and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it’s dirty or broken, the gas shuts off. Cleaning it with sandpaper sometimes works. If not, replacement is needed.
What If the Reset Button Keeps Tripping?
If you reset your electric water heater and it trips again within a day or two, you’ve got a real problem. The reset button isn’t meant to be a regular fix-it’s a safety last resort.
Here are the most likely causes:
- Faulty thermostat: If it’s stuck on “high,” the water overheats and triggers the safety switch. Replacing both thermostats (upper and lower) usually fixes this.
- Bad heating element: A shorted element can draw too much current and overload the system. Test with a multimeter if you’re comfortable. If you’re not, call a professional.
- Mineral buildup: In Perth’s hard water areas, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. This traps heat and causes overheating. Flushing the tank annually prevents this.
- High water pressure: If your home’s water pressure is above 80 psi, it can stress the tank and cause overheating. Install a pressure-reducing valve if needed.
Don’t ignore repeated trips. They’re not just inconvenient-they’re a fire risk.
When to Call a Professional
You can reset your water heater yourself in most cases. But there are times when DIY isn’t safe or smart:
- You smell gas (leave immediately and call your gas provider)
- Water is leaking from the tank or valves
- The reset button won’t stay in or clicks repeatedly
- You’ve tried resetting twice and nothing changes
- You’re not comfortable working with electricity or gas
Gas leaks are dangerous. Water heater leaks can flood your home. Electrical faults can cause shocks or fires. If you’re unsure, call a licensed plumber or electrician. In Perth, licensed tradespeople are required by law to handle gas and high-voltage electrical repairs.
Prevent Future Resets
The best reset is the one you never need to do. Here’s how to keep your water heater running smoothly:
- Flush the tank every 6-12 months. Drain 2-3 gallons from the bottom valve to remove sediment. This extends the life of your heater by years.
- Set the thermostat to 60°C. That’s hot enough to kill bacteria but not so hot it wastes energy or scalds you.
- Install a water softener if you have hard water. Perth’s water is among the hardest in Australia. Softening reduces scale buildup.
- Check the anode rod every 2 years. This sacrificial rod attracts corrosion. When it’s eaten away, your tank starts rusting from the inside.
- Don’t ignore strange noises. Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds mean sediment is overheating. Flush it out.
Most water heaters last 8-12 years. With good maintenance, you can stretch that to 15. Skipping care? You’re gambling with your safety and your wallet.
What Happens If You Don’t Reset It?
Some people think if they ignore the problem, the heater will “fix itself.” It won’t. If the reset button trips and you do nothing:
- You’ll have no hot water-no showers, no dishes, no laundry.
- Overheating can crack the tank lining, leading to leaks.
- Electrical components can burn out, costing $500+ to replace.
- Gas models can develop carbon monoxide leaks if the burner doesn’t ignite properly.
Resetting is free. Ignoring it isn’t.
Why does my water heater have a reset button?
The reset button is a safety device that cuts power when the water gets too hot. It prevents overheating, which could damage the tank or cause a fire. It’s not a power switch-it’s an emergency shutdown that needs to be manually reset after the issue is resolved.
Can I reset a water heater without turning off the power?
No. For electric water heaters, you must turn off the power at the breaker before accessing the reset button. The thermostat and heating elements are live even when the heater isn’t running. Touching them without cutting power can result in serious electric shock.
My water heater is gas, but there’s no pilot light. What do I do?
Modern gas water heaters often use electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot light. If your heater doesn’t have a pilot, it uses a spark igniter. If it won’t start, the issue is likely a faulty ignition module, thermocouple, or gas valve. These require professional diagnosis and replacement.
How often should I flush my water heater?
In Perth, where water is hard, flush your tank every 6 months. In softer water areas, once a year is enough. Flushing removes sediment that reduces efficiency, causes noise, and shortens the heater’s life. It takes 30 minutes and costs nothing.
Is it safe to reset the water heater multiple times?
Resetting once or twice is fine. Resetting more than twice in a week means something is broken. Repeated resets can damage the thermostat, heating elements, or gas valve. If it keeps tripping, stop resetting and call a professional. Continuing to reset risks fire, flood, or electric shock.
Next Steps
After resetting your water heater, mark your calendar. Set a reminder to flush the tank in 6 months. Check the thermostat setting. Make sure it’s at 60°C. If you live in an older home, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve if your water pressure exceeds 80 psi.
If you’ve tried everything and the heater still won’t work, it’s time to think about replacement. Most units over 10 years old aren’t worth repairing. New models are 20-30% more efficient and come with better warranties.