How to Reset a Water Heater

Resetting 3 Types of Water Heaters

Your water heater gets a lot of use. This is why it can be incredibly frustrating if your water heater stops working. The solution may be as simple as hitting the water heater reset button. Become familiar with the three types of water heaters and how to reset them so you can enjoy hot water once more.

Electric Water Heaters

The electric water heater reset button is a red button you can press, found on the upper thermostat. The thermostat is located inside the access panel on the heater. If the reset button isn’t there, it may be on the lower thermostat. Your water heater could have two reset buttons: upper and lower. Resetting the electric water heater is as easy as pressing the button. You’ll know the water heater has reset if it clicks into place. If the system does not reset, it could be caused by a number of reasons. A professional water heater technician can accurately diagnose your water heater issue and reset it safely.

Gas Water Heaters

To reset a gas water heater, you need to relight the pilot light. A newer model might have a thermal switch that can be reset. If you are unable to safely reset a gas water heater, you should always call in a professional.

Tankless Water Heaters

For a tankless water heater, each model is slightly different so you will want to consult the owner’s manual for instructions. For expert help, contact a professional water heater repair technician to get your tankless water heater reset.

When to Expect Hot Water Again

Once you’ve reset your water heater, you can expect hot water instantaneously, right? Not quite. For an electric water heater, you can expect between an hour to an hour and a half. For a gas water heater, the time is shorter—between a half-hour and 40 minutes.

Are Electric or Gas Water Heaters Better?

Both electric and gas water heaters are found in homes. They both have pros and cons; one is not inherently better than the other. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a water heater. Let’s explore some pros and cons.

Electric Water Heaters

Pros

• Heats water efficiently

• Comes in a large selection of sizes

• Connects easily to the home

• Safe and clean to use

• Often cheaper to install

Cons

• Heats water slowly

• Cannot operate during a power outage

Gas Water Heaters

Pros

• Heats water faster

• Cheaper to operate

• Energy-efficient since they don’t use electricity

• Can operate during a power outage

Cons

• Can be messier to run

• Doesn’t come in many size options

• Shorter lifespan

Water Heater Repair and Replacement Services From Horizon

Are you struggling to reset your gas or electric water heater? Our team of licensed plumbers provide dependable water heater repair and water heater installation services for homeowners in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In addition, our technicians provide other types of plumbing services such as sump pump replacement, water line installation, and sewer line repair. If you need support with a malfunctioning hot water heater, give our staff a call by phone at (800) 642-4419 to book an appointment.