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What causes hot water heater reset button to trip? check this out | whirlpool water heater reset button

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on July 21, 2026

If your water heater reset button keeps tripping, one of your heating elements may be broken or worn out. As this component is used to heat water, your hot water heater won’t work without it. When the reset button on a water heater thermostat keeps tripping, the metal casing of the heating element may have cracks.

Press the small reset button in the center of the thermal switch. If it’s tripped, you may be able to hear it click. Even if you do not hear the thermal switch click, try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater’s label. If the Status Light now begins to flash, the thermal switch probably tripped.

Where is the reset button on my water heater?

Somewhere on your electric water heater, you’ll find a reset button. It’s usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.

When should you hit reset button on water heater?

Keep in mind that a water heater’s reset button serves an important purpose—interrupting power in the event of a malfunction, such as a power surge or a faulty thermostat. If your water heater loses power repeatedly, there’s likely a problem that should be addressed by a professional Culpeper County plumber.

How do I know if my water heater thermostat is bad?

If you turn the hot water tap and cold water runs out, then the upper thermostat is damaged. But if the water is hot that becomes later becomes cold, then you have a damaged lower thermostat.

Why do I need to keep resetting my water heater?

When your thermostat stops working correctly, it can fail to regulate the temperature in your electric water heater properly. This, in turn, will cause your water to heat up to dangerous levels, which will cause the reset switch to trip.

How do I reset my hot water heater?

If the button is lit up, it means the switch tripped and needs to be reset. You reset the electric water heater reset button by pushing that red button. There may also be a lower thermostat reset button on the water heater. If so, push that reset button as well.

Why is my water heater not getting hot water?

When there’s no hot water, the problem can stem from lack of power, a faulty electric thermostat or a faulty upper electric heating element. When the water’s not hot enough, the problem can be an undersized water heater, crossed hot and cold connections, or a faulty heating element or thermostat.

What do you do if your hot water isn’t working?

First things first…
Bump up the thermostat.Check the forecast.Relight the pilot light.Fix a faulty thermocouple.Rekindle a blue flame.Inspect the gas line.Restart your water heater.Reset the circuit breaker.

Can I relight my hot water heater?

If your heater’s pilot goes out, you can relight it yourself. Turn the gas regulator valve’s knob to “Pilot,” press down on it and hold it down. This starts the flow of gas to the pilot burner. On some water heater models, you press and hold down a separate red button to start the pilot burner gas flow.

How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermostat?

The average thermostat replacement cost is between $100 and $300. Most other repairs are equally affordable. There are two main types: gas and electric. A gas unit works by way of a gas flame while an electric one works using electric elements, or coils.

How long should a hot water thermostat last?

It would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years.

How do I know if my hot water heater is working?

To test your hot water heater — make sure it’s working right and replace components if it’s not (or call an professional to help you) — here is a handy primer. First, check to see if the circuit breaker is flipped or if any fuses are blown. If so, replace the blown fuses and wait about an hour for the water to heat up.