5 Issues That Could Trip the Water Heater Reset Button
Does your electric tank water heater keep shutting off unexpectedly, leaving you with cold water? If you’ve been repeatedly pressing the reset button only to find the issue happening again, your water heater might be trying to tell you something. A tripping reset button is often a symptom of an underlying issue that needs attention. This guide will walk you through the common causes and what you can do to resolve them.
What Does the Water Heater Reset Button Do?
The reset button, often referred to as the energy cut-off (ECO) or high-limit control, is a critical safety feature on electric water heaters. Typically located on the thermostat, this red button acts as a fail-safe mechanism. Its primary purpose is to cut power to the water heater when the internal temperature exceeds a safe level—usually around 150°F.
When the reset button trips, it’s often a signal that your water heater is overheating. While pressing the button may temporarily restore hot water, frequent tripping indicates that something more serious is at play. Ignoring the issue could lead to damage or even safety hazards.
Why Does the Reset Button Keep Tripping?
Several factors can cause your water heater’s reset button to trip. Here are the five most common issues:
1. Faulty Thermostat
Your water heater relies on thermostats to regulate the temperature of the water. Each heating element—usually one at the top and one at the bottom—has its own thermostat.
- What Goes Wrong: If a thermostat malfunctions, it may fail to shut off the heating element, causing the water to become excessively hot. In some cases, the thermostat may not accurately read the temperature at all, leading to overheating.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty thermostat is the most effective fix. It’s best to have a professional plumber inspect and replace it to ensure compatibility and safety.
2. Loose Wiring
Over time, the electrical connections within your water heater can loosen, either due to regular wear and tear or improper installation.
- What Goes Wrong: Loose or damaged wiring can create heat, which may trigger the reset button to trip as a precaution. This issue is particularly concerning because it poses a risk of electrical fires.
- Solution: A licensed plumber or electrician should inspect and repair or replace any loose or damaged wires.
3. Corroded Components
Water heaters operate in a moist environment, which can lead to corrosion of internal components over time.
- What Goes Wrong: Corrosion can impair the performance of the thermostat or other parts, causing the system to overheat and trip the reset button.
- Solution: Corroded components should be replaced promptly to maintain the efficiency and safety of your water heater.
4. Grounding Issues
Grounding issues typically involve the heating element shorting to the ground, which can lead to erratic behavior.
- What Goes Wrong: When a heating element shorts to the ground, it can cause the water temperature to rise uncontrollably, triggering the reset button.
- Solution: A professional plumber can diagnose and fix grounding issues, ensuring that your water heater operates safely and reliably.
5. Malfunctioning High-Limit Switch
The high-limit switch is designed to cut power when water temperatures become dangerously high.
- What Goes Wrong: If the high-limit switch itself is defective, it may trip unnecessarily, even when water temperatures are within a safe range.
- Solution: Replacing the high-limit switch should resolve the issue. A professional can confirm whether the switch is faulty or if another issue is causing the problem.
Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve the Issue
If your water heater’s reset button keeps tripping, here’s what you can do:
- Turn Off the Power: Before inspecting your water heater, switch off the power at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
- Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for signs of corrosion, loose wires, or other visible issues.
- Test the Thermostats and Heating Elements: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the thermostats and heating elements. If you’re unsure how to do this, call a professional.
- Replace Faulty Components: Replace any damaged or defective parts, such as the thermostat, heating element, or high-limit switch.
- Reset the System: After making repairs, press the reset button and monitor the water heater to see if the issue persists.
Why It’s Important to Address the Problem
A tripping reset button is more than just an inconvenience. If left unaddressed, the underlying issues can lead to:
- Increased Energy Costs: Overheating or malfunctioning components can consume more energy, driving up your utility bills.
- Shortened Lifespan: Frequent overheating can strain your water heater, reducing its lifespan.
- Safety Hazards: Loose wiring, grounding issues, and overheating can pose serious safety risks, including the potential for electrical fires.
When to Call a Professional
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem or if you’re uncomfortable performing repairs yourself, it’s time to call in the experts. At Waldman Plumbing and Heating, we have years of experience diagnosing and repairing water heater issues. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat, corroded parts, or an electrical problem, our skilled technicians can get your water heater back in working order.
Serving Lynn, MA, and the North Shore Area
Don’t let a tripping reset button leave you without hot water. Our team at Waldman Plumbing and Heating is here to help. We’ve been serving the Lynn, MA, and North Shore communities with reliable plumbing and heating services for years. We’ll diagnose the problem and provide effective, long-lasting solutions.
If your water heater reset button keeps tripping, don’t wait until it turns into a bigger problem. Call Waldman Plumbing and Heating at 781.780.3184 to schedule a service appointment. Let us take the stress out of your plumbing repairs so you can enjoy reliable hot water once again.