Water Heater Reset Button
Electric water heaters have a red reset button on the upper thermostat, behind the top access panel. It is part of the high-limit switch, which cuts power if the water gets too hot. Pressing it can restore hot water, but if it trips again, a thermostat, heating element or wiring problem needs fixing; those repairs usually cost about $150 to $350.
Typical pro cost
$150 to $350
- Urgency
- Fix this week
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Time to fix
- 15 minutes to 2 hours
- Prices
- US typical range
Last reviewed October 2026
Signs it's this problem
- No hot water from an electric water heater
- Hot water runs out, then stops completely
- The breaker is on but the heater is cold
- The water got very hot before it went cold
Common causes
Faulty thermostat
A thermostat stuck on keeps heating until the high-limit switch trips.
Shorted heating element
A grounded element can overheat the water and trip the reset.
Loose wiring
Loose or burnt wires at the thermostat create heat and trips.
Bad high-limit switch
The reset switch itself can wear out and trip too easily.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Turn off the water heater breaker at the panel.
- 2
Remove the upper access panel and fold back the insulation. Do not touch any wires.
- 3
Press the red reset button firmly until it clicks.
- 4
Put the insulation and cover back, then turn the breaker on.
- 5
If the button trips again within days, have the thermostats and elements tested, or test them yourself with a multimeter if trained.
- 6
Replace a faulty thermostat or element, often both thermostats at once.
Tools and materials
- Screwdriver
- Multimeter
- Non-contact voltage tester
Approximate DIY cost: $20 to $60 for a thermostat or element
Call a pro when
- The reset keeps tripping after you replaced a part
- You see burnt wires or melted insulation
- You are not comfortable working near 240-volt wiring
Water Heater Reset Button cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a thermostat | $150–$200 |
| Replace a heating element | $200–$300 |
| Plumber service call | $100–$200 |
| Replace both thermostats and one element | $250–$350 |
Ranges are typical US prices compiled by FixHomeCost. Prices vary by region, home and contractor, so compare 2–3 local quotes.
Common questions
Where is the reset button on a water heater?
On electric models, behind the upper access panel on the side of the tank, on the upper thermostat. It is usually red.
Why does my water heater reset button keep tripping?
Usually a failed thermostat, a shorted heating element or loose wiring. Repeated trips mean something needs replacing.
Do gas water heaters have a reset button?
Most gas water heaters do not have this red button. Some have a thermal switch on the burner cover that a pro should check.
Is it safe to keep pressing the reset button?
Pressing it once is fine. If it trips again, stop resetting it and find the cause, because the water may be overheating.
Related guides
This is general information, not a professional inspection. See how we research costs.