How to Re-Ignite Your Electric Water Heater

Water heaters are a great modern convention that has been changing and improving in several ways over the years. Some aspects, of course, remain the same. A water heater works by igniting a heat source that is responsible for heating the water in the tank before it’s distributed out into the house. On gas water heaters, there is a pilot light that actually needs to be lit with a lighter. Fortunately, electric water heaters are usually much simpler and safer.

You might be wondering why your water heater went out in the first place. Several things can cause this, from extreme cold and improper insulation to an electrical glitch that caused the system to trip. Common causes include:

• Faulty thermostats
• A malfunctioning reset button
• The high limit switch is damaged or inoperable
• The heating element is shorted out
• Loose wiring

If it’s not a random glitch, it will be one of the issues on this list, in most cases. Regardless, you should be able to reignite your electric water heater with ease. If it needs to be done more than once or twice every few months, you might want to contact a plumber and see if there’s a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

How to Re-Ignite the Water Heater

Find the ignition/control box on your water heater, which is usually located down at the bottom. Look for the reset button. This is usually red and will probably be close to the thermostat. On older models, it might be behind a panel or under insulation. Push and release the reset button. Check for other resets and buttons.

You should also check the instructions on the water heater itself, as they’re usually provided. For example, some units will require you to press the reset button while holding in the knob that changes the temperature, and then release the reset and adjust the temperature accordingly.

If this doesn’t work, check your electrical panel to make sure a breaker isn’t tripped. Be careful doing this because there is always the risk of electric shock when working with electricity, but there shouldn’t be an issue if you’re cautious. And remember, if you’re not sure what to do or if you feel like something bigger is going on, you should reach out to Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing to assist you in getting your water heater back on track.