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Whether you have gas or electric, adjust the temperature and reset.Draining the water heater Maintenance of a Water HeaterĪs with all appliances, you may be able to find this issue early if you properly maintain the unit. The high limit switch will trip as the water continues to heat up in the higher element to avoid it coming out scalding hot. It will be cold because there is no continuous heating element at the top working to keep it from getting cold.
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However, it will turn cold once it starts pulling the water from the upper element. If this part stops working and the lower heating element works, you may get hot water for a little bit. This is because it did not heat up on its travels to the top. When the water comes out in whichever appliance you are using or in the shower, the cold water is what will come out. If the lower heating element or thermostat in that area stops working, then the cold water goes up to the upper heating level.
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There is a temperature on the high limit thermostat in the upper heating element and when the water heats to that temperature, the thermostat shuts off. Then, when the water is needed, the thermostats heat it up. When the water sits in the tank, it cools down. As the water travels up the tank, the upper heating element continues to keep the water hot in the unit. The water fills in the bottom of the tank and the lower thermostat heats the water up. Thus, the reset button will trip to keep the water from coming out, as this is not normal. If the thermometer is not working correctly, the water can become scalding hot as mentioned above. In a water heater unit, there is an upper and lower heating unit. Possible Reason The Water Heater Won’t Work If it does not turn on, switch the breaker back to “off” and call a professional. Does the water heater turn on? Yes? This is great! If it does not trip, replace the metal panel on the unit and go to the electrical box and flip the circuit breaker back to the “on” position. Does the water heater trip again right away after pushing either button? Then there is an issue with a part and you will need to call a professional. There may be a lower thermostat button also known as a second reset button. When you find it, push the reset button and then release it. The reset button is often red and located near the thermostat or behind a metal panel that is removable on the unit.
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Water Heater Reset Button: Location and How to Reset It The reset button keeps the water from getting too hot in the unit. This is a safety feature and happens when there is an issue in the water heater such as a thermostat not working properly or a power surge. The purpose of this button is to stop the flow of power from the water heater. However, if the breaker is in the “on” position, flip it to “off.” Purpose of the Water Heater Reset Button If it goes off, follow the directions below. If the breaker is in the “off” position, flip it to “on.” If it stays “on”, even after a few minutes, it was a minor issue and all seems to be well. There is a circuit breaker that is labeled “Water heater.” It is often in the garage, basement, or storage closet.
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