Quick answer
When an electric water heater stops heating, check the breaker first, then the high-limit reset button, usually red, behind the upper access panel. Turn the breaker off before removing the panel, press the button firmly, and restore power. If it trips again, something is overheating: often a thermostat stuck on or a shorted heating element. That is a repair, not something to keep resetting. Water heater valve or fitting repairs run about $100–$400. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Most electric tank water heaters have two heating elements, two thermostats, and a high-limit switch with a reset button. The high-limit cuts power if the water gets dangerously hot. When it trips, the heater stops heating entirely, and pressing the button restores it. If it trips again, the button is doing its job and something else has failed.
Safety: these heaters run on 240 volts. Turn the breaker off before removing any access panel, and do not touch wiring.
Step by Step
- 1Check the breaker. It is a double-pole breaker, usually labeled. If it tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop and call.
- 2Turn the breaker off before opening the heater.
- 3Remove the upper access panel and push back the insulation without touching the wires.
- 4Press the reset button, usually red, above the upper thermostat, firmly until it clicks.
- 5Replace the insulation and panel, turn the breaker on, and give the tank about an hour.
If It Trips Again
| What happens | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Reset trips within a day | Thermostat stuck on, or a shorted element |
| Hot water returns, then lukewarm | Lower element or lower thermostat failed |
| Very hot water, then none | Thermostat stuck closed, tripping the high limit |
| Breaker trips | Shorted element or wiring fault |
| Burnt smell at the panel | Loose or overheated wire; leave the breaker off |
Elements and thermostats are replaceable parts. On an old tank, especially one that is also leaking or rumbling, compare repair with replacement in water heater repair or replace.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Lukewarm Water, Not None
Lukewarm water that runs out fast usually means the lower element has failed, so only the top of the tank heats. A sediment-packed tank can also burn out lower elements; see water heater making noise.
What a Repair Costs
Water heater valve or fitting repairs run about $100–$400. Replacement, installed, runs about $900–$4,500 by type. See water heater repair.
The Call
Call when the reset trips more than once, the breaker trips, or you smell burning at the panel. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the reset button on an electric water heater?
Behind the upper access panel, above the upper thermostat. It is usually red. Turn the breaker off before you remove the panel.
Why does my water heater reset button keep tripping?
Something is overheating it: a thermostat stuck closed, a shorted heating element, a loose wire or, less often, a failing reset switch. Repeated tripping needs a repair.
Why do I have lukewarm water but not hot?
On an electric tank, usually a failed lower element or thermostat. The upper element alone heats only the top of the tank.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.