How Can I Reset A Single Phase Water Heater?

If your single phase water heater is experiencing problems (such as not being hot enough), they can sometimes be rectified by resetting it. This will return the heater to its original factory settings, overriding any adjustments that have been made and potentially altered its operation. So that you don’t have to call a professional out, you might be wondering how you can go about resetting the unit yourself. Follow these handy instructions.

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is find the reset button. More often than not, it will be located beneath the heater’s upper cover and insulation. Remove both of these in order to access the button.

Step 2: Firmly push the button in. If the reset has not been tripped, this should be no problem. If the button refuses to stay pushed in, however, your thermostat is the culprit and will need to be replaced.

Step 3: Once the heater has been reset, it is ready to put back into operation. You will, however, need to reinstall the insulation and cover in order for the thermostat to function correctly.

But what actually causes the reset button to trip? There are actually a number of causes for this problem, and it occurs more frequently than you think. Some of the more common causes include:

▪       Bad Thermostat
There are all sorts of things that can go wrong with a thermostat and, sometimes, they just stop working for no reason. This is the primary cause of the reset button being tripped and requires the thermostat to be replaced in order to rectify it.

▪       Stacking
This is a condition that occurs when short draws of hot water are repeatedly made, all in relatively close succession. The heater repeatedly turns on to heat the new water added to the tank, which leads to the already hot water in the top becoming overheated.

▪       Missing Insulation and/or Cover
As mentioned above, if the insulation or cover has not been correctly replaced, the thermostat can experience problems. Ensure that both components have been returned to the correct position and that they have been secured in place.

▪       Loose Wiring
Over time, the wiring in the upper thermostat can become loose. This can also be a result of the thermostat being incorrectly handled during installation or maintenance works. In most cases, the wiring can be tightened and the problem rectified.

▪       Burned Thermostat
If you notice signs of high heat or even burning (such as black ash and scorch marks), this could be an indication that the thermostat has burned out. This is often a result of the system being overloaded or surged. To rectify, you will need to replace the thermostat.

We hope that the information provided above has given you a much better understanding of how to reset your single phase water heater. The next time you notice that it has begun experiencing problems, try resetting it yourself before calling in the professionals. If the reset is unable to rectify the problem or if you encounter one of the other issues discussed above, then you can get in touch with a professional and have them come out.