State Select Water Heater Reset Button: Your Easy Guide

Uh oh, no hot water? It’s a frustrating moment we’ve all faced. Before you panic and call a plumber, there’s a good chance your State Select water heater might just need a simple reset. Like many appliances, water heaters have a safety mechanism – a reset button – designed to protect them from overheating and potential damage.

This guide will walk you through exactly where to find that crucial button on your State Select water heater, whether it’s an electric or gas model, and how to safely get your hot water flowing again. We’ll also cover why your heater might have tripped in the first place and what to do if the problem persists.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Working with any appliance that involves electricity or gas requires caution. Your safety is paramount. Always follow these steps before attempting any reset or inspection:

• Turn Off Power (Electric Heaters): Locate your home’s electrical panel (breaker box) and switch off the circuit breaker that controls your water heater. It’s often labeled or you might need to test breakers until the power to the heater is off.
• Turn Off Gas (Gas Heaters): For gas models, turn the gas control valve on the water heater itself to the “OFF” position.
• No Rushing: Take your time and be deliberate with each step.

Finding the Reset Button on an Electric State Select Water Heater

Electric State Select water heaters typically have a readily accessible reset button. Here’s how to find it:

1. Locate Access Panels: On the side of your water heater, you’ll usually see one or two small, rectangular metal access panels. These cover the thermostats and heating elements.
2. Remove Panels: Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the screws holding these panels in place. Behind them, you’ll likely find some insulation – gently move it aside.
3. Identify the Reset Button: Look for a small, typically red button, often located near the upper thermostat. This is your high-limit reset button, also known as the ECO (Energy Cut-Off) switch. Some models might have a black button instead of red, but its function is the same.
4. Press to Reset: Firmly press the button. You should hear a click, indicating it has reset.
5. Reassemble: Replace the insulation, secure the access panels, and turn the power back on at the breaker box.
6. Check for Hot Water: Give your water heater some time (usually 30-60 minutes) to heat up the water, then check a hot water faucet.

Understanding the “Reset” for Gas State Select Water Heaters

Unlike electric models, most gas State Select water heaters don’t have a user-accessible “reset button” in the same way. Their safety mechanisms are typically more integrated into the gas control valve or combustion system.

• High-Limit Switch (ECO): Gas heaters also have an ECO or high-limit switch to prevent overheating. However, if this trips, it often requires a professional to diagnose the underlying cause and sometimes involves replacing a part or resetting an internal component that isn’t user-friendly.
• Pilot Light: A common “no hot water” issue with gas heaters is a pilot light that has gone out. You’ll need to re-light it following the instructions on the heater’s label, which often involves pressing a button on the gas control valve while lighting the pilot. This isn’t a “reset button” in the same sense as an electric heater’s thermal cutoff, but it restores operation.
• Thermal Switch/Flame Arrestor: Some State Select gas heaters have a thermal switch or a reset associated with the flame arrestor screen at the bottom. If this trips due to lint or dust buildup restricting airflow, it will often prevent the burner from firing. Cleaning the flame arrestor area might be necessary, but if a thermal switch has tripped, it might require professional attention or a more specific reset procedure outlined in your model’s manual. Look for a small button on the gas valve assembly under a protective cover.

If you suspect a gas issue and are unsure, it’s always best to call a qualified technician.

Why Does My State Select Water Heater Trip? Common Reasons

Your water heater’s reset button is a safety feature, so when it trips, it’s usually signaling that something isn’t right. Here are the most common culprits:

• Overheating (High Water Temperature): This is the most frequent reason. If the water gets too hot (above 180°F), the high-limit switch trips to prevent scalding and damage. This could be due to a faulty thermostat, excessive sediment, or a shorted heating element.
• Faulty Thermostat: If a thermostat isn’t accurately reading the water temperature or is stuck in the “on” position, it can cause the heating element to continuously heat the water, leading to overheating and a tripped reset.
• Failing Heating Elements (Electric): Over time, electric heating elements can wear out or short circuit, drawing too much power or heating inefficiently, which can cause the system to trip.
• Loose or Faulty Wiring: Poor electrical connections can generate excess heat or cause intermittent shorts, triggering the safety cutoff.
• Power Surges: A sudden spike in electrical current from a lightning strike or grid fluctuation can sometimes trip the reset button.
• Sediment Buildup: Over years, mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment acts as an insulator, making the heating elements work harder and causing localized overheating.
• Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve) Issues: While less common to trip the *electrical* reset, a malfunctioning TPR valve can lead to dangerous pressure buildup and, in severe cases, contribute to overheating.

What If My Water Heater Keeps Tripping? Troubleshooting Tips

If you’ve reset your State Select water heater, and it keeps tripping shortly after, it’s a sign of a persistent problem that needs attention. Here’s what you can investigate (or have a professional investigate):

1. Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure your thermostats (both upper and lower on electric models) are set to a reasonable temperature, ideally between 120-125°F (49-52°C). Settings that are too high will stress the system.
2. Inspect Heating Elements (Electric): With power off, you can carefully test heating elements for continuity using a multimeter. If an element is burnt out or shorted, it will need replacement.
3. Test Thermostats: Again, with power off, thermostats can be tested for proper function with a multimeter. A faulty thermostat is a common cause of repeated tripping.
4. Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup can significantly reduce efficiency and cause overheating. Draining and flushing your water heater annually can prevent this. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
5. Check for Loose Wiring: With power off, visually inspect all wiring connections behind the access panels for any looseness or signs of burning. Tighten any loose connections.

When to Call a Professional

While a simple reset can often solve the problem, there are times when it’s crucial to call a licensed plumber or HVAC technician:

• Repeated Tripping: If the reset button keeps tripping after you’ve tried to reset it, it indicates an underlying issue that needs expert diagnosis.
• Leaks: Any sign of water leaking from the tank or connections demands immediate professional attention.
• Strange Noises: Banging, rumbling, or hissing sounds can indicate serious problems like excessive sediment or a failing heating element.
• Gas Smell: If you have a gas water heater and smell gas, turn off the gas supply immediately, evacuate your home, and call your gas company and a professional technician.
• Lack of Confidence: If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about any step in the troubleshooting process, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a water heater reset button actually do?

The reset button on your State Select water heater activates the “high-limit switch” or ECO (Energy Cut-Off). Its job is to automatically cut off power to the heating elements if the water temperature inside the tank reaches an unsafe level (typically around 180°F or higher). It’s a critical safety device designed to prevent scalding, overheating, and potential damage to the unit.

Q2: Why is my State Select water heater not heating after a power outage?

A power outage or surge can sometimes trip the high-limit switch on electric water heaters as a protective measure. Follow the steps above to locate and press the red (or black) reset button. If it’s a gas heater, a power outage might extinguish the pilot light or affect the electronic ignition system, requiring you to re-light the pilot or check the system. Make sure all power to the unit is restored.

Q3: Can I reset my water heater multiple times if it keeps tripping?

While you can reset it once to see if it was a fluke, repeatedly resetting a water heater that keeps tripping is strongly discouraged. Each trip indicates an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Continuing to reset it without fixing the root cause can damage the unit, pose a fire hazard, or lead to premature failure of components. It’s best to troubleshoot the cause or call a professional.

Q4: How often should I reset my water heater?

You should only reset your water heater when it has actually tripped and stopped producing hot water. It’s not a routine maintenance task. If you find yourself needing to reset it frequently, it’s a clear sign that there’s an issue with your water heater that requires diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

Finding and resetting the button on your State Select water heater can often be a quick fix for a lack of hot water. Remember to prioritize safety by turning off power or gas first. If your water heater continues to trip or you encounter any unfamiliar issues, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified professional. A little troubleshooting can go a long way in restoring comfort to your home!