How to Reset My Whirlpool Water Heater

The reset function on a Whirlpool water heater is on the circuit box.

The Whirlpool Corporation is the United States' largest manufacturer of household appliances. Whirlpool brand names include Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana. According to the company website, Whirlpool designs and manufacturers large home appliances in all major categories from the kitchen to the laundry room. Among the many products Whirlpool makes are water heaters. A water heater is a fairly simple device. The largest part of it is the water tank, which holds water for heating. Inside the tank are metal elements that heat the water. Attached to the outside of the water heater, or under an access panel, is a circuit box that allows you to regulate water temperature. This is also where you go to reset the unit.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the heater through your breaker panel: On the door of most household breaker panels is a diagram that explains what each breaker switch controls. Locate the breaker for the water heater and flip it to the "Off" position.

2. Access the circuit box. The circuit box's location will depend on the model of Whirlpool water heater you own. For example, the Energy Smart electric water heater from Whirlpool has a blue-gray box near the bottom of the tank. Read the manual that came with the heater if you cannot locate the circuit box. If the circuit box is under an access panel, remove the screws on the panel and remove the metal door to get to the box.

3. Press and hold the "Reset" button on the circuit box. Hold the button for at least three seconds. The look of the button may vary by model. Some may be large and red, others may be smaller. All should have labeling with the word "Reset." Check the operator's manual for your unit for specifics.

4. Turn the power back on to the heater. Go back to the breaker panel and flip the breaker for the water heater to the "On" position.

Tips & Warnings

• Gas units such as Whirlpool Flame Lock may have more than one button. Avoid pressing the Energy Cut Off (ECO) button. This is a safety switch in case water becomes too hot. Once pressed, this button will require replacement. If changing the temperature level for the unit, make adjustments to the thermostat prior to pushing the "Reset" button.

References

• Whirlpool Corporation: About
• Whirlpool: Energy Smart Electric Water Heater Operation
• American Water Heater: Residential Electric Water Heater Installation Instructions and Use & Care Guide (Pg. 10)
• Whirlpool Water Heaters: Gas Water Heater With the Flame Lock Safety System Installation Instructions and Use & Care Guide (Pg. 19)