Reset Button Basics – How to Quickly Fix Common Appliance Issues

Ever stare at a blinking light or a dead kitchen hob and wonder if a single press could bring it back? Most modern appliances have a hidden reset button that can solve minor glitches without a technician. The trick is knowing where it is, how to use it safely, and when a reset won’t do the job. Below you’ll get straight‑forward steps for the most common appliances we see in Bridgewater homes.

Resetting Electric Hobs and Ovens

Electric hobs and ovens often lock up after a power surge, a tripped circuit, or when an element overheats. First, locate the reset – it’s usually a small button under the control panel or behind a removable cover. If you can’t see it, unplug the appliance for a minute; many models treat a power‑off as a reset.

When you press the button, you’ll hear a click and the display may flash. Turn the hob or oven back on and test a single zone or a low heat setting. If the surface heats normally, you’re good to go. If it still won’t heat, the problem is likely a faulty element or wiring, and that’s when you call a pro.

Tip: Always make sure the main breaker is on before you start. A loose breaker can make it look like the reset failed, but the real issue is the power supply.

Water Heater and Other Appliance Resets

Electric water heaters have a reset button on the thermostat cover. It’s a bright red button you push in until it clicks. After a reset, let the heater run for about an hour to see if hot water returns. If the breaker trips again, the heating element might be burnt out.

Microwaves, dryers and even some washing machines use a reset to clear error codes. The process is similar: unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in, then press the reset (sometimes it’s a combination of button presses, like “Start + Stop”). This clears the memory and often brings the machine back to normal.

Safety first: never press a reset button while the appliance is still plugged in if the manual warns against it. If you smell burnt plastic, see sparking, or notice hot surfaces, stop immediately and call Bridgewater Appliance Fixers.

Knowing when a reset works saves time and money. A quick press can fix a frozen oven, a stalled hob, or a water heater that won’t heat. But if the issue returns after three tries, it’s a sign of a deeper fault that needs a qualified technician.

Need help with a stubborn reset? Our team in Bridgewater can diagnose the problem fast and get your appliance running again. Give us a call, and we’ll have a certified repairer at your door within the day.