A.O. Smith Error Code UPR: Upper Element Fault
Warning: Your A.O. Smith water heater has detected a fault with the upper heating element and has shut down to prevent damage. You will not have hot water until this is resolved.
How to Fix A.O. Smith Code UPR
- Step 1: Check the house circuit breaker for the water heater. Reset it if it has tripped.
- Step 2: If the breaker trips again immediately, leave it off and call a qualified technician.
- Step 3: If the breaker stays on, wait 30 minutes and check if the water heater is producing hot water. If not, call a qualified technician.
How to Reset A.O. Smith Code UPR
- Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
- Turn off the gas supply valve.
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
- Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.
What does UPR mean?
The 'UPR' error code on your A.O. Smith water heater indicates a problem with the upper heating element. This element is responsible for heating the top portion of the tank, providing you with hot water. The control board has detected either a short circuit, an open circuit, or some other electrical anomaly with this element. Because of this fault, the water heater has likely shut down the heating process to prevent further damage to the element or other components. This means you'll be without hot water until the issue is addressed. It's important to resolve this promptly to avoid potential issues like sediment buildup in the tank due to inconsistent heating.
Affected Models
Replacement Parts
| Part | OEM Number | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Heating Element | — | — |
| Upper Thermostat | — | — |
| ECO (Energy Cutoff) Switch | — | — |
Related Codes on Same Models
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Thermistor Failure | Warning |
| E2 | Dry Fire Protection | Warning |
| E3 | Sensor Fault | Warning |
| E4 | High Temperature Cutoff | Critical |
| E5 | Communication Error | Warning |
| E06 | Flammable Vapor Detection | Critical |
| ECO | Emergency Cutoff | Critical |
| LOC | Controls Locked | Warning |
| LWR | Lower Element Fault | Warning |