Residential Rheem Electric Water Heater Problem Repair And Reviews

Question: Have a rheem electric water heater. hot water for about 5 min , then cold. replaced lower element.?

(Posted by: on 2009-03-23 18:34:32)

I got same results as before. could it be top element? or is it just worn out? its 1991.but it dont leak or any thing. its in a manufactured home..

Posted by: Robert F on 2009-03-26, 20:08:58

There aren't many parts to go bad (1) Tank leaking water (2) upper or lower heating elements (make sure you get the same voltage ie. 110 or 220 the watts isn't so critical 4500 or5500 the higher heats faster and uses more electricity= higher bill (3) upper and lower thermostats It seems like the lower heating element goes out almost 2 to 1 to the upper. It is the one that heats the incoming cold water so it does more work . the upper mainly maintains the heated water I have come across the inlet tub splitting about that manufacture date allowing cold water to mix at the top of the tank. (top inlet / outlet tank)

Posted by: blickmin on 2009-03-23, 19:18:37

Try checking the safety high limits or thermal fuse limits. Be sure to have no power and remove wires from each terminal on each device before testing it. You do this by placing the pins of an ohm meter on both terminals of each of these safety temp or heat devices. If meter reads 0.0 - a # it is good, but, if it reads O.L there is no continuity and the safety device is bad.

Posted by: Gary V on 2009-03-27, 15:55:04

Robert F has it covered, although sometimes the inlet tube can fall off allowing the same thing.(mixing of hot and cold water)