Rheem water heater thermostat

Problem with Rheem 40 GAL ELEC TALL Water Heater 6YR SC 82VH402


I have a Rheem model number is 81V52D and I think I need to check the thermostat. Do I need to drain the unit in order to check the thermostat?


No you do not need to drain water heater when checking or replacing thermostats:
Water heater is drained when replacing elements or cleaning sediment out of tank.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

Also look at following links: These links can teach you everything about fixing ordinary tank-type electric water heater using generic parts from hardware store.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-electric-water-heater-works.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-element-and-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html