I have a Rheem Standard

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


I have a Rheem Standard Energy miser electric water heater that is 46 " high, serial # R 0590105132 and model # 81v40D---40 gal. Could you please tell me the year it was manufactured? 


Check that serial number.
Rheem is first two digits= month and next two digits= year, which means 1990.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-water-heater.html

I purchased a GE 40gallon

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


I purchased a GE 40gallon water heater model: GE40M06AAG. What type of circuit breaker do I need and it says that its a 240/208 volts AC only. Can I use it and what do I need if I can use it?

You need a 2pole 30 amp breaker that will fit what ever style breaker panel you have....then you will need to run 10/2WG wire from the breaker to the hot water heater...

Water tank temperature lights says

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

Water tank temperature lights says ON VACATION and VERY HOT at the same time. Chart indicates CONTROL IN LOCKOUT. It apparently detects toxic fumes. i have been painting with oil paint upstairs, how long do i have to wait till we have hot water again?


You need to air out room, with open window or fan that can suck it out for about and hour.

Not heating the water

Problem with Rheem 40 GAL ELEC TALL Water Heater 6YR SC 82VH402
Not heating the water


 Maybe this will help some? I was going back to some customers that asked questions in the recent past and even farther back  It appeared that no one answered some of them, So, I thought I would take some of my personal time to see if I can help. Even though this Informational site may not have your exact model or brand  this site will help you a lot. Here is a site link about everything you want to know about hot waterheaters and possibly yours, from repair to trouble shooting it. 

http://home.howstuffworks.com/water-heater.htm

Got 5 minutes of hot water then cold. replaced

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

Got 5 minutes of hot water then cold. replaced both elements and thermos. still 5 minutes of hot water. power bill increased nearly 400% in 30 days. HELP!!! please.



When the top of the tank is hot the upper thermostat removes power from the upper heating element and transfers the power to the lower thermostat and heating element. If the lower thermostat is defective, then the lower portion of the tank will not be heated and the supply will be greatly reduced. You replaced both elements however check that the lower element is coming on after ther upper one cuts out and is acutally working.
Check for power at the upper thermostat terminals where the power is sent to the lower thermostat and heating element. If there is no power then the upper thermostat should be replaced. If there is power then check for power at the lower heating element. If there is no power at the lower heating element then replace the lower thermostat.
If there is power to the lower heating element then it should be getting hot. If it is not, maybe defective. Another possibility is a broken dip tube. Check for a broken dip tube and replace if necessary.

If the dip tube is broken, the incoming cold liquid can mix with the out going hot liquid and cause it to seem as though you are running out.

I want to check the anode rod on a Rheem 82VH40-2.

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


There are 4 plastic caps on top of the water heater. 3 are around the perimeter and measure about 1.25"D. 1 is more toward the center next to the electrical connection and is about 1.75"D. All have foam insulation under the plastic cap. Which is the anode rod? Dig out the foam insulation? Thanks so much for your help!!!


Comment:---
The water heater is 5 yrs old. From what I've read, checking the anode rod (and replacing when necessary) will extend the life of the water heater. I do not have an odor problem.


Yes you're exactly correct. If memory serves me it's one of the smaller ones and is located closer to the center than the outer regions. So pop off the covers one at a time and poke around under it with a small screwdriver or scribe or some such thing. You should be able to identify it by it's shape. I believe it's a 13/16th's size of a socket to remove it. Personally, I don't usually replace them unless the customer insists. I think they're a waste of money and can eventually cause very bad odors in the hot water.

How do I replace heating coil

How do I replace heating coil 

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

Open following link for step-by-step instruction replacing electric water heater element:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html