20 Most Recent Rheem 40 GAL ELEC TALL Water Heater 6YR SC 82VH402 Questions & Answers

it is possible it needs a reset. 1. turn off the breaker to make sure there is no power to the unit 2. open the top cover and there will be a red button like this http://www.tonyhoover.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/water-heater-upper-thermostat.jpg push it. It may have a plastic cover over or around it, leave this in place it is insulation for the wiring.
close it up carefully and then turn on the power and see what happens.

71-408 is probably electric water heater.Unknown brand, unknown type.Water heater comes with product manual with step-by-step instructions.Example instructions:http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/How-to-install-electric-water-heater.pdfIf this is under-counter model:http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-under-counter-water-heater.html If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Probably a faulty thermostat but a possibility, depending on design and area that heavy internal scale deposits are preventing the thermostat doing a good job.

Open following links for water heater troubleshoot:http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.htmlhttp://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You posted under typical Rheem tank-type electric water heater, but don't say what service you want to perform.
Listed below are typical actions one takes with electric water heater:

1) Flush tank each 6 months to prevent sediment.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html#flushelectric
2) Inspect and replace anode rod.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html
3) Test electricity from breaker box to water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/Test-electricity-to-water-heater.html
4) Troubleshoot electric water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-water-heater.html
5) Clean sediment out of water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html
6) Save money
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html
7) Do it yourself information
http://waterheatertimer.org/Do-it-yourself-water-heater-timer.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

replace the gas valve itself.

There is no on/off switch. With the circuit breaker off you hook up the power lines to it, and then restore power. The thermostat will take care of turning unit on and off as water temps dictate.

the age of all water heaters is listed under the serial #, not model #. you will have to call a plumbing supply house that deals in your brand of waterheater, a.o. smith, ruud, bradfordwhite,etc.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Wiring+diagram+for+a+82v40-2+rheem+hot+water+heater&FORM=HDRSC2 http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Wiring+diagram+for+a+82v40-2+rheem+hot+water+heater&FORM=HDRSC2

You need to take 1/2 hour to learn basics and then test water heater parts before replacing anything.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-water-heater.html
Follow the troubleshooting steps, and it will tell you exactly where the problem is.
Otherwise we can guess at 20 different things.

Water heater is 240V because you have more than 1 element.
Did you test for 240V across top two screws of upper element?
Breaker can be tripped off on one leg and 120V arrives at water heater so heater looks like it has electricity, but circuit is not complete.

The problem can be loose wire, bad 240V circuit breaker, sediment reaching lower element, bad thermostat, bad upper element, tripped ECO reset button.

Did you replace factory insulation and cover over thermostats after replacing elements?
Did you vacuum out sediment when replacing lower element?

How long ago did you replace elements? If you turned power ON before tank was completely filled with water, then you burned out the element. If upper element is burned out, the tank has no hot water, even if lower element is good.
Test the upper element:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
See how a water heater works:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

And finally, why so many folks write to fixya saying they replaced both elements and upper thermostat, but they never replace lower thermostat for another $6? I have been puzzled about that since lower thermostat turns on and off each time tank temperature drops and is responsible for keeping water warm during standby hours. Lower thermostat cycles more times than upper thermostat.

Add a comment if you need specific assistance with any of the testing steps.

The tank is leaking and in need of replacement or a connection at the top is leaking

You either have water with a high sulfur content or need to flush your heater. you should flush your heater every year anyway. you can turn off the water and electric to the heater. and totally drain the tank when it is totally drained add more water and drain some more. then refill the tank and run a hot water faucet the tub is best to eliminate any air in the system then turn the electric back on this should solve the problem if it does not you probably have sulfur in the water and would need water treatment or filters to help

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