Heating Elements - Rheem Residential Electric Models Use & Care Manual

3. HEATING ELEMENTS —
Most water supplies will cause scale or mineral deposits to form on the
heating elements. As the scale forms, it gets increasingly harder for the
element to heat water. If you hear a rumbling noise coming from the water
heater, it is probably caused by scale build up on the elements. Element
life can be lengthened by installing a water softener or other water treating
equipment that removes most of the minerals that cause scale.
TO REPLACE BURNED OUT ELEMENTS —
IMPORTANT! — The elements used in this water heater are dif-
ferent than standard replacement elements. It is important to
note that STANDARD REPLACEMENT ELEMENTS WILL NOT
FIT THIS WATER HEATER! Proper replacement elements are
available at your local retail outlet or service center. Be sure to
refer to parts illustration supplied with the heater for proper
identification of replacement elements. Care must be taken to
insure that the correct element is being used. The tank warranty
may be voided if the wrong element is used.
!
CAUTION
Before starting to remove an Element, be sure to turn the power
supply to the water heater "OFF" at the electrical distribution
panel.
A. With the power supply turned "OFF", close the shut-off valve installed in
the cold water supply pipe.
B. Open a nearby hot water faucet and KEEP OPEN.
C. Fasten a length of garden hose to the drain valve. Place the other end
of the hose at a floor drain, or other suitable location. (See FIg. 12 )
D. Open the drain valve and drain the heater until the water level in the
tank is below the element needing replacement.
!
DANGER
The water drained from the tank may be hot enough to present a
SCALD HAZARD and should be directed to a suitable drain to pre-
vent injury or damage.
E. Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
F. Remove the thermostat snap-in access panel cover. Insert finger into
latch hole on the bottom of the cover, and push up to release the latch.
Then pull forward to remove the cover and insulation. Remove the four
(4) screws securing the thermostat access panel and the two (2) ther-
mostat insulation pads, exposing the thermostat. (See Figure 14.)
Thermostat
Insulation (2)
Access Panel Cover
Cover
Insulation
Access Panel
Latch Hole
Figure 14 — Removing Access panel for replacement of element.
Maintenance
G. To expose the element for removal, lift up the hinged portion of the ther-
H. After again insuring that the electrical power is off, disconnect the two
Heating Element
Figure 15. — Typical Element Wiring
I. With wires removed from the element terminals, remove the old ele-
J. Clean the gasket sealing surfaces of the water heater prior to preparing
K. Close the water heater drain valve and completely fill tank with water.
L. Reconnect wiring to the terminals on the element (see FIgure 15).
!
WARNING
Failure to properly tighten element terminal screws can cause a
fire which can result in property damage, bodily injury or death.
M. Lower the hinged portion of the thermostat protective cover to cover the
!
WARNING
Make sure the thermostat is flush against the thermostat mounting
plate, and the protective cover is in place before replacing the insu-
Thermostat
lation pads and access cover. Failure to do so can result in proper-
Access Panel Cover
ty damage, bodily injury or death.
N. Replace the two pieces of fiberglass insulation over the thermostat and
O. Turn on the electrical power supply to bring the heater into service
12
mostat protective cover by gently pulling the lower corners up and away
from the thermostat. Be careful to avoid pulling the thermostat from its
mounting bracket, or bending the thermostat bracket.
wires from the element terminals. (See Figure 15).
ment by using a " socket wrench on the 4 hex screws.
1
/ 2
to install the element with a new gasket. Look at the elements mount-
ing flange and orient the element so that the up arrow points up (See
Figure 15) and insert it into place. Note that the elements tubes are
stepped downward and they must be installed so they are closest to the
bottom of the water heater. Insert and tighten the 4 hex screws and
washers evenly.
NOTE: Be sure the gasket sealing surface is clean. Wet the
new gasket with water to lubricate and make a good seal.
Check the element for leaks. Repairs any leaks as needed.
element and its wiring connections.
attach the thermostat access panel. Replace the single piece of insula-
tion in the thermostat access panel cover and snap it into position.
again.
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Wiring
Terminals