Replaced Parts - Not Fixed - What Next??

[FixinMyTank]

I need some help with my hot water tank. I've tried a few things to fix it, and I haven't been able to resolve it. It's a Rheem 47-gallon electric hot water tank, running 240 to it, with dual elements.

It was having great hot water for about six years, and now has run into its first issue. We usually have both elements at full, because we have a large family and use the hot water. So the water has been hot as usual, except it started not lasting long at all, and then would run out in the course of a single shower. So far, I’ve tested both elements. They test fine.

While I was going through this test, I was turning the knob to turn the temperature down on the bottom thermostat, and I turned it too far, so I ended up replacing the bottom thermostat, and at the same time replaced that element.

The only lower thermostat they had at the store was not a Rheem brand, so I don't know if that is an issue or not, but it's to the same specs as the rest of the unit. I've now also replaced the top thermostat. This is what seems to be happening.

The bottom element just never seems to be turning on. So what I have done just recently is turn the temperature down on the top element, which appears to be working fine, which does then sends 240 to the lower element, tested at the element itself. But even after an hour or so, when I open up the valve at the bottom of the tank to let out a little bit of water, the water is cold. I've run through the meter tests on all of the thermostats, all of the wires, and the lower element is new. The element is registering 240, but doesn't seem to be heating. And I think this was the same issue we were getting on the before.

The water at the bottom of the tank had been cold ever since this issue had started, so I don't know what to do.

 

[GReynolds929]

You might have a leak somewhere on the hot side of your system. Shut power off to the water heater, close the cold inlet valve, after a minute with no hot water used turn the valve back on, if water enters the tank you have a leak.

 

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[FixinMyTank]

Thank you for the advice. My line does not have a valve to close for the intake though. Would turning the water off to the house be equivalent? The house shut off is in the same room. If this is code, it passed an inspection 2 years ago.

 

[Fitter30]

All residential units work the same. Top element thermostat calls for heat when thermostat is satisfied puts power down to lower thermostat till that thermostat satisfied top thermostat gets power. Look at diagram again and compare wires to terminals. Are the watts the same on elements. After changing elements was the water turned on and air bled out of the tank? If not element could of burnt up from being in the air not water. Clamp on amp meter or ohm meter. With a ohm meter disconnect one wire on element before reading the meter. Compare the two readings.

 

[christopherdbrown]

I need some help with my hot water tank. I've tried a few things to fix it, and I haven't been able to resolve it. It's a Rheem 47-gallon electric hot water tank, running 240 to it, with dual elements.

It was having great hot water for about six years, and now has run into its first issue. We usually have both elements at full, because we have a large family and use the hot water. So the water has been hot as usual, except it started not lasting long at all, and then would run out in the course of a single shower. So far, I’ve tested both elements. They test fine.

While I was going through this test, I was turning the knob to turn the temperature down on the bottom thermostat, and I turned it too far, so I ended up replacing the bottom thermostat, and at the same time replaced that element.

The only lower thermostat they had at the store was not a Rheem brand, so I don't know if that is an issue or not, but it's to the same specs as the rest of the unit. I've now also replaced the top thermostat. This is what seems to be happening.

The bottom element just never seems to be turning on. So what I have done just recently is turn the temperature down on the top element, which appears to be working fine, which does then sends 240 to the lower element, tested at the element itself. But even after an hour or so, when I open up the valve at the bottom of the tank to let out a little bit of water, the water is cold. I've run through the meter tests on all of the thermostats, all of the wires, and the lower element is new. The element is registering 240, but doesn't seem to be heating. And I think this was the same issue we were getting on the before.

The water at the bottom of the tank had been cold ever since this issue had started, so I don't know what to do.
I am also thinking to call out the local electricien sherbrooke to get the issue sorted, but first i would like to
get your suggestions.

If the bottom element is receiving 240V but still not heating, the issue might be with the element itself or a wiring problem. Even though it's new, you should check out the element's continuity with an ohm meter to rule out a defect. Also, as Fitter30 mentioned, make sure the tank was properly filled and any air was bled out before powering on the elements, as running an element dry can damage it. Double check the wiring connections against the diagram, and ensure the wattage of the elements are the same. If everything checks out, using a clamp on amp meter can help verify that the current is actually reaching the element.