Rheem 71 40d elecrtic water heater not heating

It has only one electrical element. No gas.
http://www.rheem.com/product/residential-electric-water-heaters-warrior

If tankless computer is less than 5 years old, then call Rheem for local technician qualified to work on this type of computer that heats water.

If tankless is older than 5 years, then replace with tank-type electric water heater for $285 from Lowes.

Avoid Rheem, Richmond, Palmoa, GE water heating products since this company does not post service manuals.

Choose AO Smith, American, State, craftmaster, Whirlpool etc.

Gene
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If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Yes.
Ordinary electric water heater can run on any voltage from any direction (excluding volt/amp ratings below what can heat element coil).

Voltages include single-phase, split phase, and 3-phase residential/commercial voltages with either 50 or 60 Hz.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-water-heater-for-120-Volt.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-water-heater-thermostats.html#3-phase

Install line fuse.
30 amp fuse would be required to prevent wires from overheating, and eliminate fire hazard.

This information does NOT apply to energy-smart electric water heater with box on top of heater, or newer energy smart with electronics, or to hybrid water heaters, or heat pump water heaters with delicate electronic circuitry.

Why it works like this:
Ordinary electric water heater thermostats are mechanical bi-metal switches and respond to tank temperature, and are not operated by electricity.
Ordinary generic elecrtic water heater thermostats switch electricity on-off using mechanical bi-metal switch.
Heat elements are simple coil of thermal wire that gets hot when voltage is applied.
The element will get hot when power is applied.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

10-22-12
Copy following links to help identify product and download possible troubleshoot resources:

Tank-type gas
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html

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

Rheem tankless:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Troubleshoot-Rheem-Tankless-water-heater.html

Other types of water heaters include boiler, tankless electric, indirect, solar-assisted, solar, hybrid electric, heat pump, wood-burning, gas hybrid, 3-phase commercial electric.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Rheem residential electric water heaters appear on following page:
http://www.rheem.com/products/tank_water_heaters/electric_water_heaters/

New water heaters are made with heat trap nipples pre-installed so the product meets industry energy standards.
Sample Rheem manual says: 'All models equipped with heat traps.'
http://globalimageserver.com/fetchDocument.aspx?id=052c9e32-ce37-48d7-8990-9e430f23fef3

Add a comment for more free help.
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Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Here's a solution that'll blow your socks off!
Get the thing running.
Then briskly tap the pilot supply line.
Watch as the line cleanses itself.
Should be fine for a long time.

does the igniter spark!! if no its probably the igniter.

Electric water heater can be repaired by homeowner
If I understand correctly, water heater is producing no hot water.
Reset button clicks in, but still no heat.

Three initial things can be causing this:
1) No power to water heater. Test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 240V. Red and black wire are attached to these screws. Screws are marked 1 and 3. Upper thermostat is same that has reset button. If power tests 120 across screws, then breaker may be off on one leg. If no power, then start testing at breaker.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

2) Upper thermostat is bad. Replace thermostat with generic upper thermostat available at hardware store.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

3) Upper element is bad. Test and replace element using Rheem 4500 watt element available at hardware store. Image shown below. Look at label on side of tank for element wattage. Rheem puts 4500 watt elements into all their 240V electric water heaters.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

If upper element is burned out the tank will not heat any water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

Rheem 4500Watt element


Upper thermostats are generic and interchangeable:

The elements may be burnt out you can check them by an electrical light tester. There is a lower and an upper element. If the tester lights up element is good. I hope this helps, please rate if the answer was helpful. Have a great day. Jeff

electric heater I see that is noted so one of the heating elements are bad. there is two of them running vertical on each side of the tank