Can i replace 4500watt elements with 5500watt on a 606 model

nope the 606 is gas and dont use elements

No I would not do that.

Tank is fully repairable by homeowner using generic parts from hardware
Replace thermostats, test elements
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-gas-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

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

Gene

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

Electric heater?
Replace thermostats... if problems continues, replace elements
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

Gene

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

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

Use 4500 or lower wattage
Any generic brand will work

Gene

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

Bad thermostat
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

If problem continues, replace elements
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

Gene

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

If it was working and recently stopped working, the heating element that heats the water probably went bad, no longer functioning. Check to make sure that there is or is not a reset button, and if there is, press and reset the heater. It's not difficult to remove the old heater element and replace it, but make sure the circuit breaker power to the water heater is off when you remove it. Take it to a water heating supply store, or large hardware store with the Brand and model number of your water heater (Reliance RELIANCE ELECTRIC WATER HEATER,model 606 ) to buy another one.

Reliance is AO Smith company
http://www.aosmith.com/OperatingUnits/Detail.aspx?id=138&ekmensel=c580fa7b_12_0_138_3

Age of water heater is on serial number located on label on side of tank. First digit is letter, next two digits are the year. So C04 is 2004. Label also shows wattage of elements inside tank.

606 water heater at Reliance
http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/prod/e-606.html

PDF spec sheet below shows your tank takes 4500 watt element.
I buy ordinary screw-in type 4500 watt elements for $20 at Lowes, I can't remember price exactly because they're inexpensive.
http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/lit/spec/electric/R606E0510.pdf

Typical 606 manual:
http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/lit/om/manuals/185761-000.pdf
Shows element and cleaning/replacement page 20.
We know your lower element is burned out because plumber checked and said problem is element.
We know upper element is working because you have some hot water.
If upper element is bad, then tank has no hot water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

Photo from manual shows typical element that I buy at Lowes or hardware store:
Manual does not mention special element required.
Your element burned out probably because sediment is built up inside tank, and not because stock elements are inferior.
Is your electrician/plumber also going to clean sediment out of tank?
Changing element and cleaning sediment will restore full efficiency to your tank.


Here are step-by-step images that show do-it-yourself, so you can see if this is correct project for you:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html
Page shows how to drain tank, replace element, and has links to troubleshooting if you want to test parts and learn more about your water heater.
Also see:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Lower element can be burned out and still read 230V across screws

1) We know thermostats are working because elements test 230V.
2) We know upper element is working because tank has some hot water.
If upper element is burned out, tank will have no hot water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

3) Here's how to test lower element:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

4)Here's how to replace element
Rheem element is 4500Watt bolt-in type
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html

5) Rheem manual says: Heaters furnished with standard 240 volt AC, single phase non-simultaneous wiring, and 4500 watt upper and lower heating elements.
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-spec-sheet.pdf

Rheem 4500Watt element

I would check with your owners manual to see what they reccomend for minimum breaker size. I don't remember on this particular model but it may be a single element instead of dual element. The single element usually use more power than dual. I would also check thermostat settings if this is a dual element. They should never be set at same temperature. Also if it continues to trip breaker I would check all wiring,then replace breaker. Sometimes they do wear out and trip when they really shoul not. Hope this helps. Thanks