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bill jemin Posted on Jan 02, 2013
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Same sears 66 gallon water heater keeps resetting button after replacing both upper and lower theremostats and elements

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Gene Haynes

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  • Water Heaters Master 5,391 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 03, 2013
Gene Haynes
Water Heaters Master
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1) Live answer Jan 2013.
Read why ECO trips and scroll down and read ECO keeps tripping:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#ECO
Check that thermostats are sitting flat against tank.
Look and smell for signs of burning.
Check watt rating printed on end of new element matches watt rating that shows on label on side of tank
Make sure factory-installed installed insulation is put back over thermostat and element to avoid cool room temps from affecting thermostat.
Test wires.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-wires.html
Make sure tank is wired correctly.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/WH-w-combined2-1000.jpg

2) Add comment and say what you discover

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

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 332 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 27, 2009

SOURCE: I have a electric whirlpool 50 gal. energy saver

the thermostat should be replaced it only has one on the upper eloement, it has the dial on it to set the temp, but if it is only 3 months old it comes with a 1 year parts 6 year tank warranty, if you call whirlpool and tell them about this problem they will have there own teck or sub contractor that they use to come out and fix it for free,,, first go to there web site and put in your serial number and it will tell you how old the unit is, sometimes they sit for a while and are actually out of warranty before it is installed,, also did you install it your self?? if you did di you fill it with water all the way till the water came out of the hot side on your faucet full force before turning on the electric,, if not you have fried the whole unit, you will need to replace both elements and the thermostat, the elements must be completely submerged in water before they have the power turned on,,,

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Anonymous

  • 61 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 19, 2009

SOURCE: warm water only

You can eliminate the shower control knob possibility by turning on your hot water anywhere else in the house. If you get hot water in other places, then it could be the knob causing it. A substantial lime buildup in the tank can also cause poor heat transfer from the elements to the water.

A

Anonymous

  • Posted on Jan 17, 2011

SOURCE: Hello, I have a Rheem 81V52D 50 gal. residential

It's probably bad upper or lower thermostat.
BUT... new element could also be shorted.
OR ... original tank is rated 1500 watt elements look at label on side of tank.
I always replace both thermostats to save time.
Lower thermostat costs $10 at Lowes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

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

A

Anonymous

  • Posted on Jan 25, 2011

SOURCE: enough hot water for 1 bath. Replaced upper and

You have 240Volt Marathon water heater.
These heaters have element burn-out problems.
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

Yes sediment can cause decreased amount of hot water when water cannot circulate around lower element, and sediment can cause lower element to burn out.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html

Following list is overview of tank troubleshoot:

If you have some hot water, then that says several things:
-Upper element is working.
-Electricity from circuit breaker to upper thermostat is good.
-ECO reset button is not tripped.
-You do not have overheating event.
-Access doors and insulation are in place and thermostat not exposed to cool temperature that causes overheating.

That leaves following suspects:
1) Check if TP valve is stuck open, or pipe cracked, or faucet leaking and running hot water down a drain.

2) Upper or lower thermostat is bad.

3) Lower element is bad -and- maybe tank has built-up sediment
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html

4) Loose wire. Open covers and inspect. Tighten screws very tight against copper wire.

5) Bad wire between upper and lower sections of tank.

6) Do complete 30 minute troubleshoot before replacing any parts.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, fixya expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
We are always less expensive than a service call.

A

Anonymous

  • Posted on Mar 26, 2011

SOURCE: I have a GE hot water heater, SE40M12AA01, dual

1) You posted under Rheem-GE electric water heater.
If upper element is burned out, then water heater will not heat any water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

2) Replace upper element:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

3) Open following link for complete troubleshoot:
This troubleshoot assumes you have standard thermostats and elements.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

4) Manuals and links. I do not see 'smart lights' in the manual.
http://products.geappliances.com/ApplProducts/html/GEAResults.htm#Category=Standard_Water_Heaters
Troubleshooting starts page 15.
http://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=AP12168-7%20%28GE%20Elec%29.pdf

5) Add a comment with your experience so other with same-similar problem can benefit.

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.

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Just re[placed the upper and lower element on our hot water heater. That was three hours ago. the water is still cold.

Push in reset button located on upper thermostat.
Push circuit breaker fully off and then fully on.
Make sure tank is filled with water before turning power ON or elements will burn out
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#new

Gene

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

0helpful
1answer

Where can I find reset button and is there only one reset button

http://www.marathonheaters.com/useandcareguide.pdf Upper thermostat has only reset button.
0helpful
1answer

Electric wh high temp shut off button keeps resetting

Water heater has upper and lower elements. Only one t-stat. Check to see where tstat is set to. Turn down to lowest level. If breaker still resets then replace tstat. It is letting the water get to hot no matter what setting it's on. So water is getting so hot that it trips breaker.
0helpful
1answer

Reliant 40 gallon tall electric water heater replaced both thermostats upper and lower elements flushed tank hot water very hot temp turned down lowest possible keeps tripping reset button what else could...

Problem has to be bad element or bad thermostat.

Test elements for short to ground through metal tank wall:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

Make sure factory-installed insulation and cover are re-installed over new thermostats so they do not misread tank temperature.
If problem does not show with elements, then replace thermostats again.

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

0helpful
1answer

Limited hot water from 62 gal ge model D03666 looking for type and how to replace heating elements

Open following links to get started.
If water heater has NO hot water, then best suspect is ECO reset button tripped on upper thermostat. Open upper cover and push in red reset button. If reset keeps tripping, I usually replace both upper and lower thermostat.

If water heater has some hot water, then upper element is good so test lower element.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more help

Upvote the help.
And 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.
0helpful
1answer

Not getting enough hot water

You posted under Rheem 40 gallon tank-type electric water heater.

You have some hot water so that says specific things:
-Upper element is working.
-Electricity to water heater and circuit breaker are good
-You don't report a leak so TP valve is good
-You are not experiencing overheating event
-ECO reset button is not tripped
-Insulation and covers are in place so thermostat not exposed to cooler temperatures that would cause thermostat to misread temperature and cause overheating.

That leaves 6 suspects listed in order of difficulty:
1) Leaking faucet or broken water line that is running hot water all the time and tank cannot keep up.

2) Thermostats set too low. Turn power OFF, open covers and check each thermostat.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html

3) Loose screw, loose wire at upper thermostat, lower thermostat, or lower element. Turn power OFF and tighten screws, and look for signs of high heat and burning, especially on lower element.

4) Upper or lower thermostat. Replace both thermostats for $28 and see if that corrects problem.
Parts available at home center, hardware, or plumbing supply
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

5) Defective wire between upper and lower sections of tank: If this is the case, and water heater has 2" foam insulation, then tank usually replaced since insulation is too dense to drop another wire. Call for manufacturer for warranty information. Do a full troubleshoot using multimeter.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-manufacturers.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

6) Lower element is burned out. Test lower element. Replace lower element. Rheem elements are 4500 Watts and are available at home center, hardware, or plumbing supply
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-element-and-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.
3helpful
1answer

The reset button has popped more then once.

You have electric water heater.
Electric water heaters are fully repairable by homeowner.

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

Age of Reliance water heater is shown on serial number located on side of tank:
first digit is letter. Next two digits are numbers: for example C06 means 2006.
Serial number also shows model number & wattage of elements in case you need new element from hardware store.

ECO reset button trips when upper thermostat senses temperatures higher than 150 to 180 degrees.
When ECO energy cut off trips, it turns off power at the reset button, so the tank does not continue overheating.
Tripping reset button says tank is receiving electricity, so we can eliminate that suspect.

There are 4 reasons why ECO will trip.
1) Bad upper or lower thermostat: solution replace both thermostats for about 25$. Steps shown in link below.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html
2) Loose wire or shorted wire at or near upper thermostat: Open covers on water heater and inspect parts for signs of high heat and burning.
3) Bad element shorted to ground in center of element: Solution test elements and replace defective element.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html
4) Factory-installed insulation and cover has been removed from tank: thermostat exposed to cooler temperatures, and misreads tank temperature, and then elements keep heating water.

If you want to test all the parts before replacing anything:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-water-heater.html


Thermostats are generic, and each functions same way and each can replace the other.
Same is true for both upper and lower thermostats
geno_3245_184.jpg
0helpful
1answer

Replaced both lower and top elements and upper thermostat still no hot water. proper elec. going to unit.what could it be?

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.
1helpful
2answers

Rheem 83xr52-2 50 gal residential water heater. Water temp was low. I cut power at electric panel, removed upper panel on water heater, turned up thermostat, replaced panel and switched power back on at...

You can open the top up again. I would not turn the temp higher than 130 degrees, maximum. However, there should be above the thermostat a red button. This is where the power wires connect to the thermostats and heating elements. Sometimes this button needs to be reset, press it and discern if you hear a click sound. This means that the high temperature safety switch has tripped open and you had to manually "reset" it. There are two thermostats by the way. The water heater usually works this way. There are two thermostats and two heaters. The upper tank heater turns on first and it heats the top half of the tank. Then when the thermostat above is satisfied it then allows the bottom heater to come on and heat the bottom half of the tank. You might want to set the bottom heater thermostat as well. This is made this way because it is actually faster and more efficient to heat the top half first and the bottom half secondly. Try this first with the reset button. We could check voltages, but that requires a level of knowledge and safety that I am not sure that you are comfortable with. Pictures of the upper and lower thermostats and connections will help if the "reset" does not do the trick. By the way, not meaning or implying anything, but did you move the thermostat in the right direction? Sometimes the dials can be confusing.
1helpful
1answer

Red reset button keeps kicking out, i reset button and works fine for a day or two then kicks out again

The reset button kicks out because the thermostat detects overheating.
Anything over 150 degrees, the reset kicks out.

This is caused by 4 things.
1) Bad upper or lower thermostat. Thermostat sticking in 'on' position and elements overheating water.
2) Factory-installed insulation and cover are removed
3) Bad element shorted to ground at center of element, and element continues heating with 120V through the ground wire.
4) Loose wire near upper thermostat, that is shorting and causing heat.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

Solution:
Check for missing insulation.
Check for loose and burned wires.
Replace both upper and lower thermostat.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

If problems continue, test water heater elements and replace bad element.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

If you need more help, add a comment and I will respond.
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