I want to buy a new energy star 50 gal. gas tank hot water heater that will be trouble free (not like the PROMAX GVC) can you give me some suggestions on makes and models that are reliable, energy friendly and not over priced or alternatively ones to avoid? I am replacing an old "State" 50 gal gas power vent water heater.Thanks in advance! Chris

You need to change the elements out

http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/promax_lo-nox-power-vent.pdf

http://www.hotwater.com/resources/product-literature/service-handbooks/

Residential power vent water heater

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

Gene

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

Is this gas or electric:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#new
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Add a comment with more information.

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

21dv50 is discontinued. This is ordinary tank-type 50 gallon gas water heater.
Amazon sells 50 gallon 22V50F1 Rheem water heater for $420 with free shipping ... but who carries the warranty?

Frankly you can get in-store returns, and buy same quality gas water heater at local box store since Rheem makes GE water heaters at home Depot.
Other brands are equally good, as AO Smith makes Kenmore water heaters at Sears and Whirlpool at Lowes.

I prefer the AO Smith because maintenance is easier.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

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

Gas leak is dangerous.
Call gas company immediately

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

You want to know if this heater has Energy Star label.
I don't know.
Call Whirlpool 1-877-817-6750

Energy Star is a label that means nothing to you.
Manufacturers use energy-star label to promote a product as a money-saver.
They can put an Energy Star label on a giant 10,000 square foot house, and you know that cannot be the truth that a large house saves energy vrs a smaller house.

Energy factor, (energy factor/ not energy star) on the other hand, is a comparison measure how efficient the water heater uses energy to heat a gallon of water, when water heater is absolutely new.
EE3J50RD045V has energy factor of .59, which is completely typical and ordinary for electric water heaters.

The EE3j 50 gallon is an ordinary electric water heater, with ordinary average .59 energy factor rating, so electricity to operate this water heater is same as any other typical 50 gallon electric water heater: it will cost $35-45 a month depending on incoming water temperature, hot water use, thermostatic setting, electricity pricing, and whether you operate heater at peak pricing, etc.
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-much-does-it-cost-to-run-water-heater.html

The most important measure of water heater cost does not have anything to do with Energy-star or energy-factor.
The most important measure is total cost of owning and operating the water heater.
So if you spend $100 more to purchase electric water heater with slightly higher energy factor, then it will not pay you back. The difference will be $2 to $4 per year.
All costs are energy.
The total cost of operating water heater includes purchase price, installation cost, cost of repairs, cost of parts, whether you can fix it yourself, expected life of water heater, and replacement cost.
Every water heater has expected lifespan, and will not have resale value except current price of scrap.

Electric water heaters cost more to operate per month than same-size gas water heater.
Gas water heater might cost less over the life of water heater, but gas water heaters are increasingly expensive to repair, and increasingly more complicated, and cost more up-front to buy.

Electric water heaters cost less to buy, are easy to install yourself, are fully repairable by homeowner using generic off-the-shelf parts, and can be made to last many years by keeping tank clean and replacing anode rod every 2 years.
You can make ordinary 6-year electric water heater from box store last almost indefinitely.
Avoid electric water water heater that has electronic controls.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Hi,

The next thing you need to do is find out whether you have 240v to the bottom element....the top will not heat till the bottom is satisfied...
An electric meter is critical when working with these units....trace the power and see where it stops....

here also are some tips that will help you...

Electric Water Heater Wiring Diagram
Electric Water Heater not Working
heatman101

That is normal, the heat just rises from the hot water, the pipe on the right should be cold and if you were to run hot water anywhere in the house it will immediately cool of the cold inlet pipe and you can feel it

If you are reffering to the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water tank. It may be leaking due to the O ring being cracked or worn out. You can either drain the tank and replace the valve or you can buy a hosebib brass cap and thread it on the existing valve. There is no cause for alarm when doing this as this valve is just to drain the tank when replacing your hot water heater

On the back of the gas valve (where you turn the temp up) there is a stem that actually goes into the tank that senses the temprature of the water it could be dirty or buried in sediment depending on how old the tank is, or just bad. if the tank is over 10 years old i wouldn't bother replacing the gas valve, the tank is probably not far behind. A new valve will run around $100.00 maybe a little less. You wont find it at menards or home depot in stock but they may be able to order it for you. Menards sells rheem products or try you local plumbing supply house. REMEMBER TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON THE TANK BEFORE YOU WORK ON IT. IF YOU CHANGE THE VALVE DRAIN IT FIRST!