Use and Care Manual

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER TUNE-UP KIT
ELECTRIC THERMOSTAT INSTALLATION
1. Before servicing the water heater, DICSONNECT/TURN OFF the main electric power breaker feeding
the water heater.
CAUTION: Turn power off at the breaker or fuse panel. Failure to do so may result in
severe injury.
2. Before servicing the water heater thermostat, verify with a volt meter that voltage/power has been
disconnected to the water heater.
3. For replacement, be sure you have selected the same IDENTICAL thermostat type as on the water
heater.
PLEASE NOTE – Upper thermostats are usually not the same as the lower thermostat.
4. Disconnect the thermostat leads, preferably tag the leads before removal from the screw terminals
to eliminate incorrect wiring problems.
5. Remove and replace the thermostat from the thermostat bracket. Rewire per diagram in the Use
and Care booklet that came with the water heater or use your tagged leads.
6. Double-check to be sure your wire connections are correct and they are firm and tight.
7. Reestablish the electric power to the water heater.
8. Replace the protective cover to the thermostat.
9. Cycle test the water heater to be certain of proper operation.
ELECTRIC ELEMENT INSTALLATION
1. Be sure to use the same element flange, gasket type, wattage and voltage as on the unit being
replaced.
CAUTION: Turn power off at the breaker or fuse panel. Failure to do so may result in
severe injury.
2. Before servicing the water heater element, verify with a volt meter that voltage/power has been
disconnected to the water heater.
3. Shut off cold water supply to the heater, open nearby hot water faucet, open drain valve on water
heater, and drain water to a point below element being replaced.
4. Remove front panel(s) and fold back, or remove insulation.
5. Remove thermostat covers.
6. Disconnect wires from element (noting exact position and color).
7. Remove elements using 1-1/2” socket or screw-in type, or 3/8” socket for four bolt type.
8. Be sure surfaces of coupling flange and new element flange are clean. With new gasket in place,
reverse process of steps 4, 5, 6 and 7.
9. With hot faucet open to free trapped air, turn on cold water supply to heater and fill tank. Shut off
faucet only after getting a constant flow without air. Failure to properly fill tank can result in
element damage and failure.
10. Restore power to the water heater.
If you have questions or need assistance, please call Rheem Sales Company tech support at 1-800-432-
8373.