20 Most Recent Rheem 81VP6S/430126 Water Heater Questions & Answers

Air in line?? Add air vent http://waterheatertimer.org/Repair-water-heater-valve.html#air http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#noise Gene Water Heater Timers Save Money If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Might be sediment or heat traps or clogged pipes http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html#bang http://waterheatertimer.org/New-water-heater-making-noise.html Gene Water Heater Timers Save Money If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

If it is plastic I would change it out and replace it with a brass drain valve. Some may call it a boiler drain valve. Depending on condition of the valve you currently have will determine if it is repairable.
You have to drain it down to repair and it would just be as easy to replace it since you drained it.
Most hardware stores should carry this valve
Below is a link with some information about upgrading the drain on the heater to avoid problems.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Avoid-Leaks-At-The-Bottom-Of-Your-Water-Heater:-Upgrade-Your-Drain-Valve&id=267639

here is a link to look and see the part you need then ill help you find it. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hotwater.com%2Flit%2Fpartslists%2Fpsd1287.pdf&ei=0SzuUpGQO7fNsQT6jYLwDw&usg=AFQjCNGmLNSvxmXxCzZlYxXIHQlps9NgGA

my grandma had the same issue. I fixed it by installing a water filter. Good Luck

NO!! This is a warning sign. Possibly a cracked internal tank. To check, look and see if the water is comming from the sides/seams of the tank. If it is then stop using it immediately and replace the whole heater.

It could also be a leaking drain ****. If the pet-**** (its other name) is l;eaging then it is easy to replace by uncrewing it after first draining the tank. The new one will thread back in its place easily and is readily obtained at any hardware/home improvement store. As in any case, bring in the old part to find the correct replacement.

Good luck!!!!!!!

Buy generic element from hardware store:Copy following link to identify element and see installation tips.http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html80 gallon, non-simultaneous electric heaters usually have 4500 watt elementsAvoid promotion of 'lifetime' or 'resistorized' or 'all copper' elements as a waste of your money, ... but might be beneficial by adding surge to the economy. If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

They don't need to be replaced until you have a problem with it leaking or an element burns out. You can replace the element yourself if your handy. So you won't have to replace unless you have it leaking.

First turn off power to water heater. Next cut off cold water supply coming to water heater that fills it. Once power and water is shut off connect a water hose to bottom of water heater and prepare to drain it. open the hot side of a faucet to break the vaccum to allow for draining to happen.
Darin all water out and disconnect it from water lines and replace with a new one/

No.
Water should not leak out of water heater.
Water should only come out of the TP valve and down the overflow pipe if water is too hot, or if TP valve is bad, or if you have stacking condition.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-TP-valve.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Stacking.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

Anode rods are generic and available from local plumbing supply store or internet.
Just cut it off so it drops into the tank without touching the bottom or sediment on the bottom.
If there is not enough room above the tank to install new rod, then buy anode rod with sausage links.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Open following link for Rheem parts: page 7 shows anode rods
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-parts-list.pdf

Make sure you have power to unit. Check the breaker in your breaker panel and look around unit for a timer or disconnect that may be having problems. I don't know if you are electrically inclined so if you are scared to take off front panel, don't do so. If you believe your breakers and/or any disconnects etc., are on and working, you can remove the screws holding the inspection panel on and press the reset button on the thermostat. There may be insulation covering the thermostat. The thermostat should have a plastic cover on it shielding the live wires while making it possible to press the reset switch. Again, if you are electrically inclined, you can check for power at the thermostat. These are the simple things you can check. If you reset the button, within about 3 to 5 minutes, you should here noise from inside the unit if it is working.

It would have been helpful to have your model number. Try looking here:

http://www.rheem.com.au/manuals.asp?view=commercial

You posted under Rheem 81VP which is 6 gallon point of use electric water heater.
3 things can cause problems: Power going to water heater, thermostat with reset button, and 1500watt element.
Check that 120Volf circuit breaker is not tripped.
Open cover on side of tank and push in red reset button.

If reset button is not tripped out or will not reset, and water heater has power, then replace thermostat is best start point.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

Also test element, since elements burn out:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

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.