First of all disconnect the power at breaker panel or there should be a dedicated shut-off switch if this is a newer building. At any rate make sure its disconnected before you drain the water heater if power is on when the element is not safely submirged in water it will melt instantly. You can do this with a circuit tester after removing the access panel for the element. Turn off the water at the valve above your heater or at main and drain down below the eelement. Disconnect the wires attached to the element and remove element. This can be difficult without the right tool. The element just screws into the tank by way of a large thin nut welded around the element. You have to get a wrench or maybe channel locks or preferably a large deep socket on this nut and turn it counter-clockwise if your lucky this will work. But because the nut is so thin and in a tight area you might need to get an "element wrench" at home depot or where ever. There are different sizes measure your element first. Its basically just a deep socket made out of cheap steel with a hex outer shape so you can put it over the element nut and use a wrench or pliers.
Put your new elemeent in re-connect the wires, remember where they were connected when you take the element out.
Fill the water heater turn on power and replace cover.
I would also suggest try to tighten the existing elemnt first. If the leak is at the seal and not the element itself then the seal may be at fault and not the element.
Check your warranty, if this is less than a year old you should have unlimited warranty including labor. But I know that rheem simply does't have warranty contracts in place with repair techs in some areas.
If your warranty is unlimited (includes labor) and efective then hold them to it.
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