I have a Hot Water Heater Model #GE40M06AAG. We have had it a little over a year and a couple of times a week we run out of hot water. We arent over using it. The breaker hasnt tripped. We hit the reset button and sometimes that works and we get more hot water. It is an intermitant problem. Any suggestions??

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.
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SOURCE: installed new rheem 40 gal

did you turn the power on BEFORE you filled it with water???

this is a pretty common mistake. you will need to check the upper element to make sure its working.
most water heaters have an upper and lower themostat. the upper thermostat is the one we need to check.

use your volt meter...

turn the power off, test with your volt meter to make sure! remove one wire from the element, not the thermostat, and check resistance on the element. if no resistance, you burned the element, and will need to replace it.
replace with same wattage, usually 4500watts. it will be written on the element.
also, I like to push the reset button on the thermostat to make sure it wasn't tripped.

SOURCE: THE INSTA HOT HEATER KEEPS TRIPPING THE BREAKER?

Hire an electrician.  The breaker needs to be replaced or the wiring in your house is not able to handle it.  I believe most need 2-30amp breakers.

SOURCE: My hot water will not get hot at all. Model

Your upper thermostat on the hot water tank may be shorting out causing your breaker to trip. Remove the outer panel door on the side of the hot water tank and test for power going to the elements. Also check for water as the tank may be leaking and causing the short