50 gallon Rheem electric water heater and stupid son

[techiegirl]

I have a 50 gallon water heater. The water heater has been winterized, water lines shut off and electric breaker to the heater off.

The lights went off and my son freaked out and turned all the breakers that I have off to the ON position. I noticed when I went in the stove time was lit on and went to check and he turned on the electricity to the water heater. This was Oct 16 when he did it and now is Nov 3 and I shut if off. I was wondering why the electricity use was more as the water heater was attempting to fill up with no water. From my understanding, will this damage the heating element with it running with no water on and off for 18 days? I don't want to fill it up and check it that way as it is a pain to drain it again. Do you know if the water heater will be fine? I don't even know how much it would cost to replace it if it was damaged... It was a new water heater when I got the place. No one used the house where the water heater is. when shaking the unit, I do hear a bit of water still on the bottom, even tho we drained it all out before... Thanks

 

[GReynolds929]

If the water heater was drained and there was no water covering the elements when power was turned on the elements are destroyed and need replaced. I always replace the thermostats when I replace elements, but yours may not need replaced. With the water heater drained the element replacement is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to keep power of until there is water coming out of the hot side of a faucet.

 

[techiegirl]

Thank you

 

[techiegirl]

If the water heater was drained and there was no water covering the elements when power was turned on the elements are destroyed and need replaced. I always replace the thermostats when I replace elements, but yours may not need replaced. With the water heater drained the element replacement is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to keep power of until there is water coming out of the hot side of a faucet.

my friend came by and tested the two elements with a meter. He stated something like the resistance was 3. something which means they are good. Is that true, without having to fill the tank and see if it heats? That would be amazing if the two elements were good indeed. He said that if I ever needed to change them out, it's a 1 1/2 inch socket will twist them out and just put the wires back the same way as I took them off.

 

[GReynolds929]

If it's standard 4500 watt elements they should read 12.8ish ohms with the wires disconnected.

 

[techiegirl]

If it's standard 4500 watt elements they should read 12.8ish ohms with the wires disconnected.

ok he said it tested at 13 wires disconnected and it is a rheem 4500 watt. I don't know why they didn't burn out after 18 days with the power on to the water heater...

 

[Twowaxhack]

The upper element should be burnt out and the lower element should be ok with your described event above.

It wouldn’t affect your power bill.

 

[techiegirl]

The upper element should be burnt out and the lower element should be ok with your described event above.

It wouldn’t affect your power bill.

he tested both elements upper and lower with the same result. I was referring to the power being turned on to the water heater with no water in the unit...isn't that the cause of the elements burning out?

 

[Twowaxhack]

he tested both elements upper and lower with the same result. I was referring to the power being turned on to the water heater with no water in the unit...isn't that the cause of the elements burning out?

Only the top element should have burned out.

 

[techiegirl]

Only the top element should have burned out.

neither burned out

 

[Twowaxhack]

neither burned out

Then the top element was in water and that means the water heater wasn’t drained.

If someone turned on the power with the water heater drained the top element would’ve burned out. No if’s and’s or but’s about it.

 

[techiegirl]

okay, he did test both with the same result... hmmm

 

[techiegirl]

I was there when it was drained. I moved the tank and it is empty not full. I tried to drain again, nothing, realized the hot and cold water lines are shut off to the water heater.

 

[techiegirl]

I found out why the heating elements were not burned out......Amazing:

A Rheem model XE50M06ST45U1 water heater will automatically shut off when there is no water supply and no electricity because it is designed with safety features that prevent overheating; when there's no water flowing, the heating element can't effectively transfer heat, causing the unit to automatically shut down to avoid damage due to high temperatures.

 

[Twowaxhack]

I found out why the heating elements were not burned out......Amazing:

A Rheem model XE50M06ST45U1 water heater will automatically shut off when there is no water supply and no electricity because it is designed with safety features that prevent overheating; when there's no water flowing, the heating element can't effectively transfer heat, causing the unit to automatically shut down to avoid damage due to high temperatures.

Yea that’s bull crap. That water heater will not shut off, it’s a standard electric water heater. There’s nothing special about it.

 

[techiegirl]

Yea that’s bull crap. That water heater will not shut off, it’s a standard electric water heater. There’s nothing special about it.

According to Rheem the above statement is correct unless Rheem a reliable company is lyiing. That would explain why after a couple of weeks of the electricity to the heater that was turned on and no water, the heating elements are in tact. The only reason why I went further to find out, is a friend of mine told me that there was probably a auto shutoff. Then I decided to contact Rheem.

 

[Twowaxhack]

According to Rheem the above statement is correct unless Rheem a reliable company is lyiing. That would explain why after a couple of weeks of the electricity to the heater that was turned on and no water, the heating elements are in tact. The only reason why I went further to find out, is a friend of mine told me that there was probably a auto shutoff. Then I decided to contact Rheem.

If Rheem told you that then they’re simply wrong or you misunderstood.

The model number you posted is a basic Rheem water heater from Home Depot.

 

[techiegirl]

Well, I tend to believe them because the results of the incident proved itself. I did not misunderstand. I'll believe what my results were and you can believe what you would like

 

[Twowaxhack]

Well, I tend to believe them because the results of the incident proved itself. I did not misunderstand. I'll believe what my results were and you can believe what you would like

Well it’s your right to be wrong and you are definitely wrong. Don’t get that twisted.

I suggest you call back and talk to someone with some knowledge.

Nothing on that Rheem water heater will protect the elements from dry firing.

I’ve been working on these heater for 40 years and NOTHING electrical has changed on them.

 

[havasu]

Easy folks. Nobody gains by stating what they heard versus what is known.

Just conducting a Google search, I do know Rheem offers shut off valves for specific electric water heater based on the below information:

SP21199 - Automatic Shut-Off Valve · Detects water by monitoring flows in the pipe · Includes installation instructions · Prevents damage from water flooding.

I also know the Rheem Performance Platinum has an auto shut off on these units, as spoken about on this You Tube video:



Lastly, this Quora is not specific to this Rheen W/H, but it explains how the auto shut off works.

The auto-off function in water heaters is a safety feature designed to prevent overheating and potential hazards in case of a malfunction. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Thermostat Monitoring: Water heaters are equipped with thermostats that monitor the temperature of the water. If the water temperature exceeds a preset limit (usually around 180°F or 82°C), the thermostat will trigger the auto-off function.
2. Thermal Cutoff Switch: In addition to the thermostat, most water heaters have a thermal cutoff switch (also known as a high-limit switch). This switch acts as a fail-safe. If the thermostat fails to shut off the heating element and the temperature continues to rise, the thermal cutoff switch will activate and cut power to the heating element.
3. Electrical Components: In electric water heaters, this function is typically controlled by relays or contactors that disconnect power from the heating elements when the cutoff switch is activated. In gas water heaters, the gas valve will close to stop the flow of gas.
4. Reset Mechanism: After an auto-off event, the water heater may require a manual reset by the user. This often involves pressing a reset button on the unit. Some models might automatically reset once the temperature drops to a safe level.
5. Indicators and Alarms: Many modern water heaters come with indicators or alarms that alert users to a malfunction, such as an over-temperature condition. This provides an additional layer of safety and helps users take appropriate action.
6. Regular Maintenance: To ensure the auto-off function works effectively, it’s important for users to perform regular maintenance on their water heaters, including checking the thermostat settings, inspecting the thermal cutoff switch, and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup.

Overall, the auto-off feature is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring safety in the event of a malfunction.

Can others provide supporting documents as to whether this member was given good or bad information, based on facts, and not hearsay?