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Author:
Jdawest1 (TX)
This is my first post so I’ll try to get all the info in here I can.
I have a 40 gallon electric water heater, it’s a Rheem. It’s been running continuously and I figured it out because of my 900 dollar water bill. So I pulled off the top thermostat and replaced it. It’s the long thermostat like 3 inches. My bottom part that the wires go to doesn’t have a temp fail so I assume that’s not a thermostat.
Anyway, after putting on the new one I tested voltage and have 120 and 120 ok top element and same on bottom.
Let it run for about 7 hours and remembered that I should check it to make sure it’s off.
Tested it and still has same voltage. Sooo I turned it down from 125f to 90f thinking that would turn it off, nope same voltage reading. The pressure relief valve on top is not connected to the pvc pipe and that’s gonna be my fault from when I changed out the heater in 2014.
So I’m lost, did I get a bad thermostat? Also I blocked in the water valve to it for about 30 minutes with the temp reduced to 90 and same thing, 240 on each element. The outgoing side on the copper pipe is a little warm, maybe like 80-90 I mean not hot al all so I don’t think it’s passing water through it or if that is even possible lol.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know you folks are busy so thanks in advance.
Don
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
plumber/electrician YESTERDAY
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Author:
packy (MA)
a very high water bill means there is a leak somewhere. replacing the t-stat doesn't help. it is doing it's job trying to keep the water hot.
find and fix the leak and all should be well..
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Author:
Jdawest1 (TX)
Thanks Packy. I’ll look into how to check and see if it is leaking by. I know I had not used the hot water for about 7 hours before I tested it and I did notice the out going pipe from the water heater was warm so maybe it’s leaking by I guess.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
it is NOT 'leaking by'
somewhere in your hot water piping there is a leak
turn every fixture including the ice maker off and look at the 'leak detector indicator dial' on the water meter
DO NOT VALVE OFF THE HEATER, we are LOOKING for a leak, not trying to stop it at this point
it will be a 'small' pyramid, star, triangle which spins when ANY water is used
if this dial is turning AT ALL with no water being used at ANY fixture then you HAVE A LEAK
ASCERTAINING that a leak exists is EASY.
?FINDING IT NOT SO MUCH!!
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Author:
Jdawest1 (TX)
Ahhh ok. Perfect I’ll try that and post back what I find out.
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