Rheem
Electrical Short or Overcurrent
Rheem water heater trips the circuit breaker or blows fuses repeatedly
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Shorted heating element, Damaged wiring insulation, Incorrect breaker size, Faulty thermostat causing simultaneous element operation
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF the breaker and verify no voltage before opening any electrical compartments.
- Inspect wiring: Remove access panels and check for burnt wires, loose connections, or melted insulation.
- Test elements: Disconnect wires and measure resistance to ground. Any continuity from element terminal to tank indicates a shorted element that must be replaced.
- Check breaker size: Confirm the breaker and wire gauge match Rheem's nameplate amperage requirements.
- Replace damaged parts: Replace shorted elements, repair wiring, and replace thermostats if they are causing both elements to energize simultaneously on a system not designed for it.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Heating Element
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