Rheem SP10869MM Screw-In 240-volt by 4500-watt Element, Premium Resistored Stainless Steel

Exactly as described

Installed on a 19 year old electric A.O Smith 50 gallon(tall). I was kind of apprehensive on not using OEM coils, but these were a huge step up. Turns out, the previous owner of my house had put in some extra cheap and undersized elements that were rated for a tank that’s half the size. Here’s some basic tips aside from normal procedure: When removing the elements, assuming you are using these Rheems, or anything alike, forget the flimsy element wrench. Get a 1- 1/2 inch (one and a half inch) socket. Attach it to a breaker bar and a extension. Sounds like over kill but it was absolutely needed. Wouldn’t budge when just using my large socket wrench. When installing the new elements, coat the seal that comes with each element with a light coat of dawn dish soap. This will prevent the seal from getting torn when you tighten them. Just a note, I didn’t use my breaker bar to tighten. I used my large socket wrench for that. And here’s my biggest tip. Assuming you drained the tank(like you should…some people actually yank the elements with water I’m still in the tank, and try to change elements as quickly as possible. You might save a few minutes but you created a huge mess and probably cross threaded your element from rushing) Back to that big tip…when the element are installed and you start to fill up the tank, go crack open your HOT water on as many faucets throughout your house. Do not flip on the breaker to give it power yet!! You’ll notice tons of air coming through your faucets. When it is a steady stream coming out of all of them, you’re good to go. Then flip on the breaker. Just wanted to mention, I had hot water within 40 minutes after installing. Pretty impressive Hope this helps.

Nice replacement part. Kept me from having to replace the entire water heater.

Working great so far...highly recommend you drain your caustic reservoir between uses and rinse it off for maximum life. I would have no reservations using this in a hot water heater.

Prefect replacement part