I have a Rheem 50 gallon electric water heater model 81VR52DT. Setup with Therm-o-Disc thermostats double element non-simultaneous operation. Problem is that lately we are running out of hot water. Both top and bottom elements have 20ohms +/- resistance (measured with a Fluke 8060a). The bottom element did not have voltage to it during testing. I don't understand why there is 'non-simultaneous' operation.
Appreciate any help.

Rheem gas water heater pilot light will not stay lit

Rheem gas water heater pilot light will not stay on

Simutaneous would draw twice as much.

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/shared/pdfs/manuals/47297A.pdf

For Water Heater Testing I like to look for Voltage and current at the element, if it has voltage and current, it is open.
What I might would do for my own, would be to take the power that feeds power to lower element and have that go to a 2 pole contactor coil, then another whole circuit feeding the contactor and out of the contactor, to the bottom element, this way both could be on without overloading. Not sure if there is an acceptable meathod to do this?

I have a heater model81v4000 l I have 2 bad elements, Ican't drain the water ! The valve won't release water how can I get it to work ?

Does the valve have to be turned upright ?

[QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155421]I have a heater model81v4000 l I have 2 bad elements, Ican't drain the water ! The valve won't release water how can I get it to work ?

Does the valve have to be turned upright to open the valve

[QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155421]I have a heater model81v4000 l I have 2 bad elements, Ican't drain the water ! The valve won't release water

[QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155427][QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155421]I have a heater model81v4000 l I have 2 bad elements, Ican't drain the water ! The valve to release the water won't open even though it turns as if to open Help please

[QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155431][QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155427][QUOTE=agoodhunter;3155421]I have a heater model81v4000 l I have 2 bad elements, Ican't drain the water ! The valve to release the water won't open even though it turns as if to open Help please a good hunter