50 gallon Rheem Performance Platinum electric water heater review *Watch Updated Review*

#Rheem #WaterHeater #DIYWaterHeater #Gladiator
Replaced my 16 year old Rheem with this new 50 gallon Rheem in under 2 hours.
***UPDATE***
Although this was a relatively easy DIY install, I encourage you to watch my updated review (published on 12/31/21). This particular water heater lasted less than 7 months. The "smart" circuit board failed and Rheem authorized a full replacement.
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[@outofspecboating6985]

Sounds like you got Rheemed with the Wi-Fi edition and went back to standard 50 gallon unit.

[@toddcastle3926]

I just installed one of these for a friend of mine and a basic install would be easy but I had add a cold water line for a geothermal system which made everything too tight space with emergency leak detection unit on top! I had to change the geothermal intersection point to the original installation. The older units didn’t have the box on top and that’s what created my problem… live and learn.

[@allamericandiy1310]

I definitely would’ve gotten the base model rheem, but I had a gift card so I that’s the only reason for the upgrade. I really wanted the new hybrid water heater but it’s too tall. I would’ve had to extend my copper pipes (which wouldn’t have been s big deal). But, I was going for a simple installation and I wanted to give these shark bites a chance. Water heater is working great still!

[@jodiesykes6088]

Recently had one installed so far so good it is holding up well have to learn how to clear the solid red error code but other then that performance is excellent. Fingers crossed that it holds up like my last Rheem for 12yrs.

[@marcuswelby921]

Just curious were you ever able to clear the solid red error code called Service Needed LED? What did you do exactly???

[@shorty1103]

Im concerned about the dry fire issue. Had a repairman come and he already installed back on the electrical part before the water filled up the tank on this gladiator model. I have an expansion tank that connects to the heater as well.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Hopefully he didn’t turn the breaker on prior to the tank filling up……those elements can be damaged if they’re not submerged in water

[@marcuswelby921]

Great installation explanation. I wish you went in depth in regards to the wi fi and digital aspect of the unit.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Thank you! What I will say about the Wi-Fi feature on the gladiator water heater, is that it worked very well. I have fiber optic Internet lines so we had a very good signal to begin with. The mobile app was also very convenient in that you could adjust your water temperature and monitor any issues should they occur with the unit. There was even a vacation mode setting that you could activate via the app. On paper, this water heater was a great idea. The issue I ran into, was the failure of the circuit board behind the control center on the unit. When that circuit board failed, I was immediately alerted on my phone through the app. What I learned was that the failure of the circuit board resulted in the unit not fluctuating between the elements. If it was working properly, the unit would automatically switch between the top and bottom elements to evenly heat the 50 gallons of water. When my circuit board failed, my top element remained in a constant on. That resulted in my water temperature rising to over 150°. In my situation, I really didn’t need a smart Wi-Fi water heater. I just purchased it because I had a gift card and it didn’t cost me anything to upgrade from the basic model. Definitely regretted it though. The risk definitely outweighed the reward.

[@kenfett7070]

Edit, this video is fantastic.

[@kenfett7070]

C'mon man a bobber on your fishing pole. Lol, sorry big fisherman here. Other than that, very well done video.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Haha! I don’t use those things. They’ve been sitting in my garage for a while. South FL has some of the best fishing though! Inshore and offshore. Peacock bass are hitting hard right now.

[@TH-yy9dp]

Thx, for your video. My older one didn't have expansion valve , is it a must to use expansion valve .

[@allamericandiy1310]

Check the code in the area that you live in. My old unit, which was the original unit of the house, also did not have an expansion tank as I had a relief valve already installed on my main water line during the house build. However, my water heater is quite a distance away from that valve so it was recommended to me to add an expansion tank on the unit itself. It want required, just recommended.

[@pmerritt4456]

Nice install except for I'd recommend using 3/4" copper or iron pipe for what YOU referred to an overflow, which is actually the Pressure/temperature RELIEF VALVE. It must NOT be reduced in size from the outlet....meaning 3/4 ID tubing (not OD tubing) must be used, because of the BTU RELIEF RATING /POTENTIAL of the appliance must not be reduced.....just sayin'

[@adrianerwin9575]

What do I do if the heater is not causing the water to get hot and the service signal light comes on?

[@allamericandiy1310]

Call Rheem warranty. I’m putting up an updated review this morning. I had a similar issue. Rheem just replaced mine.