Rheem
Electric Water Heater

Model # 81VP20S Official Rheem electric water heater

Here are the diagrams and repair parts for Official Rheem 81VP20S electric water heater, as well as links to manuals and error code tables, if available.

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  • In the search box below, enter all or part of the part number or the part’s name.

Not all parts are shown on the diagrams—those parts are labeled NI, for “not illustrated”.

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For DIY troubleshooting advice and repair guides, visit our repair help section.

Model diagram and schematic

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Showing 2 of 2 parts  |

Anode Rod N/P

#NI

All parts diagram

Anode rod

Part #N/P

The manufacturer no longer makes this part, and there's no substitute part

Owner's Manual AP-10227

#NI

All parts diagram

Owner's manual

Part #AP-10227

The manufacturer no longer makes this part, and there's no substitute part

Most common symptoms to help you fix your water heaters

Choose a symptom to see related water heater repairs.

Main causes: lack of power, no gas supply, thermostat limit switch tripped, bad element, bad thermostat, gas valve failu…

Main causes: thermostats need adjustment, water heater capacity too low, bad heating element, thermostat failure, excess…

Main causes: loose water pipe fittings, leaky drain valve, bad temperature-pressure relief valve, leaky heating element,…

Main causes: water supply needs chlorine treatment, anode rod too reactive…

Main causes: broken heating element, thermostat failure, excessive tank sediment, tank size too small, burner valve asse…

Main causes: thermostat temperature set too high, thermostats need adjustment, faulty thermostat, shorted heating elemen…

Main causes: faulty pressure relief valve, water is overheating…

Repair guides for electric water heaters

How to replace a water heater element

How to replace a water heater element

If your water heater runs out of hot water quickly and one of the two heating elements has failed, replace the element f…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace an electric water heater thermostat

How to replace an electric water heater thermostat

If the water temperature fluctuates or you don't get enough hot water, follow these instructions to replace your water h…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a water heater temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve

How to replace a water heater temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve

Replace a broken temperature/pressure (T&P) relief valve on an electric water heater using these instructions.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your water heaters

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water heater.

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.…

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Read about some water heater repairs that you can easily do yourself.…