Problems with GE Hot Water Heater

A GE water heater( 30 gallon) manufactured by Rheem was installed.

It was powered "on" before it was fully filled.
It made hot water the first day, the second day I had to press "reset" button.

today, third day still no hot water, pressed "reset" button and the thing blew the breaker with sparks shooting out of top access panel.

Could the heating elements or thermostats have been damaged due to being powered and not having the tank fully filled.?

If so, can I purchase a "plumbers pack" from Home Depot( includes upper and lower thermostat and two heating elements ) and replace all.


Thanks in advance to any and all who provide assistance.

Well, guess you've learned, turning a WH on before it is filled is a sure way to ruin the thing...yes, replacing the elements and thermostats replaces all active parts in the tank. If you're lucky, it tripped before it compromised the tank wall.

GE Water heater

Being as the top access panel is where I had the spark, can I assume the top element and thermostat are the only things that need to be replaced?

Maybe... Maybe not!

At this point the water heater needs to be troubleshot to determine the true extent of the damage the has occurred to the components and wiring of the water heater, to determine what components are needed, or if complete replacement is needed.

replace it all

just do it all.....
why try to save your pride at this point??

you have already admitted that you "screwed the pooch",

so just do a clean sweep or you will be

chaseing ghosts throughout the unit until
'
you finally give up

heater

The upper element is definitely shot, but whether anything else is or not is indefinite until it has been tested. I only replace what is broken.

HJ, replaced what was broken

As is the case with most of the posts I do here, I tend to inherit the problems after a staff member has screwed-up.

After some questioning of the individuals involved I was able to learn that the power was turned after the tank had begun to be filled.

I did check the lower element and thermostat - they were good. I had to replace only the upper element and thermostat.

Thanks to all who provided their insight to assist me to resolve this issue.