---
product_id: 256956181
title: "Rheem SP10869KL Screw-In 240-volt/3500-watt Element, Premium Resistored Stainless Steel"
brand: "rheem"
price: "$108"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Rheem"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/256956181-rheem-sp10869kl-screw-in-240-volt-3500-watt-element-premium
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# 3500W high power output Threaded 1-9/32 in. NPSM mount Premium resistored stainless steel Rheem SP10869KL Screw-In 240-volt/3500-watt Element, Premium Resistored Stainless Steel

**Brand:** rheem
**Price:** $108
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ⚡ Power your comfort with precision-engineered heat!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Rheem SP10869KL Screw-In 240-volt/3500-watt Element, Premium Resistored Stainless Steel by rheem
- **How much does it cost?** $108 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/256956181-rheem-sp10869kl-screw-in-240-volt-3500-watt-element-premium)

## Best For

- rheem enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted rheem brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Powerhouse Performance:** Delivers a robust 3500 watts at 240V for rapid heating efficiency.
- • **Precision Threaded Fit:** Engineered with a 1-9/32 inch NPSM threaded mount for secure, leak-proof installation.
- • **Low Watt Density Advantage:** 55 W/sq. in. at 208V and 73 W/sq. in. at 240V minimizes overheating and scaling.
- • **Durable Stainless Steel Build:** Premium resistored stainless steel resists corrosion, extending element lifespan.
- • **Rheem-Recommended Reliability:** Optimized for Rheem water heaters ensuring peak performance and warranty compliance.

## Overview

The Rheem SP10869KL is a premium 240V, 3500W resistored stainless steel water heater element featuring a threaded 1-9/32 inch NPSM mount. Designed for low watt density to reduce scaling and overheating, it ensures durable, efficient heating tailored for Rheem water heaters, backed by a 4.5-star rating from professionals seeking reliable, long-lasting performance.

## Description

Rheem is a leading provider of gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, air handlers, indoor air quality products, gas and electric water heaters.

Review: I use this type of heating element in home grown fermentation system and low watt density plus stainless steel construction is utmost importance. This unit is BY FAR the best I’ve found on desertcart for low watt density and quality at a decent price. For my specific needs I don’t care about the resistor feature but most people are not aware that water heaters fail typically because of lack of inexpensive maintenance of the cathodic protection system so if Rheem requires a resistor as part of their protection system it makes sense to buy this unit though certainly non-resistored elements will function. Performance is as advertised (see photo) but I’m running slightly over 240v so getting more than the rated wattage at 3,640 watts and 14.8 amps. My application isn’t for an OEM water heater but I’ll just say my only problem with this element was that the provided gasket is pretty soft and it took some finesse to get it to seal properly in my admittedly non-standard application. Seal is no different than used in some other brands I’ve tried so likely fine when used in an actual Rheem water heater.
Review: So far so good It’s been Three months

## Features

- For best results, use only Rheem replacement parts for repairing your Rheem Water Heater
- Watt Density Classification: LWD, Input Voltage (V): 208, Input Voltage (V): 240, Wattage at 208V (W): 2630
- Watt Density at 208V (W/sq. in.): 55, Wattage at 240V (W): 3500, Watt Density at 240V (W/sq. in. ): 73, Cold Resistance (ohms): 16.50
- Element Diameter (in.): .316, Element Length - Flange to Tip (in.): 13.44, Mounting Type: Threaded, Actual Thread Size - Outside Diameter(in.): 1-9/32
- Thread Type Series Designation: NPSM, Configuration: Fold back, Nominal Thread Size - (in.): 1, Threads per Inch: 11-1/2

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B009AX2TGQ |
| Brand | Rheem |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (135) |
| Date First Available | 18 June 2014 |
| Item Weight | 0.28 g |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Model Number | SP10869KL |
| Power / Wattage | 3500 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 38.1 x 15.24 x 7.62 cm; 0.28 g |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Rheem
- **Item weight:** 0.01 Ounces
- **Material:** Stainless Steel
- **Voltage:** 240 Volts
- **Wattage:** 3500 watts

## Images

![Rheem SP10869KL Screw-In 240-volt/3500-watt Element, Premium Resistored Stainless Steel - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/6158rZpg5zL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: What is the length of the element**
A: You should check the product information on the Amazon page.  They describe the exact dimensions for the various elements under the Technical Details section.

**Q: I have a rheem 40 gal electric water heater, model 71-40s lower 3500/2630. will this item work?**
A: 3500 Watts is what it's rated for.  So, yes it should work.

**Q: Will this fit model DT.  D?  50 gal.  4500/3380**
A: This a 3500 watt 1" screw in element. If you have been using a 4500 watt element you will see a drop in performance. The 3380 number you reference is the wattage at 208 volts. Check  your breaker for the water heater an what amp size the breaker is. Should be 30 amp for the 4500 watt elements. That should be ok for the 3500 watt element, just less performance. I don't think it would be more efficient, just slower heating the water to set temp.

**Q: Does it come with the gasket/ o ring?**
A: Yes. It comes with a rubber o-ring.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by D***C on 31 August 2023*

I use this type of heating element in home grown fermentation system and low watt density plus stainless steel construction is utmost importance. This unit is BY FAR the best I’ve found on Amazon for low watt density and quality at a decent price. For my specific needs I don’t care about the resistor feature but most people are not aware that water heaters fail typically because of lack of inexpensive maintenance of the cathodic protection system so if Rheem requires a resistor as part of their protection system it makes sense to buy this unit though certainly non-resistored elements will function. Performance is as advertised (see photo) but I’m running slightly over 240v so getting more than the rated wattage at 3,640 watts and 14.8 amps. My application isn’t for an OEM water heater but I’ll just say my only problem with this element was that the provided gasket is pretty soft and it took some finesse to get it to seal properly in my admittedly non-standard application. Seal is no different than used in some other brands I’ve tried so likely fine when used in an actual Rheem water heater.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by T***K on 30 January 2026*

So far so good It’s been Three months

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by D***H on 11 February 2014*

Was having intermittent hot water and diagnosed that the bottom element was bad. However since my water heater is tucked away and had to completely drain I decided to do a complete overhaul (except the anode as we have soft water and the hot water did not smell. Always check the wattage of your elements which is listed on the outside of Rheem heaters. If there is no water leaking from the heater and there is not visible tank rust you can do a rebuild yourself for ~$80. 1) Turn of the breaker. 2) Turn off the breaker and put tape over the breaker to let others know you are working. 3) Remove the top element cover plate and insulation. 4) Check that no voltage is at the top left and right feeds to the thermostat. 5) Remove the bottom element cover plate and insulation. 4) Check that no voltage is at the feeds to the thermostat. 5) Attach a hose and run to sink/tub or outside. 6) Do not shut the water supply off, yet as it's good to start with a flush. The water supply helps push the sand and rust parts out. 7) Open the drain valve via the handle or regular screw driver. 8) Let water drain until the water is clear and ensure no more sand or particles are coming out. I placed a clear storage bin at the hose outlet so I could see the particles. 9) Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. 10) Open a hot only valve from a nearby sink and leave open. 11) lift the over boil relief valve and leave open to relieve any air to help drain faster. I used a wood clothes pin to keep the spring loaded valve. 12) Wait until the heater tank is completely drained. 13) Write down the wiring or take a picture with your phone of the wiring before dis assembly. 14) Remove the 2 wires on the top element. 15) Using TEKTON 1828 1/2-Inch by 1-1/2-Inch Water Heater Socket (buy this one the cheap socket as is not strong enough) and remove the top element by turning counter clockwise. 16) Ensure the old seal also came out, then insert the new seal that came with the new element and insert the new element by turn clockwise. Tighten with the socket. 17) Connect the 2 wires to the top element. 18) Replace the top thermostat and be care to pay attention to the wire locations. , for me I used the Rheem SP11698 Electric Thermostat. Reconnect the wires, Make sure the thermostat is flush against the tank. 19) Remove the 2 wires on the bottom element. 20) Using the Water Heater Socket remove the bottom element by turning counter clockwise. 21) Ensure the old seal also came out, then insert the new seal that came with the new element and insert the new element by turn clockwise. Tighten with the socket. 22) Connect the 2 wires to the bottom element. 23) Replace the bottom thermostat and be care to pay attention to the 2 wire locations. , for me I used the Rheem SP11695 Electric Thermostat. Reconnect the wires, Make sure the thermostat is flush against the tank. 24) Do not turn the power on! 25) Make sure the over boil valve from step 11 is now closed closed. 26) Remove the drain house from step 5 and close the drain valve from step 7. 26) Turn on the cold water supply to the water heater. Wait until water comes out of the open hot water faucet from step 10, then turn this faucet off. 27) Check for leaks. 28 Set the the bottom thermostat to your desired setting and set the top thermostat ~5 degrees less. 28) Now that the tank is full of water, turn on the breaker for the water heater. 29) Check the voltage on the top element only. 30) Waiting 30 - 45 minutes and then check the voltage on the bottom element. 31) Turn on the hot water at a nearby sink to check the temperature. 32) Turn off the breaker to the water heater. 33) Replace the original plastic thermostat covers (not provided in the replacement kits), the insulation, and the covers. 34) Turn on the breaker to the water heater.

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-10*