Reliance 680DORT water heater Parts

A tank-style electric water heater like the Reliance 680DORT typically lasts 10 to 15 years. With hard water, heavy hot-water use, or skipped maintenance, lifespan is often closer to 8 to 10 years; with good maintenance, some units reach 15 to 20 years.

Typical lifespan ranges

Water heater type	Typical lifespan	Notes
Electric tank (most homes)	10 to 15 years	Most common replacement window
Electric tank with excellent maintenance	15 to 20 years	Depends heavily on water quality
Electric tankless	20+ years	Different design and service needs

What shortens (or extends) lifespan

• Hard water and sediment buildup increases element strain and tank corrosion.
• High thermostat settings accelerate wear and scale.
• Infrequent tank draining allows sediment to accumulate.
• A worn anode rod speeds up tank rusting.
• Failing controls (thermostats) can cause overheating or inconsistent heating.

Signs it is near end of life

• Rust-colored water or metallic odor at hot taps
• Rumbling or popping sounds from sediment
• Hot water runs out faster than it used to
• Temperature swings (hot then lukewarm)
• Moisture or corrosion around access panels or fittings

Maintenance that helps you get the full lifespan

• Drain a few gallons periodically to reduce sediment (full flush as needed).
• Keep temperature set around 120°F for a good balance of comfort and reduced wear.
• Replace failed heating controls promptly; for this model, common service parts include the thermostat 100108683 (upper) and thermostat 100108421 (lower).
• If you are seeing repeated “no hot water” symptoms, test and replace the heating element when needed; this model uses an element 100108283.

Why it matters

Once a tank begins corroding internally, repairs like thermostats or elements can restore heat but cannot stop a tank leak. Knowing the typical 10 to 15 year window helps you decide whether to repair now or plan a replacement.

For replacement parts for your Reliance 680DORT, we list model-matched options on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A typical 50-gallon hot water heater costs about $800 to $3,100 installed. The biggest price drivers are fuel type (electric vs. gas), venting complexity, and whether you are replacing an existing unit in the same location or doing a re-pipe or re-wire.

Typical price ranges (unit vs. installed)

These ranges fit most 50-gallon replacements in the U.S.; your total can land higher if venting, electrical, or plumbing needs upgrades.

• Basic electric tank (50-gallon): about $150 to $700 for the unit
• Standard gas tank (50-gallon): about $400 to $1,200 for the unit
• Hybrid/heat pump (50-gallon): about $1,200 to $3,000 for the unit
• Installed total (most common): about $800 to $3,100

Type	Typical installed cost	Common reasons it costs more
Electric tank	$700 to $1,800	New wiring, breaker, element/thermostat issues, tight access
Gas tank	$1,000 to $3,100	Venting changes, gas line work, permits, combustion air needs
Hybrid (heat pump)	$1,800 to $4,500	Condensate drain, clearance needs, electrical upgrades

What affects the installed price most

• Fuel type and venting: gas and power-vented installs typically add labor and materials
• Electrical capacity: electric units may need a breaker, wire, or disconnect upgrade
• Plumbing updates: shutoff valves, expansion tank, or piping changes can add cost
• Location and access: attic, crawlspace, or tight closets increase labor time
• Local code and permit requirements: varies by area and can add inspection steps

Why it matters (especially for electric models like Reliance 680DORT)

If you are maintaining a Reliance 680DORT electric water heater, replacing common service parts can restore performance and delay a full replacement. For example, repeated “no hot water” or slow recovery often points to a failed heating element or thermostat.

Common repair parts we see for this model

• Element 100108283 (heating element)
• Thermostat 100108683 (upper thermostat)
• Thermostat 100108421 (lower thermostat)

For step-by-step help, use our DIY guide: how to replace an electric water heater heating element.

Buying parts vs. replacing the whole heater

If the tank is in good shape and you are only dealing with heating or temperature control problems, parts replacement is usually the faster, lower-cost path.

• Order model-specific parts from the parts list for Reliance 680DORT
• For broader model searches and ordering, use Sears PartsDirect

Last updated: February 2026

Plumbers most often recommend water heater brands that are easy to service and have strong parts support; common picks include Rheem, A. O. Smith, and Bradford White for tank models, plus Rinnai and Navien for tankless. If you already own a Reliance 680DORT electric water heater, keeping it reliable usually comes down to maintaining and replacing wear parts on time.

What plumbers prioritize (and what you should look for)

• Correct size and recovery rate for your household
• Proven reliability of the tank and controls
• Readily available replacement parts (thermostats, elements, valves)
• Straightforward service access and standard fittings
• Local code compliance and safe installation practices

If you have a Reliance 680DORT: parts that most often restore performance

Many “replace the water heater” conversations start because the unit is not heating well, runs out of hot water, or overheats. On electric models, the most common fixes are in the heating and temperature control system.

• Upper temperature control issues: consider the thermostat 100108683
• Lower temperature control issues: consider the thermostat 100108421
• Slow recovery or no heat from one circuit: consider the element 100108283

Quick symptom-to-part guide

Symptom	Most likely area	Common next step
No hot water	Power, upper thermostat, upper element	Check breaker, then test upper controls
Hot water runs out fast	Lower element or lower thermostat	Test lower circuit, replace failed part
Water too hot	Thermostat stuck or mis-set	Verify settings, replace thermostat if it will not regulate
Access cover missing/damaged	Insulation and safety cover	Replace the access panel 100109599

Why it matters

A “recommended” water heater is usually one that can be repaired quickly and safely. Replacing a failed thermostat or heating element often restores normal hot water without replacing the entire tank.

Ordering the right parts

We recommend matching parts by your exact model number (680DORT) and the symptom you are seeing. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on a Reliance 680DORT electric water heater include no hot water, not enough hot water, water that is too hot, temperature swings, and leaks at plumbing connections or the drain valve. Most fixes involve checking power, thermostats, or a heating element.

Most common symptoms and likely causes

• No hot water: tripped breaker, failed heating element, failed thermostat, loose/burned wiring
• Not enough hot water: one element not heating, thermostat set too low, sediment buildup
• Water too hot: thermostat stuck closed or set too high, miswired thermostat
• Fluctuating temperatures: thermostat out of calibration, one element intermittently failing
• Water leaking: loose fittings, drain valve seepage, T and P relief valve discharge (often from high pressure or overheating)

Quick checks we recommend first (electric models)

1. Confirm the breaker is on and the water heater has power.
2. Turn off power and remove the access covers; look for burned wires or loose terminals.
3. Press the high-limit reset (usually on the upper thermostat) if it has tripped.
4. Verify thermostat settings; most homes run best around 120°F.
5. If you have upper and lower controls, test whether one zone heats and the other does not.

Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 680DORT

Symptom	Part that often fixes it	Notes
No hot water or overheating	Thermostat 100108683 (upper)	Upper control often includes the high-limit function
Not enough hot water	Thermostat 100108421 (lower)	Lower thermostat commonly affects recovery and capacity
Slow recovery or lukewarm water	Element 100108283	A failed element can leave you with partial heating

Why it matters

Electric water heaters rely on correct thermostat operation and good element performance. When one thermostat or element fails, you often still get some warm water, but capacity, recovery time, and safety (overheating) can be affected.

Getting the right replacement part

We recommend matching parts to your Reliance 680DORT by using the parts list for this model, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The highest rated electric water heaters are hybrid (heat pump) tank models because they deliver the best efficiency and lowest operating cost in most industry scoring systems. If you want a simpler, lower-cost option, a standard electric tank heater is typically the next best-rated category.

What “highest rated” usually means

Most rankings weigh a mix of efficiency, hot-water delivery, and ownership cost.

• Efficiency (UEF): higher is better; hybrids lead
• Hot-water performance: first-hour rating and recovery rate
• Noise and space: hybrids need airflow and make fan noise
• Upfront cost: standard tanks usually cost less than hybrids
• Electrical requirements: tankless often needs major electrical upgrades

Quick comparison of top categories

Type	Typical rating outcome	Best for
Hybrid (heat pump) electric tank	Highest overall	Lowest energy use and long-term savings
Standard electric tank	High for simplicity	Straightforward replacement and predictable operation
Electric tankless	Mixed	Endless hot water only when correctly sized and powered

How this relates to your Reliance 680DORT

If you are asking because your Reliance 680DORT is underperforming, many “low rating” complaints come from serviceable parts, not the tank itself. Restoring steady temperature and recovery often comes down to the thermostats and heating element.

• Temperature swings: check the upper and lower thermostats
• Slow recovery or lukewarm water: check the heating element for failure or scale
• Overheating: check thermostat calibration and wiring connections

Parts that commonly restore performance

• Thermostat 100108683 (upper thermostat)
• Thermostat 100108421 (lower thermostat)
• Element 100108283 (heating element)

Why it matters

Choosing the “highest rated” type saves money only when it matches your home’s electrical capacity, space, and hot-water demand. For an existing heater, replacing a failed thermostat or element can bring performance back to “like new” without replacing the whole unit.

You can order replacement parts for model 680DORT from the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026