Rheem Fury 50-Gallon Atmospheric Gas Water Heater (82V52-2)

The Rheem Fury 50-Gallon Atmospheric Gas Water Heater (82V52-2) is a legacy model — Rheem's volume residential atmospheric gas line from the mid-1990s through mid-2010s, still installed in millions of US homes. This page exists as a reference for owners researching the 82V52-2: specs, parts compatibility, modern replacement equivalents, and warranty status.

Why this product page exists

You probably arrived here because the data plate on your basement water heater says "Rheem Fury" with model number 82V52-2 and you're trying to figure out: how old is it, what parts fit it, is it still under warranty, and what should I replace it with when it fails? We answer all four below.

Headline specifications (original)

• Model: 82V52-2
• Capacity: 50 gallons
• Fuel: Natural gas, atmospheric vent
• BTU input: 40,000 BTU/h
• First Hour Delivery: 78 GPH
• Recovery: 40 GPH at 90°F rise
• EF (legacy, pre-UEF): ~0.58
• Original warranty: 6-year tank and parts
• Status: Legacy / replacement reference (no longer manufactured)

How old is your 82V52-2?

Decode the serial number from the data plate. The first letter is the month (A=Jan, B=Feb, etc.), the next 2 digits are the year, and the rest is the production sequence. Example: D0512345 = April 2005. See our Rheem age-by-serial-number page for the full decode table.

Rheem Fury 82V52-2 units in service today are typically 8–18 years old. Average tank life is 10–14 years, so units past year 10 should be on the replacement watch.

Is it still under warranty?

Original 82V52-2 warranties were 6-year tank/parts. Production ran through the mid-2010s, so any 82V52-2 manufactured before ~2017 is out of warranty. Check the data plate manufacture date and our warranty hub for the registration-status lookup.

Common parts for the 82V52-2

• Thermocouple — universal Rheem part number SP12090A, ~$25–$40, DIY-replaceable in 30 minutes
• Pilot assembly — Rheem SP12176C or SP15013, ~$60–$120
• Gas control valve — Rheem SP21176A, ~$180–$280, often the most expensive failure on this unit
• Aluminum-zinc anode rod — universal 42" hex-head, ~$40, replace every 5 years
• T&P relief valve — Watts 3/4" 150 psi 210°F, ~$25
• Drain valve — 3/4" plastic, ~$10 (replace with brass for $25 when servicing)

See our Rheem parts directory for the full part-number lookup.

When should you replace the 82V52-2?

Signs the 82V52-2 is at end of life: rust streaks on tank base (tank shell corrosion — not repairable), persistent leaks from the tank shell (not from valves or connections — those are repairable), pilot won't stay lit even after thermocouple replacement (could indicate gas control valve failure), water temperature inconsistent or lukewarm (often gas valve), continuous popping or rumbling sound (sediment buildup that flushing won't clear — likely tank-life-end).

If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the only option. If only valves or controls are failing, repair makes economic sense up to about year 10 of tank life.

Modern Rheem equivalents

Direct replacement for the 82V52-2 is the Rheem Performance Platinum 50G Gas (XG50T12HE40U0) — same 50-gallon atmospheric form factor, modernized FVIR-compliant burner, 12-year warranty + EcoNet WiFi, 0.70 UEF (vs the 82V52-2's 0.58 EF).

For contractor-channel like-for-like replacement, the Professional Classic Plus 50G (PROG50-38N-RH60) ships 8-year warranty and is what your Rheem-network plumber will stock.

For long-term electrification (heat pump or tankless), see our ProTerra line hub and Rheem tankless lineup.

Bottom line

The Rheem Fury 82V52-2 is a legacy 50G atmospheric gas tank still installed in millions of US homes. This listing tracks specs, common service items, and modern replacement options. For active troubleshooting, see our Rheem troubleshooting hub. For replacement quotes, the modern equivalent is the Performance Platinum 50G.