Trying to find replace water heater 81sv52d

it definitely needs to dry out when dry you need to test the components --thermostat--the element [s] --if damaged repair or replace most reasons hot water heaters are replaced is because the tank leaks or rusts out --the components are easily replaceable and inexpensive

hot water systems come in three types
copper--subject to electrolyses around the heater element area where they leak life expectancy in good water areas -- possible 20 years
steel ( vitreous enamel coated to prevent rust-- subject to cracking of the covering during manufacture and transport and rusting around the ports-- life expectancy if in perfect condition - around 10 years
stainless steel-- mainly the cost but if in hard water areas is the most cost effective - life expectancy well past 20 years in harsh water conditions
the heater element are mostly copper as in the stove element and will last a long time provided the heater tank has water covering the element although the element may be stainless
however regardless of the material used it is the porcelain inside the covering that allows the element to short out and burn the cover
most hot water systems use common heater elements so it may be wise to keep operational units for future use
Best is to talk with a good plumber supply shop ( not a hard ware shop) and get all the details before buying a new system
repairing is not really an option

Best is to replace anode rod, and leave elements and thermostats alone until they go out. IF you can get the anode out.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html
Anode rod prevents tank from rusting. Anode rods deplete over time in most situations, and then tank begins to rust. If the anode can be successfully removed, and updated, then tank rusting stops, and you're tank is good for another 10 years.
So answer to question is: Depends if tank is rusty, and if tank is sitting in drip pan to protect home from possible leak.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
Tank-type electric heater is unique since it can last almost indefinitely, with maintenance. Therefore maintaining tank-type electric water heater can pay you $5-10 per month.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-maintain-water-heater.html
Ordinary electric tank type can outlast all other water heaters, and be far simpler to fix yourself than any other type heater: including gas tank-type, electric hybrid tank-type, electric-and-gas tankless etc. More complicated heaters will eventually fail, and the lifespan is limited. Which is argument against buying expensive water heaters that are controlled by computer chip etc. Avoid tankless promotion. Tankless cost more..Period.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Troubleshoot-Rheem-Tankless-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

No.
Replace tank.
Buy 40 gallon from local Lowes and install yourself.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Under thin metal shell is a welded steel tank, surrounded by insulation and then covered with painted metal shell. The shell is what you look at.
The inside steel tank is made to withstand high pressure expansion that comes with heating water.
The steel tank has rusted out.
Turn gas control valve to vacation, so pilot light stays on, and then only heat enough water as needed until you can replace tank.

Prevent next tank from rusting by replacing anode rod, and ground water pipes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-maintain-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

What is the warranty on this tank?
Warranties covered failed tank.

Does the tank wall have a leak?
If the tank is leaking on top around inlet pipes, or leak is coming out of weld around TP valve, then water heater must be replaced.
Copy following link for troubleshooting and method for prolonging life of water heater by turning off heater except to make batches of hot water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

You can buy water heater at local box store. $350 for gas and $230 for electric, then get store coupon or offer 10% less than sticker price.
Electric water heater is simple to replace.
Gas water heater takes more steps, but how-to step-by-step appears on following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Your water heater needs to be replaced.
It cannot be repaired.
Tanks rust out after anode rod is depleted unless anode is inspected and replaced 1-3 years.
Water softener causes anode to deplete quicker, so inspect every 2 years.
Also stray household current can cause tank to rust out. Put bare copper ground wire between hot and cold pipes on new heater.

2) First thing is protect yourself from tank rupture where water heater bursts open and water runs until it's shut off. Ruptured tanks are big topic in homeowner insurance industry today because they cause major damage inside house.

- Turn off heat source so tank is not under pressure:
Gas: Rotate dial to pilot so pilot light stays lit, but burner does not turn on
Electric: turn off circuit breaker

- Turn off water going into tank using shut off above tank.
- Open hot side to bathtub to relieve pressure from tank.
- Check label on side of tank to get tank specifications for replacement.

3) What to do until replacement.
You can get by for a while on leaking tank by turning it ON only when needed.
Make sure tank is full of water before turning heat source back on.
This will buy time until replacement.
Electric tank heats 21 gallons water per hour.
Gas water heater 41 gallons per hour
Shower uses 6-9 gallons hot water, bath uses 12-15 gallon hot water.

4) Additional reading so next tank lasts longer
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-at-bottom-of-water-heater.html

It sounds like you need to replace it, Actual cost can very widrly depending on your location but I would say $350-400 is probably close. Plus installation unless you can do it yourself. Hope this helps. Thanks

I wrote a page on leaking water heaters.
With a checklist.
It sounds like you've done quite a bit already.
The element can leak around the gasket.
The TP valve can leak where it screws into side of tank.
Otherwise a leak on side of tank sounds like the tank is rusted through and needs to be replaced.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-leaking.html

You should turn off electricity and water to the tank, and open tub valve on hot side to relieve pressure so the tank will not rupture.
Then you can limp along with a failed water heater by turning the water and electricity on only when hot water is needed.
This will buy you time until a new heater is installed.
A typical electric water heater produces 21 gallons of hot water per hour.
A shower uses 6-9 gallon of hot water, so heater only needs to be turned on 20-30 minutes for a shower, more if the incoming water is very cold.

To economize with your next heater, you might read the following two pages:
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

If you'r really lucky you may find a leaking fitting on top of the water heater thats draining down inside the shell and out the bottom, otherwise its time to replace a rusted out water heater.
Sorry

Turn off the electricity.
Turn off the water valve going into tank.
Open a bathtub spout to let hot water pressure off the tank.
Check top of tank for any leaks.
Open the top access panel and see if element is leaking.
Open bottom access panel and see if lower element is leaking.
The reduced pressure on the tank will slow the leak.

If element is the problem, you can squeak by for a while by turning on the hot water heater only when you need hot water.
Order the 'Marathon MR85245 replacement element' online
http://www.gpconservation.com/rheem/marathon-sp213670-titanium-4500w-lower-element
These elements may be available locally, but they are not the same as 'ordinary' tank-type electric heater elements that you buy at the hardware store.
Buy more than 1 element because the Marathon elements have problems.
One of the reported problems with marathon elements is the high price of stainless steel replacement elements.
Drain tank.
Replace element.

Another resource for water heater information is:
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/