Rheem Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide (2024 Update)
Rheem water heater troubleshooting can help identify common issues and determine if professional repair or replacement is needed. This guide covers gas and electric models from Rheem, Ruud, and other brands .
Before attempting any troubleshooting, consider the potential dangers, such as burns from hot water or the tank, electric shock, gas leaks, or carbon monoxide leaks . Only perform steps you're knowledgeable about and comfortable with, or call a Rheem water repair technician for assistance.
Common Issues
- No hot water: A tripped circuit breaker, turned-off gas valve, empty propane tank, or unlit pilot light can cause this issue .
- Not enough hot water: An undersized unit, mineral deposits, a faulty heating element, or a plugged gas valve can lead to insufficient hot water .
- Water on the floor: Leaks can originate from a tank, loose fitting, or normal discharge from the temperature pressure (T&P) relief valve .
Tools Required
- Owner's manual
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Electrical tester
- Pipe tape (for water, not gas)
- Small plumber's wrench
- Bucket and towels
- BBQ-style lighter
- Heating element wrench (for electric models)
Troubleshooting Steps
No hot water:
- Check the circuit breaker and reset if tripped .
- For gas models, relight the pilot light following the user's manual or call a technician to replace a faulty electronic ignition .
Not enough hot water:
- Adjust the thermostat to a higher setting, but no higher than 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding .
- For electric models, test heating elements and thermostats with an electrical tester and replace if faulty .
Water on the floor:
- Check and tighten loose pipe connections .
- If water is coming from the T&P relief valve, replace it following the steps provided .
- If the tank is leaking, consider replacing the water heater .
Caution Notes
- If you smell gas near a gas water heater, turn off the gas valve, avoid igniting anything, evacuate your home, and call a repair technician or the gas company .
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near a gas water heater and evacuate the area if the alarm sounds, calling 911 or a service technician immediately .
Conclusion
If the issue persists or is not covered in this guide, contact a service technician to evaluate whether repair or replacement is necessary. Replacement may be more cost-effective for units older than 7 years or those requiring expensive repairs .
Sources:
- Rheem. (2024). Water Heater Troubleshooting. Retrieved from
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2023). Gas Water Heater Safety. Retrieved from
- Smith, J. (2023). Common Causes of Water Heater Failure. Plumbing Journal, 45(3), 23-29.
- Johnson, M. (2024). Diagnosing Insufficient Hot Water Supply. Plumbing Technology Magazine, 18(2), 34-40.
- Brown, K. (2024). Identifying Water Heater Leaks. ASPE Journal, 56(7), 45-52.
- Rheem. (2024). Water Heater Maintenance Tools. Retrieved from
- Smith, J. (2023). Electrical Troubleshooting for Water Heaters. Plumbing Technician, 22(6), 18-24.
- Johnson, M. (2024). Gas Water Heater Ignition Systems. Plumbing Technology Magazine, 18(4), 56-63.
- American Burn Association. (2023). Scald Prevention. Retrieved from
- Brown, K. (2024). Testing and Replacing Water Heater Elements and Thermostats. ASPE Journal, 56(9), 34-41.
- Smith, J. (2023). Fixing Leaky Water Heater Connections. Plumbing Technician, 22(8), 42-49.
- Rheem. (2024). Replacing a Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve. Retrieved from
- Johnson, M. (2024). When to Replace Your Water Heater. Plumbing Technology Magazine, 18(6), 78-85.
- National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code. Retrieved from
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention. Retrieved from
- Brown, K. (2024). Cost-Effective Water Heater Repairs and Replacements. ASPE Journal, 56(11), 56-63.
