Rheem is one renowned name for producing the best tankless water heater, upgrading its technology from time to time to provide an improved user experience. For the ease of its users, they have opted the feature for prompting the error code that helps to understand the root cause of trouble. Rheem tankless water heater code 12 is the most common error, referring to the issue with the lightening of the frame.
This blog will provide you the assistance with the error codes for Rheem so, let’s get started.
Rheem Water Heater Flashing Light Meaning
Many indications show that there is something wrong with your water heater. To begin with the troubleshooting, the first indication is the flashing of light on the unit. Here are some color flashing lights that are related to different issues.
1. Rheem Water Heater Blinking White Light
If your Rheem water heater is flashing white light, it shows that your pilot light is out and the water will still be cold.
2. Water Heater Showing Yellow Light
The pilot light for the gas heater is blue; if it isn’t, then probably there is an issue. A yellow pilot light means that the pilot is not lighting right, and you have to keep doing it till the light turns blue.
3. Water Heater Orange Light
The gas flames are usually in blue colors; if they are in orange, then there are chances that there is dust or dirt, and for the yellow light, an insufficient gas supply. However, there is no need to worry as the orange flame will eventually turn blue. If it does not get fixed, you need to clean the pipes, remove any blockage in the venting system, or unclog the main burner.
Light colors represent a lot about the malfunctioning of the water heater.
However, if you cannot get the hint from color, the LCD on your water heater will begin to display a code that will direct straightly to the problem.
Here are some codes that usually prompt on the LCD while malfunctioning.
Rheem Tankless Water Heater Error Codes and Their fixes
When you turn the power on of your water heater and see a code displaying on the LCD means that there is something wrong with the unit. What probably it would be? let’s find out
Error Codes
They could be confusing when it suddenly comes out, of which some are quick fixes, and others need professional assistance. The standard error codes include
Rheem Water Heater Code 00
This error pops up when the combustion prolongs, usually more than an hour; this code will be displayed on the LCD.
How to Fix it
To fix this error, reset the water heater, and if it is still there, you need to replace the circulation system.
Rheem Water Heater Code P1
This error shows up when the flow of water is not adequate.
How to Fix it
To begin with the solution for this you have to check
- If the tap flow of hot water, it might need to be clean.
- Check the water inlet filter if there is any clogging, remove it if there is any blockage.
- Adjust the temperature on the unit and increase the flow rate.
If the problem is still not sorted even after doing all of the above mentioned things then the water flow sensor is probably the reason.
Rheem Water Heater Code 1L
This is the code that shows up on the display when there is a build-up of the limescale in the bottom of the tank.
How to Fix it
To fix this issue, the unit needs to be flushed regularly. If you are doing it yourself, you have to be careful as the scalding hot water is likely to cause harm. It is recommended to be very careful or call for the professional help.
Other than that, sometimes there are chances that the location of your home; the high-altitude environment causes this issue. In this case, you will need to call the professional instead of doing it yourself.
Rheem Water Heater Code 05
This error shows up when the unit is not clean or clogged by something, causing imperfect combustion and issue with the air inlet.
How to Fix it
Cleaning and unclogging the heat exchange will let go of this malfunctioning and ensure that the unit is getting proper ventilation. Along with that, also check if the venting is fulfilling all of requirements.
For air inlet,
- Remove the air inlet, clean the inlet filter, the combustion air fan, and the fins of heat exchanger.
- Also, check if the motor is operational and is good condition.
Rheem Water Heater Code 10
This error is prompted when the system detects a false flame. This will might require the professional service but before doing that make sure
These things are right
- The connections are tight and the components are clean with no blockage. If there is any, try to remove it.
- Examine the flue inlet and the termination of exhaust.
- Check the heat exchanger, make sure it is in good working condition.
Rheem Tankless Water Heater Code 11
This refers to the failure of the ignition which is caused by a number of different reasons. It is best to call the service for fixing that.
However, you can check that
- The gas valves of your tankless water heater are completely turned on and working properly.
- Check if the water heater is getting appropriate amount of gas with the proper pressure.
- Check if the ignitor is operational and the wiring to it is not damaged.
Rheem Tankless Water Heater Code 12
It is the most common one. This error is the result of a flame failure which means the water heater is unable to maintain a flame.
How to Fix it
Check if the system is receiving the right amount of pressure of gas and also make sure that there is no carbon buildup with in the flaming rod. Remove the excess air from the gas if there is any.
Rheem Water Heater Code 13
If pops up when the flame rod is not working properly or the combustion is improperly.
How to Fix
- Make sure the venting exhaust is installed and working properly. There is a possibility that the exhaust might not be recirculating the fresh air intake.
- Remove if there is any clogging in it and at the place where it is installed.
- Check if the altitude settings are right according to the location.
- Check the blower motor and the flame Rod FL-24.
Rheem Water Heater Code 15
When there is the wrap fault; overheating. This pops up when there is an inappropriate venting and the air flow.
To check it,
- Examine the high and low fire manifold pressures.
- Check the gas is used correctly and also the heat exchanger.
- Remove if there are any obstacles in venting.
- Check the exhaust piping and the chamber of combustion.
Rheem Water Heater Code 15
It is a boiling safety warning. That means the water heater is scalding.
How to Fix it
Check the inlet valve and the cold-water inlets, turn them on fully. See if any scale is blocking the heating exchange and remove that obstacle.
Rheem Water Heater Code 16
Error 16 pops up with the temperature is above the limit and the temperature of thermostat is too high.
How to Fix it
- Check if the heat exchange is blockage-free and there is no deposit of limescale.
- There must not any restriction in the air flow of the unit’s vent.
- Cross-check the thermistor, heat exchanger thermistor and the gas valve.
Rheem Water Heater Code 21
It indicates the malfunctioning in the air intake filter switch.
How to Fix it
To fix it, you need to check the front panel and the air filter door. Ensure they are installed properly.
Rheem Water Heater Code 24
In case your water heater is showing the following error,
You have to check
- Turn off the water supply and remote-control water heater.
- The tankless water heater must be grounded properly.
- Rest the control board by pressing min and max buttons or call for the professional service.
Rheem Water Heater Code 29
This error occurs when the output temperature of the heat exchanger is low.
How to Fix it
To do so, you have to clean air inlet of the unit and the problem will be gone.
Rheem Water Heater Code 31
It shows up when there is an issue with the inlet thermistor; the inlet temperature sensor.
This can be checked
- If there is any damaged wiring.
- Ensure there is no limescale build-up.
- The thermistor should be ohm.
Rheem Water Heater Code 33
It is similar to the error 31. This error appears when there is an issue with the outgoing water temperature sensor.
How to Fix it
- There must not be lose or damaged wiring for thermistor.
- Inspect if there is any limescale build-up. If there is, remove it.
- The thermistor must be ohm
Rheem Water Heater Code 34
It refers to the malfunctioning of the combustion air temperature sensor of the water heater.
How to Fix it
- You have to check out the damage and ensure the cleaning of it. Along with that, check the motor shaft and the fan blade.
Rheem Water Heater Code 35
The improper thermistor connection is the reason behind this.
How to Fix it
- Make sure all the connections are tight and connected securely.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 51
It happens because of the malfunctioning of gas control valve. This requires a proper professional assistance.
However, at your end, make sure
- There are no loose terminals of gas control valve wiring.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 52
The error code 52 is appears when there is a fault in Modulating solenoid Valve. It also requires the professional service provider.
At your end you can
- Check the damaged or loose terminals of the gas solenoid valve wiring harness.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 61
The error code 61 appears when the combustion fan is not turning on at all.
How to Fix it
- This will require assistance as the motor needs to be checked it if there is any damage and if the connections are secure. They altogether when fixed will make the fan motor run smoothly again.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 65
It refers to the error with the water control valve to which you will need a professional but
Here is what you can do before calling the professional
- Find if there are any damaged or loose connections on the water control valve.
- Make sure that the water control valve is getting the required voltage.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 66
This error takes place when there is a problem with the water bypass valve.
Before you get to professional help, see
- There is no fault with the wiring of water bypass valve.
- The voltage supply to the by pass solenoid has the proper voltage.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 71
This refers to the gas inlet solenoid control valve control.
You can check
Watch out for the loose or damaged connections of the gas valve wiring
Rheeem Water Heater Code 72
When the Rheem water heater displays an error code 72, it means that there is a fault in the flame rod. Here what you can check
- Make sure the flame rod is touching the flame when it is lit.
- See if there is foreign material inside the chamber of burner, remove the obstacles if there is any.
- Find if there is any damage with the flame rod wiring or there is no proper voltage.
- Clean the steel wool (if it is required) with sand paper.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 76
This error is resulted when there is a fault with the communication between remote and the unit, when it is not getting the commands mainly.
Make sure that
- Check and remove if there is any wiring issue with the remote control. Find and rectify if there are any loose ends.
- Connect the remote and establish a direct connection. You can find it easily at the bottom of the water heater.
- If the unit is creating issue with remote control then, turn of the power supply and disconnect the remote. Now, turn the water heater back and see if it works.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 79
It pops up when the current to the blower motor is not proper. This can be fixed with the help of professional.
Before you call for help,
- Check the motor and make sure it turns freely. If there is any obstacle, try to remove it but it will still be working with a little restriction.
- Make sure the motor is getting appropriate amount of voltage.
- Inspect if the fan motor is damaged
Rheeem Water Heater Code 80 & 81
If the error code 80 or 81 appears on the unit, that means there is an issue with the gas cut-off valve.
For quick troubleshooting, contacting the professional, make sure
- The solenoid valves are ohm out.
- Flame rods are getting proper voltage.
- Replace the gas valve controller
Rheeem Water Heater Code 82
This error indicates that the control board is not programmed or not getting the correct gas type.
Try to check
- If the program chip is installed
- Make sure the PCB is programmed for the right type of gas either natural or propane gas.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 90
It pops up when there is a blockage flue or air intake
Check if
- There is any blockage in the heat exchanger or in the blower motor and inlet flue and exhausts.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 92 & 93
The error 92 is popped up when the neutralizer needs to be replaced but still it is working. This error will only display in the Rheem tankless Water Heaters.
And, the error code 93 refers to the unit when it shuts down then the neutralizer must be replaced.
How to Fix it,
- Call the professional and replace the neutralizer.
Rheeem Water Heater Code 99
When the blower motor fails to vent, the error 99 pops up. This usually happens when the flue is blocked.
Make sure
- There is no blockage near or in the exhaust flue and town
- Check there is no blockage in the heat exchanger, combustion, and the inlet filters.
Other than that, there are many reasons that can limit the supply of hot water streaming without displaying any error code. Here are some of them.
When the Rheem Water Heater Limits Hot Water Streaming without Error
The common reasons for that includes
- If there is no power supply or the circuit breaker might have tripped.
- Check the power supply inlet fuses. They might have got out of order.
- If the water heater is installed and the hot and cold water lines are not installed properly.
- The flow rate might be low.
- Inspect the water flow control turbine in the tank, it might get clogged.
Summing it
Similar to the other water heater, Rheem water heater with its longevity and updated technology, sometimes begins to display the error codes representing faults of your unit.
Whenever you think you are experiencing this inconvenience could not understand the code, you can get assistance from here. In this guide, you will get to know the common issues that are caused by minor faults that you can fix yourself without any hassle.
However, if you cannot find the code in it, you can probably contact the company to get professional assistance.