Do you find a flashing code on your Rheem tankless water heater? Are you wondering what it indicates? Look below at some error codes and their meaning in this article.
Rheem tankless heaters are known for their top-notch quality. Once you have bought these heaters, you can expect them to function well for a longer period.
However, like other appliances, Rheem tankless heaters can run into trouble too.
The great thing about Rheem tankless water heaters is that they automatically flash a code on the display unit whenever a problem has been diagnosed. The code indicates an error that needs to be resolved.
To troubleshoot the appliance, you must know about these error codes.
Rheem tankless water heater errors are a way to indicate some problems with your Rheem tankless water heater. The error number is useful in identifying which part of the water heater has a problem.
Instead of operating the wrong part of your water heater when facing a fault, you can identify the error code, refer to that specific part, and correct it conveniently.
There are 18 Rheem error codes. You can refer to the displayed error code to rectify the specific problem with your tankless water heater.
This article will shed light on 18 Rheem tankless water heater error codes and how to troubleshoot them properly.
18 Rheem Tankless Water Heater Error Codes
Rheem whole-home tankless water heaters are great for homes with busy families. These heaters are also ideal for a single faucet or shower.
You can enjoy the comfort and convenience of on-demand hot water using Rheem tankless heaters. These tankless heaters come in a variety of models.
Whether you aim to provide hot water to your whole home or a single location, Rheem has a full range of options for each purpose. You can find the tankless water heater that best suits your needs.
The error codes on your Rheem water heater may trouble you for some time, but you will be happy to learn how easy it is to troubleshoot them and get your tankless water heater back to working.
The following are the error codes that your Rheem tankless water heater may display and how to correct them:
1. Error Code 00
The error code “00” means that your Rheem Tankless Water Heater has been running continuously for over an hour.
Troubleshoot
When you see an error code 00, you must shut off all the hot water taps. In addition, if a circulation pump is installed at your place, you also need to turn it off.
2. Error Code P1
Error code “P1” indicates that the water flow is too low.
Troubleshoot
Check the hot water tap flow and clean the aerators. You can also clean the water inlet filter, increase the flow rate, and set the temperature higher.
3. Error Code 1L
Whenever a limescale accumulates in your Rheem tankless heater, an error code “1L” flashes on the front panel.
Troubleshoot
To clear this error, maintenance is required. It would be best if first, you flushed your tankless water heater to clean up the limescale build-up in the heat exchanger.
Specific limescale cleaning chemicals are also available in the market, which offer immediate and effective cleaning.
4. Error Code 05
The error “05” occurs when the system detects an issue with the combustion. Error code 05 is an imperfect combustion alarm.
A blockage triggers the issue in combustion to the Vent Exhaust. It may also be due to an issue with the Air Intake.
Troubleshoot
To troubleshoot this error, you must check the vent pipes and remove anything obstructing the air intake or any pipeline leading to the exhaust vent.
5. Error Code 10
Error code “10” appears when the system has detected a false flame. A false flame may be due to any obstruction or poor material used during installation.
Troubleshoot
Check out all the vents, flue inlet, heat exchanger, and exhaust termination. Make sure that they are not blocked anyway and have adequate clearance space. You may get a professional service for this purpose.
6. Error Code 11
Rheem tankless water heater displays error code “11” when the ignition has failed. Several reasons cause ignition failure.
Troubleshoot
To remove this error, the first step is to check the gas flow to the unit. If the gas connection is perfect and gives the required amount of pressure, but there is still no ignition, look for a service member.
Also, make sure the ignitor is functional before calling for service.
7. Error Code 12
When you see error code “12” on your Rheem tankless heater, it indicates flame failure.
Troubleshoot
Ensure all gas valves are open and the gas reaches the heater. You must also ensure that the flame rod does not contain carbon build-up. Again, you can contact a technician to handle this error.
8. Error Code 16
The error code “16” display indicates an over-temperature warning when the outlet temperature exceeds the remote thermostat setting.
Troubleshoot
Look for any obstruction or blockage in the heat exchanger. Make sure that there is no airflow restriction to the unit.
Also, check out the vent terminal, outlet thermistor, heat exchanger thermistor, and gas valve.
9. Error Code 21
The error code “21” occurs when there is a malfunction in the air intake filter switch.
Troubleshoot
Ensure the correct installation of the front panel. Plus, determine whether the air filter door is seated properly.
10. Error Code 24
The error code “24” flashes on the display unit when a switch malfunction occurs.
Troubleshoot
Start troubleshooting this error by shutting off the water and disconnecting the remote control. Next, make sure that the tankless heater is properly grounded.
Press the max and min buttons on the control board to reset the heater.
11. Error Code 29
If you receive an error code “29”, know that the heat exchanger’s temperature has become too low.
Troubleshoot
When you see this error code, clean up the air inlet screen and the fins on the heat exchanger.
12. Error Code 31
When there is a fault in the water inlet temperature sensor, your Rheem heater will display an error code “31”.
Troubleshoot
You can start resetting this error by inspecting the thermistor wiring for any damage. Also, check for any limescale build-up on the thermistor. Give it a clean if required.
13. Error Code 34
An error code “34” comes on the display unit when the system detects a fault in the combustion air temperature sensor.
Troubleshoot
Inspect the ambient thermistor and look for any damage in the wiring. Make sure to remove blockages, if any.
Tightly fit the fan blade on the motor shaft so that it spins freely. Replace the sensor if needed.
14. Error Code 51
The error code “51” comes when there is some problem with the gas control valve.
Troubleshoot
To correct this error, your best bet is to contact a professional and get the loose or damaged terminals fixed on the gas control valve wiring.
15. Error Code 61
If your device’s combustion fan fails, you will see an error code “61” on the front panel.
Troubleshoot
Ensure there is no problem with the fan motor and that it is turning freely. Even if there is a small restriction, remove it early.
16. Error Code 65
You will notice an error code “65” when there is some issue with the water control valve.
Troubleshoot
Look for loose or damaged wiring connections on the water control valve. Ensure the water control valve has the proper voltage.
Call a repair technician to handle this task for you.
17. Error Code 66
An error code “66” will appear when there is some problem with the water bypass valve.
Troubleshoot
Call a plumber technician if any damaged wire on the water bypass valve and repair is needed.
Also, ensure that the water by-pass solenoid has the proper voltage it needs.
18. Error Code 71
The error “71” indicates a fault in the gas inlet valve control.
Troubleshoot
Ensure no wire is loose or damaged on the gas control valve. Moreover, reach out to a professional assistant to do any repairs.
Conclusion
Rheem tankless water heater is one of the most used household appliances. It comes in different types of models that you can select based on your requirements.
These tankless heaters have an in-built capacity to display an error code when something is wrong within the system. You can better remove the error when you know what each code means.
Hiring a professional service for this purpose is the most appropriate step that one can take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Rheem’s Tankless Water Heater Display an Error Code?
A Rheem water heater has an in-built diagnostic system. Whenever the water heater detects a problem, an error code in the LED display comes on the front panel.
This code indicates a potential fault in the system. To continue the smooth functioning of the heater, the error must be identified and removed.
If this is not done, an error code will keep appearing, and you may not be able to use the tankless heater.
What Is an Alternative Method To Reboot the Rheem Tankless Water Heater?
While using Rheem tankless heater, you may come across different error codes. You can detect the possible diagnostic problem and its solution by identifying the error.
You can also reboot your Rheem tankless heater with an alternative option that rectifies the error. First, unplug the water heater from the power supply. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes.
Then plug it back. The error may have been resolved. If not, go for other rebooting options.
What Are Hard Lockout and Soft Lockout in Rheem Tankless Water Heater?
Rheem tankless heater puts the diagnosed problem into two categories, i.e., soft lockout and hard lockout.
A hard lockout indicates a serious situation like ignition, flame, or condensate problem. At the same time, a soft lockout is not an indication of something serious.
Whether a lockout is hard or soft depends on the severity of the error and the underlying problem.
