How to Troubleshoot a Rheem Heater

A water heater can help provide warm, soothing water for your shower or bathtub.

Rheem, orginally started in the mid-1920s, is one of the United States's oldest manufacturers of water heaters. Today, the company is one of the world's biggest designers and distributors of such heaters. Even the best heater can occasionally stop working. Learn how to troubleshoot a Rheem heater so you can continue enjoying hot water in your shower, bathtub or kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Rheem residential heater

Instructions

1. Make sure the Rheem water heater is connected to your home's plumbing and that pipes are not leaking. A disconnected pipe or leaking plumbing can cause decreased water pressure and low hot water output. On most Rheem models, the device connects to the plumbing through an inlet valve on the back of the device. Check to make sure the securing bolt is tightened, and that there are no telltale puddles or wet spots on the floor.

2. 

   Verify that the Rheem water heater is connected to its power source. Rheem manufactures gas, electric and solar heaters. For gas- and electricity-based heaters, make sure they are plugged into either your gas line or a reliable electrical outlet. Low gas levels or a poor outlet can cause the heater to respond slowly to increased hot water needs, as well as randomly shut down. If you are using a solar heater, make sure the device's cable to the solar panel is secured. In addition, heater functions are tied to solar activity. If your area is experiencing prolonged periods of cloudy weather, the Rheem product will switch to electric heating and must be plugged into an outlet to work successfully.

3. Give the heater time if your hot water usage suddenly increases. Each model has a set level of storage capacity, after which the product must run continuously to replenish the stored hot water. You may need to switch to a higher-capacity model if your home regularly exceeds the storage capacity of the heater and you find yourself without hot water. This may occur if you have house guests, or install a new dishwasher or washing machine with a greater need for water. Talk to a Rheem representative before choosing a heater capacity, as the company makes many models at various sizes. For example, the Rheem 52S160 can accommodate up to two people while the 52S300 can accommodate up to five people.

4. 

   Pay attention to the temperature, as this can greatly affect your Rheem heater's performance. The company sells both open circuit and closed circuit heaters. If you are using the latter in areas where the ambient temperature dips below 39 degrees F, you may find that it ceases to function. If using a closed circuit system, check that your Rheem antifreeze liquid has not been depleted. Refill according to the individual instructions included with that specific Rheem model.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact Rheem's water heating customer service department at [phone] weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time if you have questions about your heater's warranty or replacement parts. If you are still under warranty, contact the technical service department for troubleshooting help at [phone] between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

References

• Rheem Hot Water Manual
• Troubleshooting and Repairing Major Appliances, 2nd ed.; Eric Kleinert; 2007

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Official Rheem Product Website