Rheem is a well-reputed and known company for manufacturing energy-efficient and durable water heaters for both commercial and residential purposes. They come in various types and designs and offer electric, gas, solar, and tankless water heaters making them a reliable choice for most homeowners.
However, you might experience some issues with your water heater such as insufficient hot water or water not getting hot enough to cater to your household needs. This simple guide will help you with your Rheem Water Heater troubleshooting and fix some common issues with your water heater before inviting a professional to repair it.
Rheem Water Heater Troubleshooting:
You might experience that your water heater has stopped working properly. It is either producing too hot water or the hot water is not sufficient for your household demands. Some of the most common problems that can occur with your water heater are:
- The water is too hot
- Strange noises
- Leaking tank
- Discolored water
- Insufficient hot water
- Foul Odor
- Cold Water
You can easily fix some of these minor issues yourself without calling in an expert to repair them which can save you both time and money. Keep reading this guide and learn about some easy troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problems your water heater is experiencing.
Before troubleshooting your Rheem water heater, don’t forget to disconnect the unit from power to avoid any accidents.
Here are the details about these common Rheem Water Heater Troubleshooting Issues.
Too Hot Water
You may notice that your water heater is overheating and producing extremely hot water. This could happen due to the following reasons:
- You have set the temperature too high
- The thermostat does not work properly or is malfunctioned
- The pressure relief valve is blocked
Hot water comes out of the faucet if the temperature is set too high. You can solve this problem by simply checking the temperature and adjusting it to a lower temperature.
Also, check if the thermostat is working properly. You should replace the thermostat if it has malfunctioned.
Another reason your water heater produces extremely hot water is that the pressure relief valve is blocked. A pressure relief valve usually escapes steam out of the unit to release pressure inside the water tank.
If the pressure relief valve is blocked, you might hear the water boiling in the water tank. There is a risk that the tank will explode. In this situation, switch off the heater and call a professional for help.
Strange Noises
It is common to hear some noises from your Rheem Water Heater. However, loud and strange noises coming out of your water heater might indicate something is wrong with the unit.
You may hear rumbling voices from your water heater which means that there is sediment formation or mineral deposits on the sides and bottom of the water tank. Minerals present in the water are the main cause of this sediment formation.
Your water heater may also create a popping noise. This type of sound is created by the formation of bubbles under the sediment as the temperature increases.
You can solve this problem by draining your tank. Flushing and refilling the tank with fresh water can prevent these strange noises from coming back.
However, if these noises reoccur even after flushing, you’ll have to replace the tank.
Find a Rheem Tankless Water Heater Manual Here if you have issues with your Tankless water heater
Rheem Water heater Tank Leaking:
Your water heater’s tank might be leaking if you notice water on the floor. There could be several reasons for a leaking tank. Issues with your drain lines or water supply lines might be responsible for the leakage.
If you’ve checked the unit and everything seems fine, it is likely that something is wrong with the temperature and pressure release valve. This can be a sign of a more serious condition. Hence, it is recommended to call a technician to help repair the unit and avoid any danger of explosion.
Discolored Water
If you notice discolored water coming out of your faucet, know that something is wrong with your water heater. Yellow or brownish water is a clear indication that there is corrosion inside the tank.
There is an element inside your water tank called a sacrificial anode that protects the tank from corrosion and increases its lifespan. This anode attracts minerals present in the water. The minerals thus corrode the anode instead of the tank.
However, after some time, this sacrificial anode becomes inefficient and does not function properly which results in the corrosion of your water tank. This issue can be solved by replacing the anode with a technical expert.
Insufficient Hot Water
If you experience that your water heater is producing hot water but it is not enough to fulfill your household needs then the problem might be with the size of your water heater. It is likely that your water heater is small and doesn’t produce sufficient hot water to meet your entire home’s demands.
Here are a few tips to fix this problem:
- Cut back your shower time
- You can install low-flow shower heads to decrease hot water consumption
- Space out your washings in the house. Do laundry and wash dishes at different times
- Replace the old water tank with a bigger one that would provide enough hot water for all your domestic needs.
If you’re looking for high-capacity water heaters, read about the 5 Best 80-Gallon Electric Water Heaters.
Foul Odor
If you notice a foul smell like rotten eggs coming from your water heater while you use hot water, it might indicate that there is bacterial growth inside your water tank. Bacterial species such as Legionella grow in hot water which is most likely responsible for this foul odor that comes from your water heater.
To troubleshoot this problem, adjust the temperature of your water heater between 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the water to heat for about half an hour. This will kill all the bacterial growth inside your tank.
Cold Water
If your water heater is producing cold water instead of hot water, chances are the heating elements are broken or have failed to function properly. There are two heating elements in your water heater unit, one at the top and one at the bottom.
If the problem is with the heating elements, replace one or both heating elements to avoid getting cold water.
Another reason you’re getting cold water from the faucets is that the power might have tripped. To solve this issue, check your water heater’s circuit breaker or call in a professional for help.
How To Reset a Rheem Water Heater
Rheem water heaters work perfectly in delivering hot water supply if they are properly maintained. However, you’ll need to reset the unit occasionally if it fails to perform its normal function.
The reset button also known as the ECO (Emergency Cut-Off) switch in your water heater is an important safety component that cuts off power to your water heater in case the temperature exceeds its limits or if there is a power surge.
If you notice that cold water is coming from your faucet, you need to check the circuit breaker first. Look at the panel and if it is in the OFF position, you need to switch it ON. If it stays ON for quite some time it means that there is nothing serious.
However, if the breaker is ON, then turn it OFF and manually reset it with the button. Resetting the Rheem Water Heater is a safe and easy process which is described below:
- Remove the access panel on your water heater’s tank
- Also, remove the insulation to find the red reset button
- Press the reset button
- Put the insulation and access panel back
- Turn on the power to the water heater
Wait for a few hours for the unit to heat the water. But if the problem does not resolve and the reset button trips, you’ll have to call in a professional to inspect your water heater.
Conclusion
You may encounter many problems when your water heater does work properly such as a leaking tank, water getting too hot, not receiving enough hot water, or having discolored water in the sink.
Once you’ve known the cause of a problem, you can easily troubleshoot these minor issues on your own and save money before calling an electrician to repair it. However, if the problem persists, it is necessary to contact a professional water heater specialist to inspect your unit.
FAQs
Why would the hot water heater suddenly stop working?
What is usually the most common water heater problem?
What to check when there is no hot water?
– Check the circuit breaker
– Manually reset the red button on your water tank
– Check the pilot light
– Inspect for water leaks
– Find out if your household’s hot water consumption is more than your water heater’s tank capacity
How long does it take for a water heater to get hot after resetting?
Richard is a retired HVAC specialist and air quality enthusiast! With decades of experience in the field, this author has seen it all when it comes to air-related issues and knows just what it takes to keep your surroundings clean and healthy.