Rheem water heaters are among the most well-known in the HVAC industry. They are renowned for their dependability and durability. But what if the Rheem water heater light turns red? We researched these water heaters and this specific issue to provide you with an answer.
A flashing red light on the Rheem water heater indicates that the heater has become locked and requires service. We recommend you turn off the water heater until you resolve the blinking light problem. The causes of problems can range from gas supply issues to electrical system or temperature control issues.
We recommend you not ignore the flashing lights on your Rheem water heater. It complicates the situation and may eventually lead to component failure. More information on water heater diagnostic codes and what to do if they appear can be found below.
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Rheem Water Heater Troubleshooting
A single flash
A single blink from the Rheem water heater indicates it does not have access to the water supply or unit water. This is frequently a sign of a leak, and you should feel the water heater and check for leaks to avoid the lights flashing again.
Flashes twice in three seconds
If the two lights flash within 3 seconds, the thermopile cannot detect the voltage of the water heater. The thermopile conducts heat radiation from the wire to the water heater. Consider it a voltage supplier. It is common when the device is old and the thermopile is faulty. First, ensure that the connections to the water heater and gas regulator are fully connected. In that case, the part is defective and must be replaced. Fortunately, this component is inexpensive and straightforward to replace.
3-8 flashes within 3 seconds
If your Rheem water heater flashes 3-8 times in a row in less than 3 seconds, it has a severe problem. The most common causes of these error codes are:
- The high water temperature limit has been activated or is out of order
- A component of the water temperature sensor has failed
- Gas control failure or gas access issue
- Pilot light issue
You will likely need to contact a licensed HVAC technician to troubleshoot and repair the unit. How do I reactivate my Rheem water heater? The reset button on most Rheem water heaters is near or directly next to the limit switch near the thermostat. Resetting the Rheem water heater is a simple process.
To accomplish this:
- To reset the heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and the heater switch.
- Take off the heater faceplate to access the limit switch. Depending on the model, you may need a wrench or a screwdriver to remove the front panel nuts.
- Locate the upper limit switch and press the red button in the center. It is the resetting button.
- Reinstall the front panel, turn on the power switch and circuit breaker, and restart the heater.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
Best Seller  | Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater | Advanced thermostatic control, self-modulation, durable, easy installation, digital display. | 503.36 |
Best Seller  | Rheem SP20060 Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit, 2 | Versatile 3-in-1 baby humidifier, diffuser, and nightlight with color-changing feature. | $35.99 |
Best Seller  | OEM Upgraded Replacement for White Rodgers Water Heater LP Gas Valve | This is a Brand New OEM Water Heater LP Gas Valve | $203.99 |
Best Seller  | Rheem UV6379R UV6379R-Thermocouple, Silver/Pewter | Thermocouple kit – 24 in. | $10.84 |
Best Seller  | Rheem SP6379M SP6379M-Thermocouple-19 In, Small | Rheem is a leading provider of gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, air handlers, indoor air quality products, gas and electric water heaters. | 8.99 |
Why You Should Reset Your Water Heater
- Water Heaters Can Fail due to sudden temperature changes outside, malfunctions, or electrical issues. A simple reset will usually solve the problem.
- In some cases, however, you will need to perform diagnostic work or contact an HVAC specialist. Here are some of the reasons why your Rheem water heater may need to be reset:
- The water heater may have a power problem and be unable to supply power. In most cases, the voltage of the wire must be checked. You will frequently be required to reset the circuit breakers and heaters yourself.
- If the water heater fuse is blown or needs to be replaced, you must usually reset the water heater to turn it back on.
- If the Rheem water heater detects a high temperature, a temperature limit switch (also known as “ECO”) will turn off the heater automatically to prevent the unit from falling. However, parts can fail, and the heater can shut down for no apparent reason. If the perimeter switch is replaced, you may need to reset the water heater later.
How Long Does a Rheem Water Heater Take to Heat Up?
Most gas water heaters take 30-45 minutes to heat all of the water in the tank thoroughly. Water heaters vary in size, with residential tanks ranging from 20 to over 900 gallons. The rate at which the water is heated is affected by the size of the tank, so in large tanks, it usually takes 40 minutes to nearly an hour to heat thoroughly.
What settings should I have on my Rheem water heater?
Rheem water heaters are typically shipped with optimal settings of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can vary depending on your preferences.
We recommend setting the temperature to 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit if you want the water to be as hot as possible. Typically, the minimum setting for these water heaters is 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
While lower temperature settings can save you money on your home’s electricity bill, keep in mind that they can impact the performance of your dishwasher and washing machine.
As a result, it’s a good idea to go over the settings for these devices before changing the water heater settings. Most Rheem water heaters are shipped from the factory at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Turn off the unit and the circuit breaker for the water heater to change the water temperature setting. Next, unscrew the screw that holds the access cover to the heater’s lower front. Finally, adjust the water temperature dial to your preference.
Is your water heater beeping? Read about Rinnai tankless heater beeping to solve this problem.
Also check: Water Heater Temperature Sensor Failure—What to Do?
What can cause Your Rheem Water Heater’s Red Light To Blink!
We hope this post explains why the Rheem water heater’s lights are blinking. You should consult the owner’s manual when you notice the water heater light flashing.
It is the simplest method for determining the heater’s fault code. It enables you to diagnose and repair problems quickly or with the assistance of a skilled technician.
