Rheem HG Before You Call For Service…, Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Before You Call For Service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Condensation	This usually happens when	● This is normal. After the water in the tank warms
	a new water heater is	up the condensation will disappear. If, however, the
	filled for the first time.	condition persists, examine the piping and fittings
		for possible leaks.
	Moisture from the products	● This is normal and will disappear in time. Excessive
	of combustion condensing	condensation can cause pilot outage.
	on the tank surface.
	An undersized water	● Use a water heater size that meets the requirements
	heater will cause	of your needs.
	condensation.
Yellow flame	Scale on top of the burner.	● Shut off the water heater and remove scale.
or sooting
	Combustion air inlets or	● Remove lint or debris and inspect air inlet opening
	flue-way restricted.	for restriction.
	Not enough combustion or	● Proper operation of the water heater requires air for
	ventilation air supplied to	combustion and ventilation. See the Combustion and
	the water heater location.	Ventilation Air information in the Locating the water
		heater section of this manual.
Unable to light	Temperature dial not	● See the Lighting the water heater section of this
the pilot	correctly positioned.	manual.
	Pilot orifice clogged.	● The pilot should be cleaned or replaced by a qualified
		service technician.
	Pilot tube pinched or	● The pilot should be cleaned, repaired or replaced by a
	clogged.	qualified service technician.
	Air in gas line.	● Contact a qualified service technician to purge the air
		from the gas line.
Pilot does not stay	Loose thermocouple.	● The connection at the thermostat should be tightened
lit when the RED		by a qualified service technician.
button is released
	Thermocouple breakdown.	● The thermocouple should be replaced by a qualified
		service technician.
	Safety magnet breakdown.	● The thermostat should be replaced by a qualified
		service technician.
	Thermostat’s single	● The thermostat should be replaced by a qualified
	use gas shut-off device	service technician.
	has opened.

CAUTION: For your safety DO NOT attempt repair of gas piping, thermostat, burners, vent connectors or other safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel.

20