How To Reset Rheem Water Heater

To reset a Rheem water heater, locate the red reset button located behind the panel. Remove the panel and any insulation that may be in the way. If you have a tankless unit, the entire front panel comes off. But if you have a tank, the panel is located at the base of the unit right above the drain pan. Once exposed, press the red reset button in until you hear a click and wait a few seconds, then release. The click indicates the reset was successful. Once your water heater is reset, it should function normally after a few minutes. Pressing the button resets the heater’s internal controls which causes it to restart.

If your Rheem water heat isn’t functioning like it should, a simple reset and restart may fix the problem. Whether you have a Rheem electric, natural gas, electric tankless, or gas tankless water heater, resetting the unit can fix a variety of common problems.

As a professional in the building industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen my fair share of Rheem water heaters that require a reset. If your water heater starts acting up, you’ll have to troubleshoot what the possible cause may be. Rheem water heater requires sometimes require a reset to resolve issues. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and proper operation. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue or how to fix it, it’s best to consult with a professional.

If your water heater is acting up because it needs a new part, a reset alone won’t fix the problem. You should change the part first followed by resetting and restarting the unit.

Here are some of the most common reasons why you might need to hit that reset button on a Rheem water heater.

How To Reset Rheem Electric Water Heater

Resetting a Rheem electric powered water heater is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. First, turn off power to the unit. Then locate the reset button and press it in until it clicks and hold it for a few seconds. Wait a few minutes and the water heater should reset itself.

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components or troubleshooting water heater issues, it’s always best to consult with a professional to avoid a potential safety hazard.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to reset a Rheem Water Heater:

Step 1: Turn off power supply to the heater

Before attempting to reset your Rheem water heater, it’s important to turn off the power supply to the heater. You can do this by flipping the appropriate circuit breaker in your electrical panel or turning off the heater’s main power switch. You should also unplug the unit from the wall outlet if you have a plug in model.

Wait about 10 seconds for residual power to drain from the water heater before moving on to step 2.

Step 2: Locate the reset button

The reset button on a Rheem water heater is typically located on the control panel, which is usually located on the front of the heater. It’s a small red button that may be recessed, so you may need to use a paperclip or a small tool to press it.

If you have a tankless water heater, remove the entire front panel to find the reset button.
If you have a tank style water heater, the reset button is behind the small removable panel at the base of the unit just about the drain pan.

The reset button is colored red which makes it easy to find. On some models, usually tank style, some insulation may be covering the controls when you remove the panel, push it out of the way and you should find the reset button.

Step 3: Press the reset button

Once you’ve located the reset button, simply press it and hold it down for a few seconds. You may hear a click or a beep as you press the button. This resets the heater’s internal controls and should allow it to restart.

Step 4: Wait for the heater to restart

After pressing the reset button, wait a few minutes for the heater to restart. You should hear the sound of water heating up and circulating through the tank. If you don’t hear anything, or if the water remains cold, there may be a more serious issue that requires professional attention.

Step 5: Check for hot water

Once the heater has restarted, check to see if you have hot water. You may need to wait a few minutes for the water to heat up fully. If you still don’t have hot water, or if the water is not as hot as it should be, you may need to troubleshoot further or call a professional for help. In many cases, when the water won’t heat up or get hot enough, it’s a faulty heating element.

How To Reset Rheem Gas Water Heater

Rheem makes some of the best high-performance, energy-efficient natural gas-powered water heaters. Resetting the heater is easy to do; all you need is a screwdriver or a metal tool to help remove the access panel.

1. Remove The Access Panel

Locate and remove the heater’s access panel cover and move any insulation you find out of the way.

2. Press The Reset Button

Find the red reset button that’s located above the thermostat. Then press and hold the button until you hear a click. The clicking sound means the heater successfully reset.

3. Install The Cover

Replace the insulation and access panel cover.

How To Reset A Rheem Tankless Water Heater

Rheem calls its high-performance tankless water heaters Classic Series models. There’s a slightly different way to reset them, but it’s just as easy as resetting an electric or gas power Rheem water heater.

Rheem tankless water heaters reset differently, depending on whether they’re electric or gas.

Gas: Remove the access panel cover and insulation and press the reset button.
Electric: Switch off the remote control and close all hot water faucets and fixtures. The reset should then complete after five minutes.

How To Reset A Rheem Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor

Rheem gas powered water heaters includes various safety mechanisms to prevent accidental fires. The flammable vapor sensor is one of those very important safety devices.

The sensor detects fumes within the water heater’s vicinity. If it senses fire-producing vapors, it automatically turns the gas valve off.

Unfortunately, sensor errors can occur, which requires resetting the vapor sensor to fix.

Unplug the blower when starting the water heater. Wait about five to ten seconds before powering the blower back on.
Monitor for six temperature fluctuations until the dial settles on a temperature level. This signals the reset is complete.

You may also want to reset the water heater’s gas valve by turning the dial to the “OFF” position for five seconds before returning it to the “ON” position.

Reasons Why A Rheem Water Heater Needs A Reset

There are a variety of common reasons why a Rheem water heater may require a reset. These include power outages, a tripped breaker, a faulty heating element and/or a tripped sensor or switch. Most of these common issue can be fixed by resetting the unit. However, if your heater continues malfunctioning after a reset, you’ll have to troubleshoot the cause of the problem. If the cause is a warn out part, a reset alone won’t fix it.

Power Outage

One of the most common reasons for a Rheem water heater to require a reset is a power outage. When the power goes out, the heater’s system can shut down. But it won’t turn back on automatically when the power is restored. In such cases, it’s important to turn off the power supply to the water heater and reset it manually.

This is very easy to do, simply unplug the unit from the outlet or turn off the breaker. Wait about 10 seconds for ambient power to drain out of the unit, then restore power to the heater. This is called a power cycle and it’s a great way to reset your Rheem water heater after a power outage.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Another reason why your Rheem water heater may require a reset is a tripped circuit breaker. This can happen when the water heater draws too much power and overloads the circuit, causing the breaker to trip. If this happens, you need to turn off the power supply to the heater, locate the tripped circuit breaker and reset it before restarting the heater.

Once you reset the circuit break, plug in your Rheem water heater. It should power back on immediately and be reset. This is sometimes called a power cycle.

Faulty Heating Element

A faulty heating element can cause a Rheem water heater to need a reset. A hot water heaters heating element is essential because it’s the part that actually heats the water. When the element heats up, it passes heat to the water flowing around it. Over time, a heating element can wear out, leading to insufficient heating or no hot water at all. In some cases, resetting the water heater can re-calibrate the element which causes it to and function normally again. However, if the issue persists, you may need to have the heating element replaced.

Replacing a heater element is actually a very easy job, but it requires turning off the heater and draining the tank. If you’ve never done it before I recommend hiring a plumber.

Once the heater is turned off, drained and the new element is installed, you can restore power to the tank and fill it up. Once power is restored, the water heater should reset and function normally.

High Limit Switch Tripped

The high limit switch is a safety mechanism that shuts off the water heater when the temperature gets too high. This is a critical safety component because it protects against potential overheating and damage. If your high limit switch is tripped, the water heater will require a reset. However, it’s important to note that repeated trips of the high limit switch can indicate a more serious problem, such as a faulty thermostat or heating element.

It’s very important for your high limit switch to function normally. If it trips repeatedly you should power down the heater and install a new switch right away.

Flammable Vapor Sensor Tripped

Rheem water heaters are equipped with a flammable vapor sensor which detects the presence of potentially explosive vapors and shuts down the heater to prevent a hazard. If the sensor is tripped, the water heater will shut down and require a reset to restart. It’s important to investigate and eliminate any sources of flammable vapors right away to prevent the switch from tripping again and/or a potential hazard. These include gasoline or solvents.

How To Troubleshoot A Rheem Hot Water Heater

There are a variety of common issues that can cause a Rhemm water heater to malfunction. Most of them are easy to troubleshoot and fix with a simply reset or part replacement. I’ve been working as a builder for over 25 years and it’s very common for water heaters to malfunction. Luckily it’s usually an easy fix once you find the problem, correct it and reset the unit.

If you’re experiencing any issues with your Rheem water heater, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem carefully and safely. While some issues can be resolved with simple DIY solutions like a reset, others may require the assistance of a professional plumber.

Here are some of the most frequent problems that I’ve seen cause problem for Rheem water heaters and their potential fixes.

No Hot Water

If you’re not getting any hot water from your Rheem water heater, there are several potential causes.Luckily this is usually a quick, easy and fairly inexpensive fix.

The heating element may be faulty
The thermostat may be set too low
There may be a problem with the electrical supply.

To troubleshoot the issue, check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. Also check the outlet your heater is plugged into and all the wiring. You may have a bad wire connection somewhere.

Next, adjust the thermostat settings to a higher temperature. If the thermostat is broken, adjusting it up or down won;t effect the temperature of the water.

Finally, test the heating element with a multimeter to see if it’s working properly. If the heating element is going bad it won’t get hot enough to warm the water. And if it’s broken, it may not be able to warm the water at all. In either case, you’ll have to power down the water heater, drain the unit if you have a tank model, and replace the part.

Once the new heating element is installed, fill and power on the unit followed by a reset and it should work normally.

Insufficient Hot Water

If your Rheem water heater is producing hot water, but not enough, it may be due to an undersized unit or a buildup of sediment in the tank. In such cases, flushing the tank to remove sediment and mineral buildup can help increase water output.

If the unit is undersized, upgrading to a larger model may be necessary.

Not enough hot water can also be due to a faulty heating element. Check the element with a multimeter to find out and replace it if it’s going bad.

Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your Rheem water heater, such as popping or cracking sounds, it may indicate a buildup of sediment in the tank. Flushing the tank can help remove sediment and reduce noise.

If the noise persists, it may be due to a faulty heating element or a problem with the thermostat.

Leaking Water

Water leaking from your Rheem water heater can be a sign of a serious issue, such as a corroded tank or a faulty pressure relief valve. In such cases, it’s important to turn off the power supply to the heater and call a professional to assess the situation and recommend the necessary repairs or replacements.

When it comes to leaks, I would not troubleshoot the problem any further unless you have experience working on water heaters.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot light on your Rheem water heater won’t stay lit, it may be due to a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that senses the pilot flame. Testing the thermocouple with a multimeter can help determine if it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.

Does A Rheem Water Heater Have A Reset Button?

Yes, Rheem water heaters typically have a red reset button located on the control panel, which is usually located on the front of the heater. It’s a small red button that may be recessed, so you might need to use a paperclip or a small tool to press it.

Resetting the heater’s internal controls by pressing the reset button can help resolve some common issues. These include a tripped high-temperature limit switch or a blown fuse. However, if resetting the heater doesn’t resolve the problem, troubleshoot further or consult with a professional plumber. Some common problems, like a leaking tank or faulty heating element, are best left to a plumber to fix.

What To Do If Reset Button Not Working

If the reset button on your Rheem water heater is not working, it may be due to a faulty high-temperature limit switch or a blown fuse. The high-temperature limit switch is a safety device that shuts off the heating element if the water temperature exceeds a certain level. This prevents the risk of scalding or tank damage. If this switch is faulty, it may not allow the heater to reset properly.

Another possible cause of the reset button not working is a blown fuse in the electrical circuit. The fuse is designed to protect the heater’s electrical system from power surges and overloads. If the fuse is blown, the heater will not reset until the fuse is replaced.

In either case, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem carefully and safely. Turning off the power supply to the heater before investigating or repairing any electrical issues is crucial to prevent electric shock and/or other hazards.

If you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting the issue yourself, consult with a professional plumber who has experience with Rheem water heaters.

Rheem Water Heater Reset Button Keeps Tripping

If the reset button on your Rheem water heater keeps tripping, it may be due to a variety of issues that can cause the high-temperature limit switch to activate.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

Check the thermostat settings: If the thermostat is set too high, it can cause the water temperature to exceed the limit and trigger the high-temperature limit switch. Adjust the thermostat to a lower temperature to see if it resolves the issue.
Inspect the heating element: A faulty heating element can cause the water temperature to rise too high, which can trigger the high-temperature limit switch. Testing the heating element with a multimeter can help determine if it’s working properly. If it’s faulty, replace the element.
Check for sediment buildup: A buildup of sediment and mineral deposits inside the tank can cause the heating element to overheat, which can trip the high-temperature limit switch. Flushing the tank should remove sediment and improve the heater’s efficiency.
Inspect the pressure relief valve: If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it can cause the high-temperature limit switch to activate. Testing the valve for proper operation and replacing it if necessary may resolve the issue.
Check the electrical supply: If the electrical supply to the heater is not sufficient or there’s a wiring issue, it can cause the high-temperature limit switch to trip. Check the circuit breaker and wiring connections to identify any issues in the electrical supply.

If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself or if the problem persists, contact a professional plumber with experience working on Rheem water heaters to diagnose and repair the issue.

Remember to always turn off the power supply to the heater before attempting any repairs or inspections for safety.

Rheem Electric Water Heater Won’t Reset

If your Rheem electric water heater won’t reset, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue:

Check the power supply: Make sure the heater is receiving power by checking the circuit breaker or fuse box. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it and try to reset the heater again. If the fuse has blown, replace it and try to reset the heater.
Inspect the reset button: Check the reset button on the control panel to make sure it’s not stuck or damaged. If it is, it may need to be replaced.
Check the high-temperature limit switch: The high-temperature limit switch is a safety device that shuts off the heating element if the water temperature exceeds a certain level. If the switch is faulty, it may not allow the heater to reset properly. Check the switch for proper operation and replace it if necessary.
Inspect the heating element: A faulty heating element can cause the high-temperature limit switch to trip repeatedly, which prevents the heater from resetting. Testing the heating element with a multimeter can help you determine if it’s working properly. If it’s faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Contact a professional plumber with experience working on Rheem water heaters if none of the above steps or a reset resolve the problem. They can help you troubleshoot and repair the issue safely.

Remember to always turn off the power supply to the heater before attempting any repairs or inspections for safety.

How To Reset A Rheem Electric Hot Water Heater Tank

Resetting a Rheem electric hot water heater tank is a straightforward process that can often resolve common issues like a tripped high-temperature limit switch or a faulty thermostat.

Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off the power: Start by turning off the power supply at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Locate the reset button: On most Rheem electric water heaters, the reset button is located on the control panel near the thermostat. It’s usually a red button labeled “RESET.”
Press the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for at least three seconds. You should hear a clicking sound when the button is pressed.
Wait for the heater to reset: After releasing the reset button, wait a few minutes for the heater to reset. You may hear the heating elements turn on as the water heats up.
Turn the power supply back on: Turn the power supply back on at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Check for hot water: Once the heater has reset, turn on a faucet to check if hot water is flowing. If there’s still no hot water, you may need to troubleshoot other issues like a faulty thermostat or heating element.

By following these steps, you can reset your Rheem electric hot water heater tank and potentially resolve common issues. However, if the problem persists or you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, contact a professional plumber with experience working on Rheem water heaters or a Rheem technician.

How To Reset A Rheem Natural Gas Hot Water Heater Tank

Resetting a Rheem natural gas hot water heater tank is similar to resetting an electric heater, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off the gas: Start by turning off gas to the heater at the gas shut-off valve. It’s typically located along the gas line leading to the heater.
Turn off the power: Turn off the power supply to the heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Find the reset button: The reset button on a Rheem natural gas water heater is typically located near the gas valve. It may be labeled “RESET” or “THERMAL SWITCH.” You may need a flashlight to locate the button.
Press the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for at least three seconds.
Wait for the heater to reset: After releasing the reset button, wait a few minutes for the heater to reset. You may hear the gas burner ignite as the water heats up.
Turn the gas and power supply back on: If hot water is flowing properly, turn the gas supply back on at the gas shut-off valve, followed by turning on the power supply at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Check for hot water: Once the heater has reset, turn on a faucet to check if hot water is flowing. If there’s still no hot water, you may need to troubleshoot other issues like a faulty gas valve or thermocouple.

By following these steps, you can reset your Rheem natural gas hot water heater tank and potentially resolve common issues. However, if the problem persists or you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, contact a professional plumber with experience working on Rheem water heaters or a Rheem technician.

How To Reset A Rheem Tankless Electric Hot Water Heater

Resetting a Rheem tankless electric hot water heater is similar to resetting a traditional electric water heater, but the process may vary slightly depending on the specific model.

Here are the general steps to follow:

Turn off the power: Start by turning off power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Find the reset button: The reset button on a Rheem tankless electric water heater is usually located on the front panel of the unit, near the power switch. It may be labeled “RESET” or “RESTART.”
Press the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for at least five seconds. You should see the digital display on the unit turn off and then back on again.
Wait for the reset: After releasing the reset button, wait a few minutes for the heater to reset. You may hear the heating elements turn on as the water heats up.
Turn the power supply back on: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Check for hot water: Once the heater resets, turn a faucet on to check if hot water is flowing. If there’s still no hot water, you may need to troubleshoot other issues like a clogged filter or a faulty heating element.

Some Rheem electric tankless water heaters may have different reset procedures depending on the model and specific issues. Check the user manual for your unit or contact Rheem customer support for guidance if you’re unsure about the reset procedure.

If problems with your water heater persist or you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, contact a professional plumber or a Rheem service technician for help.

How To Reset Tankless Gas Water Heater

Resetting a Rheem tankless gas water heater may seem like a complicated process, but it’s actually fairly simple.

Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off the power: Turn off power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Turn off the gas: Turn off gas to the heater at the gas shut-off valve. It’s typically located along the gas line leading to the heater.
Locate the reset button: The reset button on a tankless gas water heater is usually located on the front panel of the unit near the power switch. It may be labeled “RESET” or “RESTART.”
Press the reset button: Press and hold the reset button for at least five seconds. You should see the digital display on the unit turn off and then back on again.
Wait for the reset: After releasing the reset button, wait a few minutes for the heater to reset. You may hear the gas burner ignite as the water heats up.
Turn the gas and power back on: Turn the gas back on at the gas shut-off valve, followed by the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Check for hot water: Once the heater has reset, turn on a faucet to check if hot water is flowing. If there’s still no hot water, you may need to troubleshoot other issues like a clogged filter or a faulty gas valve.

Some Rheem tankless gas water heaters may have different reset procedures depending on the model and specific issues. Check the user manual for your unit or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for guidance if you’re unsure about the reset procedure.

If problems with the heater persists or you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, contact a professional plumber or the manufacturer’s service technician for help.

How To Reset The Flammable Vapor Sensor On A Rheem Water Heater

Rheem water heaters are equipped with a flammable vapor sensor (FV sensor) as a safety feature. If the sensor detects flammable vapors, it will automatically shut off the gas supply to the heater to prevent an explosion. If the FV sensor has been triggered, you’ll need to reset it before the heater can be used again.

Here’s how to reset the flammable vapor sensor on a Rheem water heater:

Turn off the gas: Turn off the gas to the heater at the gas shut-off valve. The valve is typically located near the heater or along the gas line leading to the heater.
Turn off power: Shut off power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box prior to a reset.
Wait for the sensor to cool down: The FV sensor may have triggered due to overheating, so wait around 10-15 minutes for it to cool down before resetting.
Locate the FV sensor: The FV sensor is located on the front of the water heater, usually near the bottom of the unit.
Reset the sensor: Press and hold the red button on the FV sensor for 5-10 seconds. You may hear a clicking sound or a small flame as the sensor resets.
Turn the gas and power back on: After resetting the FV sensor, turn on the gas at the gas shut-off valve, followed by turning on the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Wait for a restart: The heater may take a few minutes to restart and heat water. Once the heater has restarted, turn on a water faucet to check if it’s hot.

It’s important to note that if the FV sensor is triggered repeatedly, it may indicate a more serious issue that should be inspected by a professional plumber or the manufacturer’s service technician.

How To Reset Rheem Water Heater Gas Valve

The gas valve on a Rheem water heater controls the flow of gas to the burner. If the gas valve isn’t working properly, it may need to be reset to restore normal operation of the heater.

Here are the steps to reset the gas valve on a Rheem water heater:

Turn off the gas: Before resetting the gas valve, it’s important to turn off the gas to the heater at the gas shut-off valve. It’s typically located near the heater or along the gas line leading to the heater.
Turn off the power: Turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box and unplug the unit.
Let the unit cool down: Before resetting the gas valve, allow the unit to cool down for around 10-15 minutes to avoid any risk of burns.
Locate the gas valve: The gas valve is located near the bottom of the heater and is typically a silver or black box with a knob on top.
Press and hold the valve knob: Press and hold the knob on the gas valve for approximately 15 seconds. This allows any residual gas to escape and the valve to reset.
Release the valve knob: After 15 seconds, release the knob and wait for a few seconds.
Turn on the gas: Turn on the gas at the gas shut-off valve.
Turn on the power: Turn on the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box and plug in the unit.
Test the heater: Turn on a hot water faucet to check if hot water is flowing properly.

If you’ve followed these steps and the gas valve is still not working properly, it may indicate a more serious issue that requires a professional plumber or the manufacturer’s service technician.

Summary: How To Reset Rheem Water Heater

As a professional in the building industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen my fair share of Rheem water heaters that require a reset. If your water heater starts acting up, you’ll have to troubleshoot what the possible cause may be. Rheem water heaters sometimes require a reset to resolve issues. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and proper operation.

Consult a professional if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue or how to fix it.

If your water heater is acting up because it needs a new part, a reset alone will not fix the problem. You should change the part first followed by a reset and restart of the unit.

If you have any questions or comments about how and/or when to reset a Rheem Water Heater, email any time.