Having hot water available at a turn of the faucet is one of life’s simple pleasures. But when your Rheem water heater isn’t working, that luxury can quickly disappear. If your water heater is turned off or needs its pilot light re-lit, this straightforward guide will have you back in hot water in no time.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: To turn on a Rheem water heater, locate the control panel, turn the gas control knob to the “pilot” setting, depress the reset button, light the pilot light, then turn the gas control knob to “on” once the pilot stays lit.
Locating the Gas Control Valve
Before you can turn on your Rheem water heater, you need to locate the gas control valve. The gas control valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gas to the burner, which heats up the water in the tank.
Depending on whether you have a natural gas or propane model, the location of the gas control valve may vary. Here’s how to find it:
On Natural Gas Models
For natural gas models, the gas control valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater. Look for a rectangular metal box with a dial or knob on the front. This is the gas control valve. You may need to remove a small access panel to access it.
Once you’ve located the gas control valve, you can proceed to the next step.
On Propane Models
On propane models, the gas control valve is usually located on the outside of the water heater, near the bottom. It may be housed in a metal box or have a protective cover. Look for a round dial or knob with markings indicating the temperature settings. This is the gas control valve.
If there is a protective cover, you may need to remove it to access the valve. Once you’ve found the gas control valve, you’re ready to move on.
It’s important to note that the specific location of the gas control valve may vary depending on the model and manufacturer of your Rheem water heater. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact location and instructions for your specific model.
Lighting the Pilot Light
One of the key steps in turning on a Rheem water heater is lighting the pilot light. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Turn Gas Control Knob to “Pilot”
Locate the gas control knob on your Rheem water heater. It is usually located near the bottom of the unit. Turn the knob to the “Pilot” position. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light.
Depress Reset Button Fully
Next, locate the reset button on your Rheem water heater. Press and hold it down fully. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light and ignite it.
Light Pilot with Igniter or Match
With the reset button still depressed, use an igniter or a long match to light the pilot light. Hold the igniter or match near the pilot light and press the igniter button or strike the match to create a flame. The gas should ignite and the pilot light should stay lit.
If it doesn’t, you may need to repeat the process.
Hold Reset Button Down for 60 Seconds
Once the pilot light is lit, continue to hold the reset button down for about 60 seconds. This will ensure that the thermocouple, a safety device that detects the presence of a flame, heats up properly and allows the gas to continue flowing to the burner.
Release Reset Button
After holding the reset button down for 60 seconds, release it. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out, you may need to repeat the process or seek professional assistance.
Following these steps will help you successfully light the pilot light on your Rheem water heater and ensure that it functions properly.
Turning Gas Control Knob to “On”
When it comes to turning on a Rheem water heater, one of the key steps is to locate and turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. This knob is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the burner, which is essential for heating the water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Locate the Gas Control Knob
The gas control knob is typically located on the front of the water heater, near the bottom. It is usually labeled with “On,” “Off,” and sometimes “Pilot” positions. Take a moment to find the knob before proceeding.
Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Supply
Before turning the gas control knob to “On,” it is important to ensure that the gas supply to the water heater is turned off. Locate the gas supply valve, which is usually located near the water heater or on the gas line leading to it. Turn the valve to the “Off” position to cut off the gas flow.
Step 3: Wait for a Few Minutes
After turning off the gas supply, it is recommended to wait for a few minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any potential gas buildup.
Step 4: Turn the Gas Control Knob to “On”
Once you have waited for a few minutes, it is time to turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. This will allow the gas to flow to the burner and start heating the water. Use caution while turning the knob and make sure it is fully in the “On” position.
Important note: If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak at any point during this process, immediately leave the area and contact a professional for assistance. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with by qualified technicians.
For more detailed instructions on how to turn on a Rheem water heater, you can refer to the official Rheem website at www.rheem.com. They provide comprehensive guides and resources to help users safely operate their water heaters.
Remember, always prioritize safety when working with gas appliances. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any step of the process, it is best to seek professional help to ensure everything is done correctly and safely.
Checking Proper Operation
Look for Proper Burner Ignition
One of the first things you should do when checking the proper operation of your Rheem water heater is to ensure that the burner is igniting correctly. Start by checking the pilot light. If the pilot light is not lit, you will need to relight it.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, observe the burner. It should ignite with a blue flame. If you notice a yellow or orange flame, this could indicate a problem with the burner.
In this case, it is best to contact a professional for further inspection and repair.
Test Water Temperature
Another important aspect of checking the proper operation of your Rheem water heater is to test the water temperature. You want to ensure that the water is being heated to the desired temperature. Start by turning on a hot water faucet and letting the water run for a few minutes.
Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water. The temperature should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) for most households. If the temperature is too low or too high, you may need to adjust the thermostat on the water heater.
Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the thermostat.
It is worth noting that if you are experiencing any issues with your Rheem water heater, it is always best to consult the manufacturer’s website or contact a professional for assistance. Rheem has a comprehensive website that provides troubleshooting guides and support for their products.
You can visit their website at www.rheem.com for more information.
Troubleshooting Issues
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If you’re having trouble with your Rheem water heater pilot light, there are a few possible reasons why it won’t stay lit. One common issue is a dirty or clogged pilot tube, which can prevent the flow of gas to the pilot light.
To fix this, you can try cleaning the pilot tube using a small wire brush or compressed air. Another possibility is a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple is defective, it may need to be replaced.
Additionally, make sure that the gas supply to the water heater is turned on and that the gas valve is in the correct position.
For more detailed troubleshooting steps, you can refer to the Rheem water heater manual or visit the official Rheem website at www.rheem.com. They provide comprehensive guides and resources to help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues with their water heaters.
Water Isn’t Getting Hot
If your Rheem water heater is not producing hot water, there are a few possible reasons for this problem. First, check the temperature setting on the water heater. It’s possible that the temperature is set too low, preventing the water from reaching the desired hot temperature.
Adjust the temperature setting accordingly and wait for the water to heat up.
Another potential issue could be a malfunctioning heating element. Electric water heaters have heating elements that heat the water, and if these elements are faulty, they may need to be replaced. Similarly, gas water heaters have a burner assembly that heats the water, and if there is a problem with the burner, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.
In some cases, insufficient hot water can be a result of sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing its efficiency. Flushing the tank to remove sediment can help improve the performance of your water heater.
If you’re still experiencing issues with your Rheem water heater, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber or Rheem service technician for further assistance. They have the expertise to diagnose and resolve complex problems with water heaters.
Conclusion
With a basic understanding of your Rheem water heater’s controls and ignition sequence, you’ll be able to quickly restore hot water when needed. Pay close attention to the pilot flame size and burner ignition to ensure proper operation.
Taking a few minutes to relight the pilot could save you from waiting hours for a service technician. Just be sure to turn the gas valve all the way off when finished to avoid any gas leaks.
