Having hot water on demand is something most homeowners take for granted, until suddenly the hot water runs out. If you have a Rheem water heater that is not heating water properly, resetting it can often get things working again.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can reset your Rheem water heater by locating the reset button (often red) on the control panel or thermostat and pushing it in firmly for 1 second.
This resets the computerized control board and cycle the heater off and on to fix any software glitches.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about resetting your Rheem water heater, from locating the reset button to troubleshooting common issues.
Locating the Reset Button on a Rheem Water Heater
Resetting a Rheem water heater is a simple process that can often resolve common issues and restore the unit to its optimal performance. To begin the resetting process, you need to locate the reset button, which is typically found on either the control panel or the thermostat.
Let’s explore both options:
On the Control Panel
If your Rheem water heater has a control panel, the reset button is usually located on this panel. The control panel is usually situated near the bottom of the unit, within easy reach. To locate the reset button:
- First, ensure that the power to the water heater is turned off. This is an important safety precaution.
- Next, carefully remove the cover of the control panel. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws.
- Once the cover is off, look for a small button labeled “Reset.” It may be recessed or have a red color to make it stand out.
- Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. This action will reset the water heater.
- After releasing the button, put the control panel cover back on and secure it with the screws.
- Finally, turn the power back on and check if the issue has been resolved.
Remember, if you are unsure about any step or encounter any difficulties while resetting your Rheem water heater, it is always best to consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a professional plumber for assistance.
On the Thermostat
In some Rheem water heaters, the reset button can be found on the thermostat. The thermostat is typically located on the front of the water heater, near the top. To locate the reset button:
- Start by turning off the power to the water heater for safety.
- Locate the thermostat and carefully remove the cover. This may require unscrewing a few screws or gently prying it off.
- Look for a small button labeled “Reset” on the thermostat. It may be recessed or have a different color to make it easily identifiable.
- Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds to reset the water heater.
- Release the button and put the thermostat cover back on, securing it with the screws.
- Turn the power back on and check if the issue has been resolved.
It is important to note that the exact location of the reset button may vary depending on the model and type of Rheem water heater you have. Always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or consult a professional if you are unsure.
When to Reset a Rheem Water Heater
Resetting a Rheem water heater may be necessary in certain situations. Here are some common scenarios where you might need to reset your Rheem water heater:
No Hot Water
If you’re not getting any hot water from your Rheem water heater, it could be a sign that you need to reset it. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a malfunctioning thermostat.
Resetting the water heater can help resolve the issue and get your hot water flowing again.
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If you have a gas-powered Rheem water heater and the pilot light won’t stay lit, resetting the water heater may help. A pilot light that keeps going out can be caused by a dirty or faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is lit.
Resetting the water heater can sometimes fix this problem, but if it persists, you may need to call a professional for further assistance.
Water Not Heating Fully
If your Rheem water heater is not heating the water to the desired temperature, a reset might be necessary. This issue could be due to a malfunctioning heating element or a faulty thermostat. By resetting the water heater, you can give it a fresh start and potentially resolve the heating problem.
However, if the issue persists, it’s recommended to consult a professional plumber or contact Rheem’s customer support for assistance.
Error Codes
Rheem water heaters are equipped with advanced systems that can display error codes to indicate specific issues. If you see an error code on your Rheem water heater’s control panel, referring to the manufacturer’s manual or website can provide valuable information on what the code means and how to resolve it.
In some cases, resetting the water heater may be required to clear the error code and restore normal operation.
Remember, before attempting to reset your Rheem water heater, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided in the owner’s manual. If you’re unsure about any step or encounter a more complex issue, it’s always best to seek professional help from a qualified plumber or contact Rheem’s customer support for guidance.
How to Reset a Rheem Water Heater
If you are experiencing issues with your Rheem water heater, a simple reset may be all that is needed to get it back up and running. Here are the steps to follow to reset your Rheem water heater:
1. Push in Reset Button
The first step in resetting your Rheem water heater is to locate the reset button. This button is typically found on the control panel of the water heater. It is usually a red button labeled “Reset” or “Restart.” Once you have located the reset button, press it in firmly.
2. Wait 30 Seconds
After pushing the reset button, it is important to wait for at least 30 seconds before proceeding to the next step. This allows the internal components of the water heater to reset and recalibrate. During this time, you may hear a clicking or humming sound as the water heater prepares to restart.
3. Restore Power if Needed
Once the 30-second wait period is over, check to see if the water heater has restarted. If it has not, you may need to restore power to the unit. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that power is being supplied to the water heater.
If the breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown, reset it and try restarting the water heater again.
Remember, if you are uncomfortable or unsure about resetting your Rheem water heater, it is always best to contact a professional plumber or Rheem service technician for assistance. They have the knowledge and experience to safely reset your water heater and diagnose any underlying issues.
What to Do if Resetting Doesn’t Work
If you have tried resetting your Rheem water heater and it still isn’t working properly, there are a few additional steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some things to consider:
Check Power Supply
The first thing you should do is check the power supply to your water heater. Make sure that it is properly connected and receiving electricity. You can also try resetting the circuit breaker that controls the water heater to see if that resolves the problem.
If the power supply is not the issue, move on to the next step.
Inspect Pilot Assembly
The pilot assembly is responsible for igniting the gas burner in your water heater. If the pilot light is not lit or is flickering, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. You can consult your Rheem water heater’s manual for instructions on how to properly clean or replace the pilot assembly.
If the pilot light is functioning properly, proceed to the next step.
Replace Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple is faulty, it may not be sending the correct signal to the gas valve, causing the burner to not ignite. If you suspect the thermocouple is the issue, you can try replacing it.
Refer to your Rheem water heater’s manual for guidance on how to safely replace the thermocouple.
Contact Rheem Support
If you have tried all of the above steps and your Rheem water heater is still not working, it may be time to contact Rheem support for further assistance. Rheem has a dedicated customer support team that can help diagnose and resolve issues with their water heaters.
You can reach out to them via their website www.rheem.com or by calling their customer support line. Be sure to have your model and serial number handy when contacting Rheem support.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult your Rheem water heater’s manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips. If you are uncomfortable performing any of the steps mentioned above, it’s best to contact a professional plumber or Rheem-certified technician to help diagnose and fix the issue with your water heater.
Resetting Other Rheem Water Heater Models
Electric Models
If you have an electric Rheem water heater and you need to reset it, the process is fairly simple. Start by locating the circuit breaker panel in your home. Look for the breaker labeled “Water Heater” or something similar. Flip the breaker to the “Off” position and wait for about 5 minutes.
This will allow the water heater to cool down and reset itself. After the 5 minutes is up, flip the breaker back to the “On” position. Your Rheem water heater should now be reset and ready to use again.
Tankless Models
Resetting a Rheem tankless water heater can vary depending on the model, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. However, in general, you can try the following steps to reset your tankless water heater. Start by turning off the power supply to the unit.
This can typically be done by flipping the breaker labeled for the water heater in your circuit breaker panel. Next, locate the reset button on your tankless water heater. This button is usually found on the front of the unit. Press and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds, then release it.
Finally, turn the power supply back on and wait for the unit to reset. Again, it’s important to refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions on resetting your Rheem tankless water heater.
Conclusion
Resetting your Rheem water heater is an easy DIY fix that can get your hot water flowing again and save you the cost of a service call. Locate the red reset button, push it in firmly for 1 second, and in most cases you’ll be back in business.
If the reset doesn’t resolve your no hot water issue, be prepared to do some troubleshooting – but a simple reset should be your first step when dealing with a Rheem water heater problem.
