Rheem Water Heaters
70 fault codes documented
11 - Gas shut-off valve is not fully open
The unit is indicating that the main gas supply valve is not completely open. This prevents the unit from receiving enough gas to operate correctly.
12 - Gas service interrupted or LP gas low
This error code means the gas supply to the water heater has been interrupted. For propane models, it indicates the LP gas tank is running low.
Hot and cold water lines reversed
The hot and cold water supply lines to the water heater appear to be connected incorrectly. This can cause no hot water or improper operation.
14 - Water heater is overheating
The water heater has detected that the temperature inside the unit is too high. This is a safety measure to prevent damage or scalding.
1L - Water heater has buildup of lime deposits
This code indicates that there is a significant buildup of lime or mineral deposits inside the water heater. This can affect its efficiency and performance.
31 - Faulty inlet thermistor
The thermistor responsible for measuring the incoming water temperature is not functioning correctly. This can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and improper heating.
33 - Faulty outlet thermistor
The thermistor that measures the outgoing hot water temperature is faulty. This can result in incorrect temperature control and potentially unsafe hot water.
61 - Faulty blower motor
The blower motor, which is essential for venting combustion gases, has failed. The water heater will not operate without a functional blower motor.
66 - Faulty bypass motor
The bypass motor, which is part of the water flow regulation system, is not working correctly. This can impact the unit's ability to heat water efficiently.
Error Code 88 - Maintenance required before clearing
This code indicates that maintenance, such as flushing the heat exchanger or replacing a filter, is recommended before the error can be cleared. The water heater will not operate normally until this maintenance is performed and the code is reset.
90 or 99 - Air intake or vent exhaust blocked
These codes indicate that the air intake or vent exhaust openings are blocked. Proper airflow is crucial for safe and efficient operation.
A001 - Ignition lockout
The heater has failed to ignite 9 times consecutively. The heater is disabled.
A002 - Flame is not stable
The flame was not stable during the heating cycle, losing flame three times. The heater is disabled.
A003 - Intake Switch open
The intake pressure switch was detected as open while the blower was running. This indicates a potential issue with wiring or venting. The heater is disabled.
A004 - PoF Switch error H
The proof of air flow (PoF) switch was detected open during heating operation. Check the blower and its wiring.
A005 - PoF Switch error E
The proof of air flow (PoF) switch was detected open during the pre-purge operation. Check the blower and its wiring.
A006 - PoF Switch error P
The proof of air flow (PoF) switch was detected open during the post-purge operation. Check the blower and its wiring.
A007 - Exhaust Switch open
The exhaust flue pressure switch was detected open during heating. Check the switch wiring and venting.
A010 - Ignition Control Test Failure
The End of Line (EOL) test for the ignition control failed. The unit is disabled.
A12 - Flame Detected During Standby/Disabled Mode
Flame was detected when the unit should be in a standby or disabled mode. This could indicate an issue with the flame sensor or gas valve.
A016 - High Tank Temperature
The Energy Cutout (ECO) switch is open because the tank temperature is too high. The heater is disabled.
A017 - High Flue Temp
The temperature of the exhaust gas has exceeded 155°F. The heater is disabled, but the blower will continue to run until the temperature decreases.
A018 - Flue Temp Sensor open
The flue (exhaust) gas temperature sensor (thermistor) is detected as open. Check the wiring to the sensor. The heater is disabled.
A019 - Flue Temp Sensor shorted
The flue temperature sensor (thermistor) is detected as short-circuited. Check the wiring to the sensor. The heater is disabled.
A022 - Upper Tank Sensor open
The upper tank temperature sensor is detected as open. Check the wiring to the sensor. The heater is disabled.
A023 - Upper Tank temp. too hot
The upper tank temperature has exceeded 205°F. The heater is disabled.
A024 - Upper Tank sensor shorted
The upper tank temperature sensor is detected as short-circuited. Check the wiring to the sensor. The heater is disabled.
A027 - Flame present before ignition
Flame current was detected before the gas valve was supposed to open, indicating a potential issue with the gas valve or flame sensor. The heater is disabled.
A028 - Flame present w/o heating
Flame was detected 10 seconds after the gas valve was closed. This suggests the gas valve may not be shutting off properly or a flame sensing issue. The heater is disabled.
A030 - Flame lost during heating. Retrying.
The flame was extinguished during the heating cycle. The unit is attempting to relight.
A102 - Time Clock needs to be programmed
The internal clock of the water heater needs to have the time and date set.
A104 - Water Leak Detected
Water has been detected by the leak sensor in the bottom pan of the unit. The heater may be disabled.
A108 - Ignition Board Communication Failure
Communication has been lost between the display board and the ignition control board. The ignition control board will continue operating with the last known settings.
A111 - Shutoff Valve Test Open Error
During the monthly test of the automatic shutoff valve (on premium models), the valve did not open within the allotted time. The water heater has been disabled.
A112 - Shutoff Valve Not Open: Heating Disabled
The automatic shutoff valve (on premium models) is currently closed, which disables heating. Manually open the valve if no water is detected or if the unit is not being serviced.
A143 - Shutoff valve inputs in error
This error code means the shutoff valve is sending incorrect information. Either both switches are reporting as open, or both are reporting as closed.
A200 - Incompatible Ignition Control/Display Error
This error occurs when the software versions between the Display Control and the Ignition Control are not compatible with each other.
Alarm/Error Indicator Light - Signals a fault or warning
If this light is on or flashing, it indicates that the water heater has detected a fault or is issuing a warning. The specific issue may be shown on the LED display.
Elevation High - Setting adjusted for high altitude
This setting is displayed when the water heater has been configured for high-altitude installations. This adjusts operation for elevations above 2000 feet.
Error code displayed on remote control - See Service Error Code Chart
An error code is shown on the remote control panel. The specific meaning requires referencing the Service Error Code Chart.
In-Use Indicator Light is Lit - Water heater is operating
When the 'In-Use' indicator light is lit, it means the water heater is actively heating water. This is a normal operating status.
LED Display - Shows temperature or error codes
The LED display shows the current water temperature setting or displays error codes when a fault is detected. This is crucial for diagnosing issues.
Not enough or no hot water - Scale buildup in the heat exchanger
Scale or mineral deposits have built up inside the heat exchanger, hindering its ability to transfer heat efficiently to the water.
P1 - Not enough water flow
The water heater is not detecting sufficient water flow to operate. This can happen if faucets are not opened fully or if there's an issue with water pressure.
Power On/Off Indicator Light - Shows power status
This light indicates whether the water heater is currently powered on or off. Refer to the specific model's indicators for color or state meanings.
Priority Indicator Light is Lit - Indicates priority setting active
This light indicates that a priority setting is active on the water heater. This could relate to specific operational modes or demand management.
Service button blinking - Active alarm present
When the 'Service' button blinks on the home screen, it indicates that there is an active alarm on the water heater.
Water heater not operating with low water flow
The water heater may not start heating if the hot water flow rate is too low (less than 0.4 gallons per minute). This is a safety feature to prevent dry firing.
T020 - Lower Tank Sensor open
The lower tank (inlet) temperature sensor (thermistor) is detected as open. Check the wiring to the sensor.
T021 - Lower Tank Sensor shorted
The lower tank (inlet) temperature sensor (thermistor) is detected as short-circuited. Check the wiring to the sensor. Contact technical support.
T029 - Failed ignition. Retrying.
The unit attempted to ignite but failed. It is currently retrying the ignition sequence.
T032 - Lower Tank temp A/D error
There is an analog-to-digital converter fault with the lower (inlet) tank temperature sensor. Contact technical support.
T105 - Water Leak Sensor Not Installed
The system is indicating that the water leak sensor may not be installed or is not properly connected. Check the connection on the ignition control board.
T113 - Flame Rod Degraded and Needs Servicing
The monitored current from the flame rod has changed from the average during startup, suggesting the rod may be dirty or sooty. It needs cleaning and inspection.
T114 - Flame Rod Degraded and Needs Servicing
The monitored characteristics of the flame rod have significantly deviated from the startup average. The flame rod needs cleaning and inspection, and possibly replacement.
T116 - Combustion Health Degraded. Needs Service
The combustion system's performance characteristics are severely degraded. The system needs inspection and servicing.
T117 - Time to drain and inspect tank
This alert indicates that the water heater requires periodic maintenance. It's time to drain the tank and perform an inspection.
T118 - Time to check venting for debris
This alert signifies that periodic maintenance is due, specifically to check the venting system for any obstructions or debris.
T119 - Time to clean out the condensate drain trap
This alert means it is time for routine maintenance to clean the condensate drain trap.
T120 - Time to replace the neutralizer
This alert indicates that the neutralizer in the water heater needs to be replaced as part of routine maintenance.
T504 - Wifi Chip Communication Error
This error indicates a timing issue with the WiFi chip's communication. It does not necessarily mean the chip has failed.
WiFi Signal Indicator - Shows connectivity status
This indicator shows the status of the Wi-Fi connection for smart models. A strong signal means good connectivity, while a weak or absent signal indicates connection problems.
Water heater subjected to damage or flood
The water heater has been subjected to physical damage or flooding. Turn off the manual gas control valve and do not operate.
Error code displayed on remote control
The water heater has an electronic diagnostic system that displays error codes on the remote control when a problem is detected. This chart helps diagnose and fix the issue before calling for service.
Error code remains after reset and power cycle
If the error code persists after performing a reset and power cycle, it indicates a more significant issue that requires professional attention.
Gas pressure warning
The inlet gas pressure is outside the allowable range for natural gas or LP gas. This can cause improper operation. A gas pressure regulator may be needed.
Gas supply failure to shut off
The gas supply has failed to shut off, which is a critical safety issue. Turn off the manual gas control valve immediately.
No operation after power connection
The water heater did not initiate operation within 90 seconds after power was connected for the first time. Ensure power is correctly connected.
Water heater overheating warning
The water heater has experienced overheating. Turn off the manual gas control valve to prevent further issues.
Unlisted error code displayed on remote control
If the error code displayed on the remote control is not found in the troubleshooting chart, turn off the water heater immediately and contact a service technician.