Common Rheem water heater problems

Storage heater: dripping, leaks and valves

On a Rheem EHG storage heater, the pressure relief valve (PRV) drips from its drain hole whenever tank pressure reaches 0.8MPa (8 bar). Rheem's EHG FAQ says this is normal and that a drainpipe should be connected to a floor trap. Rheem also advises lifting the PRV lever once every 6 months to release pressure.

Leaks depend on where the water comes from. Rheem's FAQ says a leak from the water piping needs an authorised plumber. A leak from the body of the heater could be inner tank ageing, and Rheem says to contact its service hotline.

Weighing a repair against a new unit? The price depends on the job; see the water heater replacement cost guide.

Storage heater: no hot water

If the water stays cold, Rheem's EHG FAQ says the manual reset thermal cut-out may have operated. Rheem says to check this by removing the service cover as stated in the manual, and to contact its service hotline if in doubt. If you are unsure, leave any cover removal to a qualified person.

If no water comes out at all, Rheem's FAQ says the main water supply may have been turned off by accident. The same document names three safety features on these heaters: an auto reset thermostat, a double pole thermal cut-out and the pressure relief valve.

For causes that are not specific to Rheem, see our guide to no hot water.

Instant heater: error codes

The RTLE instant heater manual lists these display error codes for Rheem's RTLE models.

The RTLE manual says not to attempt repairs without a qualified technician, so note the code and contact Rheem's Customer Service or a competent electrician.

To compare companies that handle instant water heaters, see the directory.

Instant heater: weak flow or not heating

The RTLE manual lists these possible causes:

• No water from the heater: the water supply is interrupted, the stop valve is off, or dirt is blocking the sprayhead or filter.
• Heater not working: the power is interrupted, or flow is below the minimum 1.5 litres per minute needed to trigger the flow switch.
• Faults: the thermal cut-out has operated, or there is a flow switch or electrical fault.

You can check that the stop valve is open and clean the sprayhead. The manual also says to clean the inlet filter net when flow drops; if you are not sure how to reach it, ask a technician. For a thermal cut-out, flow switch or electrical fault, the manual says to have the unit checked by a competent electrician or to contact Customer Service.

The RTLE manual says the heater must be earthed and on its own independent circuit, through a double-pole switch out of reach of the shower user. The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) says a water heater should be wired directly to the mains through a double pole switch, not a 3-pin socket outlet, extension cord or multi-way outlet.

Rheem water heater service and who to call

Rheem's after-sales service runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, according to its EHG FAQ. Rheem does not install heaters; its dealers can recommend a qualified plumber or electrician. Ask Rheem directly about warranty terms and any charges.

For Rheem water heater repair, who you call depends on the fault. PUB says regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber, apart from listed simple works a handyman may do, such as replacing the pipe between a stop valve and an instantaneous water heater. Pipework for a storage water heater is not on that list, so ask whether the person quoting is a PUB Licensed Plumber. Engaging a plumber who is not licensed for regulated works has been an offence since 2018.

EMA says electrical work at home should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA also says to verify the worker's licence card before work starts; see how to check a licensed electrician.

Price depends on the job. You can compare companies that list water heater services with their published prices, then ask for itemised quotes.

When to stop and call a professional

Get help if you notice any of these:

• A leak from the heater body.
• The heater tripping the power more than once.
• An error code that keeps coming back.
• Water near the wiring, switch or display.
• A burning smell.

For tripping, see our guide to water heater tripping the power. For another brand, see Ariston water heater problems.

Questions