A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit, but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door. Although Rheem recommends that you call a professional for any water heater repair, you can sometimes diagnose and correct the problem yourself.
Beside this, can I manually light my gas water heater?
If your hot water heater is a manual, grab a long lighter. After removing the metal plate covering the pilot button, scan the interior and find the pipe or pipes that lead up to the burner. Turn the pilot dial to the off position and wait 5-10 minutes for any gas to dissipate.
Also, how do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
How do you clean a Rheem thermocouple?
In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.
How do you reset the pilot light on a Rheem water heater?
Rotate the gas knob on your Rheem water heater clockwise until it is in position. Rotate the water-heater temperature dial counter-clockwise until it is set to the lowest temperature setting. Wait five minutes to let through any gas in the water. Lift off the outer door of your Rheem water heater.
How long does a Rheem water heater last?
Rheem hot water systems have a typical life span of between 5 and 15 years depending on water conditions and how well the system has been serviced. You can add years to the life to a Rheem hot water system if you have it serviced every 5 years.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
What do I do if my pilot light won’t light?
Check the Thermocouple
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The reset button: a red button located on the water heater itself (just above the thermostat) that trips when the water temperature exceeds 180 F. The reset button is sometimes referred to as the “ECO” (emergency cut off) or “high limit switch”.
Where is the reset button on a gas hot water heater?
The reset button is often red and located near the thermostat or behind a metal panel that is removable on the unit. When you find it, push the reset button and then release it. There may be a lower thermostat button also known as a second reset button.
Why is my gas heater not igniting?
If your gas furnace initiates the start cycle but does not fire up, it’s likely because of a faulty, damaged, or dirty ignitor/sensor. This is a very common furnace problem—you can try to clean the sensor and replace the ignitor.