Rheem Troubleshooting Guide | Poolheatpumps.com (2024)

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XI. Troubleshooting

If your heat pump does not operate, or simply does not heat your pool water, the indicator lamps on the front control panel (see Section IV) can provide valuable clues as to what is wrong, and may even indicate precisely what the problem is. Always observe these lamps before calling a service representative. By reporting on the telephone which lamps are ON and OFF, the service rep may be able to solve the problem without the expense of a service call.

A. UNIT IS RUNNING, BUT NOT HEATING

-Is water flow through the unit adequate? Check the unit for obstructions, such as a clogged filter pump strainer, a dirty filter, or valves not positioned correctly.

-Is the ejected air from the unit 8-10 cooler than incoming air? If so, the unit is extracting heat from the aIs water condensing on the evaporator and internal copper pipes? This is also evidence of heat removal from the air. When the air is cool with low humidity, condensation may not be evident.

-How long has the unit been operating? During initial pool heating in cold weather, it may require a week to elevate the water temperature to a comfortable level. Normally, it takes about 4 days.

-How many hours per day is the unit operating? Remember that the heat pump only operates while the pool pump is running. Set the time clock to permit 24 hour per day operation. After the desired temperature is reached, return the unit to normal operation of 8-10 hours per day.

NOTE: If the pool pump and heat pump shut OFF before the water temperature is raised to the desired level, you must lengthen the running time of both. To do this, reset the time clock dial for the longer running time, or manually operate the pump with the timer override switch. Since the heat pump capacity and efficiency are both greater at higher ambient air temperatures, run time should be set to take advantage of all daylight hours, when the air is generally warmer.

-Is airflow through the unit being obstructed? Restrictions such as shrubbery, tall grass, dirty

coils, or any other obstruction to airflow will reduce performance.

-Is the pool blanket/cover being used? Unblanketed pools can lose up to 10 degrees per night compared to 4 degrees or fewer when a blanket is used. Without a blanket, the total heat gained during the day can be lost overnight.

-Are rapid heat losses occurring in some other way, such as high wind, spillage, rainfall, flow through solar panels at nights, or a high water table?

B. UNIT IS NOT RUNNING

-Is the control panel Power lamp ON? If not, the circuit breaker may be shut OFF or tripped. Reset the breaker by switching it OFF, then back ON. Verify that the breaker is set and operating properly before calling for service.

-Are the thermostat setting and the Pool/Spa setting correct? Verify that the temperature has been properly set on the thermostat, and that it is higher than the current water temperature. At this time all three lamps should illuminate and the fan should start to run.

-Is the Water Flow lamp ON? This lamp will turn OFF if not enough water is flowing through the unit. Improperly positioned valves or a dirty filter could decrease the flow of water required for efficient operation. If this lamp is OFF, but you can feel normal flow at the pool returns, check the water valves or settings.

-Have you waited approximately 5 minutes for the time delay? After the unit has been running and then shut OFF for any reason, there is a delay before operation can begin again.

-Is the Heat Demand lamp ON? If not, then the thermostat setting is not higher than the temperature of the water. Raise the thermostat setting.

NOTE: The heat pump will not run when the Remote position is selected on the Pool/Spa selector switch and there is no remote control system attached.ir and transferring it to the pool.

C. CONDENSATION SEEMS EXCESSIVE

Heat pumps can produce a large amount of condensation (water) during operation. If you suspect that the heat pump is leaking:

a. Use a pool chemistry test kit to confirm there is no chlorine in the condensation. Or,

b. Shut the heat pump OFF and leave the filter pump running to see if the water stops dripping. If the water stops dripping, the heat pump is not leaking.

Rheem Troubleshooting Guide | Poolheatpumps.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common problem with Rheem water heaters? ›

Leaks from a water heater are a common problem that can either start from the top or the bottom of the device. While there can be a number of causes, the most common is corrosion.

Why is my Rheem hot water system not hot enough? ›

Potential Causes: Faulty heating elements, a malfunctioning thermostat, sediment build-up, or an undersized unit. Solutions: Adjust the thermostat, inspect for leaks, verify the pilot light, check the circuit breaker, or consider a system upgrade.

How to reset Rheem heat pump? ›

Step 1. Turn off the thermostat – It's a good idea to turn off the thermostat to prevent it from interfering with the reset process. Step 2. Press the reset button – After locating the reset button, press and hold it for a couple of seconds.

What is the average life of a Rheem water heater? ›

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.

Why does my Rheem water heater keep shutting off? ›

Your water heater may be turning off because it is short-circuiting or because it has other electrical problems. Such damage may have developed from water damage, impact or wear-and-tear. This is also a problem that's better left to the professionals.

How do I fix my water heater not hot enough? ›

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.

How do I make my Rheem water heater hotter? ›

it should be a relatively smooth job of:
  1. Open thermostat panel.
  2. Lift insulation, find knob.
  3. Turn to increase temperature (or find that the temp is already high, which means we'll have to look at a new thermostat or something along those lines)
Jun 9, 2024

How do I manually reset my heat pump? ›

Please follow the steps below to restart your Heat Pump:
  1. 1 - Turn off the Thermostat.
  2. 2 - Turn off the Power Switch to the heat pump (located on either the.
  3. 3 - Turn off the 2 electrical breakers for the heat pump.
  4. 4 - Wait a few minutes (3 to 5 minutes should be long enough)

How do I reset a Rheem thermostat? ›

Press the up and down arrow together – On some Rheem thermostat models, you can cause a reset by simultaneously pressing the up and down arrow. Note: This will cause the thermostat to return to its factory settings. You'll have to reprogram any customized settings you have chosen.

How to reset Rheem control board? ›

How to Perform a Factory Reset
  1. You'll need to hold the Select button for several seconds, until you see the model code come up (ex. RH32).
  2. Now, Press the Up arrow and you should see 'SoS' on the screen:
  3. Press the Select button once more to restart the display board.
Apr 15, 2024

What are the codes for Rheem water heaters? ›

Rheem Gas Hot Water Error Codes
Error CodeFault Condition
03Filter damage
05Filter not cleared
11Ignition Failure
12Flame Failure
12 more rows

Why do I have to push the reset button on my hot water heater? ›

The key purpose of the reset button is to protect your unit when at risk of overheating. If the internal water temperature exceeds 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the reset button will disconnect power to your water heater. This helps keep any damage at bay while extending the lifespan of your unit.

Why is my hot water not getting hot? ›

Some of the most common causes of hot water issues include gas leaks, water tank leaks, gas valve failures, pilot light problems, electric heater malfunctions, thermostat issues, faulty heating elements, an undersized tank, and even the weather conditions.

Has there been a recall on Rheem water heaters? ›

Recalled Rheem brand Performance Platinum electric water heater. The rating plate is located near the bottom of the unit. The rating plate shows the model number, date of manufacture and serial number.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Rheem? ›

There have actually been class action lawsuits filed against several manufacturers, including Rheem, from 2014 to 2017. It is my understanding that the leaks were a result of the cheap Chinese copper being dumped on us from China due to the unfair trade agreements we were previously locked into.

Are Rheem water heaters defective? ›

This group was formed to assist owners of Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters. Based on internet and social media report, Rheem has sold a large number of gas water heaters with faulty gas valves. These valves place an emergency cut out (ECO) switch in series, between the thermocouple and the gas valve.

Which is better a Smith or a Rheem water heater? ›

Smith heat pump water heaters are three to five times more energy efficient than traditional and tankless water heaters. Even so, Rheem's heat pump water heaters are slightly more efficient than A.O. Smith's heat pump water heaters. Rheem's heat pump water heaters have a UEF rating of 3.45 to 4.07, whereas A.O.

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