Seeing a number flashing on your Rheem controller? Here is what each Rheem continuous flow error code means, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a licensed Perth plumber.
Rheem Hot Water System Error Codes Explained
If your Rheem hot water system is showing a code, it is telling you what has gone wrong. On Rheem continuous flow (instantaneous) gas systems the code appears as a number on the display, and most codes mean the unit needs a service call. One code (11) has a couple of safe checks you can try yourself first. This guide explains what each Rheem continuous flow error code means, what you can safely check, and when to call us.
The codes below are Rheem’s continuous flow water heater codes. Rheem storage and solar systems use different indicators, so always confirm against the owner’s guide for your exact model. If the fault involves gas, or you are unsure, stop and call a licensed professional. We deal with Rheem hot water repairs across Perth every week.
How to Find and Read the Error Code on Your Rheem System
On a Rheem continuous flow gas water heater, the error code shows on the LED display panel on the front of the unit, and on many installations it also appears on the temperature controller inside your home in the kitchen or bathroom. When the unit faults, it displays a code number instead of the set temperature.
Rheem storage systems are different. Electric storage units rarely show a digital code and instead trip a thermostat or safety cut-out, while gas storage units rely on a pilot light. Note down the exact code and the model number from the compliance plate before you call for help. It saves time and helps us arrive with the right parts.
How to Reset Your Rheem Hot Water System
For a Rheem continuous flow system, a reset is worth trying first for an ignition fault (code 11):
- Close the hot tap you were running.
- Turn the power off and on at the power point (GPO) or isolation switch supplying the unit.
- Open a hot tap again and check whether the code has cleared.
For LPG users, also check your gas bottle has not run empty. If the code clears and stays away, it was likely a one-off. If it returns, note the code and book a service call. Do not open the unit or work on any gas components yourself.
Rheem Continuous Flow Error Codes (Full List)
The table below lists the Rheem continuous flow water heater error codes and what each one means, taken from Rheem’s official troubleshooting guide. Rheem’s advice for almost every code is to book a service call, because continuous flow repairs are licensed work.
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | EZ Link | Book a service call |
| 05 | Imperfect combustion alarm | Book a service call |
| 10 | Abnormal low-rate combustion | Book a service call |
| 11 | Ignition failure at start-up | LPG users: check the bottle level. Close the hot tap, cycle power off and on at the power point, then reopen the tap. If it recurs, book a service call. |
| 12 | Flame failure during operation | Check your gas supply is on, then book a service call if it continues |
| 14 | Overheating | Book a service call |
| 15 | Very high temperature | Book a service call |
| 16 | Outlet water temperature too high | Book a service call |
| 24 | Operational switch faulty | Book a service call |
| 29 | Heat exchanger outlet temperature too low | Book a service call |
| 31 | Inlet thermistor open circuit | Book a service call |
| 32 | Heat exchanger thermistor open circuit | Book a service call |
| 33 | Outlet thermistor open circuit | Book a service call |
| 34 | Ambient air thermistor open circuit | Book a service call |
| 35 | Thermistor connections crossed | Book a service call |
| 51 | Gas cut-off malfunction (SV0 failure) | Book a service call |
| 52 | PGFR control failure | Book a service call |
| 56 | Bypass solenoid failure | Book a service call |
| 61 | Abnormal fan speed or fan failure | Book a service call |
| 65 | Water volume control motor malfunction | Book a service call |
| 66 | Water bypass control fault | Book a service call |
| 71 | GIS valve control failure | Book a service call |
| 72 | Detected false flame | Book a service call |
| 73 | Vent type control data failure | Book a service call |
| 74 | Communication problem between the remote controller and water heater | Book a service call |
| 75 | Communication problem between the remote controller and water heater | Book a service call |
| 76 | Communication problem between the remote controller and water heater | Book a service call |
| 79 | Fan motor current detection failure | Book a service call |
| 80 | Gas cut-off defective | Book a service call |
| 81 | No false flame detected | Book a service call |
| 82 | Functional problem on the gas type circuit board | Book a service call |
| 90 | Decrease in fan motor ventilation | Book a service call |
| 99 | Decrease in fan motor ventilation (operation stopped) | Book a service call |
Rheem’s guidance is clear: apart from the checks for code 11, all Rheem continuous flow error codes should be diagnosed and repaired by a licensed plumber. That is exactly what we do across Perth.
Seeing an Error Code on Your Rheem?
Most Rheem codes need a licensed plumber. We carry common parts and can often diagnose the code and get your hot water back the same day, with upfront fixed pricing.
Rheem Storage and Solar Hot Water Systems
Rheem electric and gas storage systems usually do not display a numeric error code.
- Electric storage: if there is no hot water, the thermostat or a safety cut-out (ECO) may have tripped, or the element may have failed. This is licensed work, so book a plumber rather than resetting repeatedly.
- Gas storage: no hot water is often a pilot light that has gone out. You can relight it following the instructions on the unit or in your manual. If it will not stay lit, or you smell gas, turn the gas off and call a licensed gas fitter.
- Solar: Rheem solar systems show fault codes specific to the model. Check your owner’s guide and, if it persists, book a service.
Common Rheem Error Codes Explained in Detail
Rheem error code 11 (ignition failure at start-up)
Code 11 is the most common Rheem continuous flow code and the one you can safely check yourself. It means the unit tried to light but could not. The usual cause is simply no gas: an empty LPG bottle, a closed gas valve, or a gas outage. Check other gas appliances work and, for LPG, that the bottle is not empty, then close the hot tap, cycle the power off and on at the power point, and reopen the tap. If code 11 returns with the gas on, book a service call so a licensed gas fitter can check the ignition and gas valve.
Rheem error code 12 (flame failure during operation)
Code 12 means the burner lit but the flame dropped out during use. Check your gas supply is on. If it keeps happening, it needs a licensed gas fitter, because a unit that repeatedly loses flame should not be left running.
Rheem error codes 14, 15 and 16 (overheating and high temperature)
Codes 14 (overheating), 15 (very high temperature) and 16 (outlet water temperature too high) are all temperature-related safety trips. They can be caused by restricted water flow, scale build-up or a component fault, and there is no safe home fix. Turn the unit off and book a service call.
Rheem error code 61 (fan fault)
Code 61 means an abnormal fan speed or fan failure. The combustion fan is essential for safe operation, so do not keep running the unit. Book a service call.
Rheem thermistor codes (31 to 35)
Codes 31 to 35 relate to the temperature sensors (thermistors) or their wiring, such as an inlet, outlet, heat exchanger or ambient air thermistor open circuit, or crossed connections. These are internal faults for a licensed plumber to diagnose.
When to Call a Licensed Plumber or Gas Fitter
Checking your gas supply and cycling the power for code 11 are safe. Beyond that, Rheem’s own guidance is that continuous flow repairs must be carried out by an approved, licensed plumber, and in Western Australia gas work is licensed by law. Call a licensed professional if:
- A code returns after you reset the unit.
- You see any code other than a one-off code 11, especially overheating, gas valve, flame or fan codes (such as 12, 14, 15, 16, 51, 61, 71 or 72).
- You can smell gas. In that case, turn the gas off at the meter if it is safe, ventilate the area, avoid anything that could spark, and call us straight away.
Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide, which is odourless and dangerous, so never keep resetting a unit that will not run properly.
How to Prevent Rheem Hot Water Faults
Many faults are avoidable with a little care:
- Have your system serviced periodically, especially continuous flow units in hard-water areas where scale builds up.
- Keep the flue, vents and the area around the unit clear.
- For continuous flow units, make sure taps and flow restrictors allow the minimum flow the unit needs, as low flow can cause the unit to drop out.
- Address small issues early, before they become a breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Rheem hot water system?
For a continuous flow unit showing code 11, close the hot tap, turn the power off and on at the power point or isolation switch, then reopen the tap. LPG users should also check the bottle is not empty. If the code returns, note it down and book a service call. Rheem advises all other continuous flow codes be handled by a licensed plumber.
What does Rheem error code 11 mean?
Code 11 is an ignition failure at start-up, meaning the unit could not light. The most common cause is no gas, such as an empty LPG bottle, a closed valve or a gas outage. Check your gas supply, then cycle the power. If it returns with the gas on, book a service call.
What does Rheem error code 12 mean?
Code 12 is a flame failure during operation, where the burner lights but the flame drops out. Check that your gas supply is on, and if it keeps happening call a licensed gas fitter, as it should not be left running.
What does Rheem error code 14 mean?
Code 14 means overheating. It is a safety trip, often related to restricted water flow, scale build-up or a component fault. There is no safe home fix, so turn the unit off and book a service call.
Can I fix a Rheem error code myself?
For continuous flow units, the only homeowner checks are for code 11: check the gas supply and LPG bottle level, and cycle the power. Rheem’s guidance is that all other codes, and all repairs, should be handled by a licensed plumber. Never work on gas components yourself.
Why does my Rheem hot water system keep showing an error?
A code that returns after a reset usually means an ongoing fault, such as a gas supply problem, scale build-up, a failing sensor, fan or valve, or a flue restriction. It needs a professional diagnosis rather than repeated resets.
Is it safe to keep using my hot water system with an error code?
If the unit will not run properly or the code involves gas, flame, the fan or overheating, do not keep resetting it. Faulty gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide. Turn it off and call a licensed gas fitter.
Rheem Hot Water Repairs in Perth
Proud Plumbing & Gas repairs and services Rheem hot water systems right across the Perth metro area, 7 days a week, with 24/7 emergency help, a $0 call-out fee and upfront fixed pricing. Our licensed plumbers and gas fitters carry common parts, so in many cases we can diagnose the code and get your hot water back the same day. You get a fixed price after a quick assessment, so there are no surprises.
Need a hand with a Rheem error code? Call us on (08) 6185 3008, or learn more about our hot water services and Rheem hot water systems. For urgent breakdowns, see our 24/7 emergency plumbing, and for gas-related faults our gas fitting team can help.
