Rheem Tankless Water Heater Not Working After Power Outage: Causes and Solutions

If you’ve experienced a power outage recently, and your Rheem tankless water heater isn’t working, you’re not alone. A power outage can cause damage to your water heater and prevent it from working correctly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the causes of Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage and how you can fix it.

How Rheem Tankless Water Heater Works

Before we dive into the causes and solutions of Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage, it’s important to understand how these systems work. A Rheem tankless water heater uses a heat exchanger to heat water as it flows through the unit.

When you turn on a hot water tap, the flow sensor in the unit detects the water flow and turns on the burner. The burner heats the water as it passes through the heat exchanger and delivers hot water to your faucet.

Causes of Rheem Tankless Water Heater Not Working After Power Outage

Power Surge

One of the most common causes of Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage is a power surge. A power surge can occur when the power comes back on after an outage and can cause damage to the electronics in the unit. This can prevent the system from turning on or functioning correctly.

Circuit Breaker Tripped

Another possible cause of a Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage is a tripped circuit breaker. If the breaker that controls the water heater trips during a power outage, it may not reset itself when the power comes back on. This can prevent the water heater from turning on or functioning correctly.

Flow Sensor Error

A flow sensor error is another possible cause of a Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage. If the flow sensor in the unit is damaged or not functioning correctly, it may not detect the water flow and prevent the burner from turning on. This can result in no hot water or intermittent hot water.

Ignition Failure

If the ignition system in the Rheem tankless water heater is damaged or not functioning correctly, it may not be able to ignite the burner. This can prevent the water heater from heating the water and delivering hot water to your faucets.

Solutions to Rheem Tankless Water Heater Not Working After Power Outage

If you’re experiencing a Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage, there are a few solutions you can try before calling a professional. Here are some of the most common solutions to this problem:

Check Circuit Breaker

The first thing you should do if your Rheem tankless water heater isn’t working after a power outage is to check the circuit breaker. Make sure that the breaker that controls the water heater is in the “on” position. If it’s in the “off” position, turn it back on and see if the water heater starts working again.

Check Gas Supply

If the circuit breaker isn’t the issue, the next thing to check is the gas supply. Make sure that the gas valve is in the “on” position and that there are no issues with the gas supply. If the gas supply is interrupted during a power outage, it may take some time for it to be restored, and the water heater won’t work until it is.

Check Flow Sensor

If the gas supply and circuit breaker are both functioning correctly, the next thing to check is the flow sensor. The flow sensor is responsible for detecting the water flow and turning on the burner. If it’s not functioning correctly, the burner won’t turn on, and you won’t have hot water. Check the flow sensor for any damage or issues and replace it if necessary.

Restart the System

If none of the above solutions work, try restarting the system. Turn off the power to the water heater, wait for a few minutes, and then turn it back on. This can sometimes reset the system and fix the problem.

Call a Professional

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to call a professional. A professional plumber or HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and provide a solution. It’s always best to call a professional if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue or if you’re not comfortable working with the water heater yourself.

Conclusion

Experiencing a Rheem tankless water heater not working after a power outage can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue that can be easily resolved in most cases. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to fix the problem and restore your hot water supply. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with your water heater and call a professional if you’re not sure what to do.

FAQs

Can a power outage damage my Rheem tankless water heater permanently?

It’s possible for a power outage to cause permanent damage to your water heater, but it’s unlikely if the system is functioning correctly before the outage.

Why won’t my Rheem tankless water heater turn on after a power outage?

There are several reasons why your Rheem tankless water heater may not turn on after a power outage, including a tripped circuit breaker, flow sensor error, ignition failure, or gas supply issues.

How can I prevent damage to my Rheem tankless water heater during a power outage?

To prevent damage during a power outage, turn off the water heater and any other electrical appliances before the power goes out. When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning everything back on.

How often should I have my Rheem tankless water heater serviced?

It’s recommended that you have your Rheem tankless water heater serviced once a year by a professional to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and to prevent any issues.