Rinnai Water Heater Beeping 79: What It Means and How to Fix It

If you have a Rinnai tankless water heater, you may hear it beeping and see the code 79 on the display panel. This code indicates that the unit has detected a water leak somewhere within its system. This can cause the water heater to stop working properly and may lead to water damage if not addressed. In this blog post, we will explain what causes the code 79, how to diagnose it, and how to fix it.

What Causes Code 79?

Code 79 on a Rinnai tankless water heater means that the unit has detected a water leak somewhere within its system. There are several possible causes for this code, such as:

A leak in the heat exchanger or pipin

The heat exchanger and piping within the unit can become damaged over time, which can lead to water leakage.

Water pooling in the cabinet

If the unit is installed in an area prone to high humidity or condensation, it’s possible for water to pool in the cabinet and trigger the leak detector.

A faulty leak detector

The leak detector itself could be malfunctioning, causing it to trigger a false alarm.

How to Diagnose Code 79?

To diagnose code 79 on your Rinnai tankless water heater, follow these steps:

• Check the wiring harness at the leak detector for any loose, broken, or damaged wiring or connections.
• Inspect the heat exchanger and all piping inside the unit for any leaks.
• If no leaks are found, check the inside of the cabinet for any signs of water pooling on the bottom pan of the water heater. Wipe or blow out any water found in the cabinet and dry off the leak sensor. Restart the unit.
• If no water is found in the cabinet, unplug the sensor and start the water heater. If the code 79 disappears, it means that the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

How to Fix Code 79?

To fix code 79 on your Rinnai tankless water heater, follow these steps:

If you suspect that there may be leaks in the heat exchanger or piping, it is important to contact a professional technician or Rinnai technical support for assistance. Attempting to repair or replace any parts yourself may cause further damage and potentially void your warranty.

In the event that you notice water in the cabinet and receive a code 79, it is recommended to dry off the leak sensor and restart the unit. However, if the issue persists, it is best to seek the help of a professional technician or Rinnai technical support.

If you suspect that the sensor is faulty, it is important to contact a professional technician or Rinnai technical support for assistance. Again, attempting to repair or replace any parts yourself may void your warranty and potentially cause further damage. It is always best to seek the help of a professional in order to ensure that your Rinnai tankless water heater is properly maintained and functioning at its best.

Conclusion

Rinnai water heater beeping 79 is a common issue that affects Rinnai tankless water heaters and boilers.

It indicates that there is a water leak somewhere within the system, which can cause the unit to stop working properly and may lead to water damage if not addressed. To fix this issue, you need to check the leak detector and make sure it is properly connected and in good condition.

If the leak detector is faulty or damaged, you need to replace it with a new one that is compatible with your Rinnai unit. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional technician to do it for you.

FAQs

Q: How can I prevent code 79 from happening?

A: You can prevent code 79 from happening by taking some precautions, such as:

• Installing a surge protector to protect your unit from power fluctuations
• Keeping your unit away from sources of moisture or humidity
• Avoiding placing other electrical devices or appliances near your unit
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and maintenance of your unit

Q: How can I reset code 79?

A: You can reset code 79 by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. This will reboot your unit and clear the code from the display panel. However, this may not solve the underlying problem with the leak, so you may need to contact Rinnai technical support or a professional technician for further assistance.

Q: How can I replace the leak detector?

A: You can replace the leak detector by following these steps:

• Turn off the power supply to the unit and unplug it from the outlet
• Locate and remove the front cover of the unit by unscrewing it from its base
• Locate and remove the leak detector inside the unit by disconnecting all wires and screws attached to it
• Install a new leak detector by connecting all wires and screws in reverse order
• Replace the front cover of the unit and screw it back to its base
• Plug the unit back into the outlet and turn on the power supply

Alternatively, you can hire a professional technician to replace the leak detector for you.

Q: Where can I get a new leak detector?

A: You can get a new leak detector from Rinnai’s official website or authorized dealers. You can also contact Rinnai technical support for guidance on ordering a new leak detector.