Advertisement

WARNING:
This water heater is not suitable
!
for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!
!
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly,
a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY!
!
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors or liquids or other
combustible materials in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance. To do so may result in an
explosion or fire.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
Do not try to light any appliance.
Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's
instructions.
El manual en Español está disponible en www.rheem.com.
®
Residential Gas - FVIR Certified
Water Heaters
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the basic directions
and recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two,
for the owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and
troubleshooting of the water heater. This manual also includes a parts list.
It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read
the instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not
understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional advice.
Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should
be directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to
the section on "If You Need Service."
Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future reference.
!
Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
Do not return to your home until authorized
by the gas supplier or fire department.
— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury, or death . Refer to
this manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
AP22543 Rev 04

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the PROG50-38N RH60 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

William Watters
May 23, 2025

Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 : difficulty getting pilot to light. I can get the igniter to light (click) once or twice but pilot does not ignite. Then I have to turn OFF and wait 20 minutes to get another attempt. Initially I initially shut it off to flush it (completed). Just unable to get it to light and seem to be doing something wrong or missing an step.

User image 682fc471c9942
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 25, 2025

Troubleshooting steps for lighting the pilot on a Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 water heater:

1. Check knob movement: If the control knob won't turn to "Pilot," ensure you're pressing it down before turning. Do not force it.

2. Depress gas control knob: While lighting the pilot, the gas control knob must be fully pressed down.

3. Purge air from gas line: Air in the gas line can prevent lighting. A qualified technician should purge the line.

4. Inspect pilot burner:
- If clogged or dirty, clean or replace the pilot burner.
- If the pilot burner tube is pinched or clogged, it must be repaired or replaced.

5. Check thermocouple:
- Ensure the connection at the gas control is tight.
- If defective, replace the thermocouple.

6. Check safety magnet: If defective, the gas control valve may need replacement.

7. Ventilation: Ensure proper air supply for combustion and ventilation.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact a qualified service technician.

This answer is automatically generated

Tommy Edwards
March 31, 2025

My water is not hot this morning. Took a shower and before I washed in there 5 minutes, it was cooling down. I cracked it up to the hottest possible and it didn’t warm nothing. Where do I start?

1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
March 31, 2025

If the Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 water heater is not providing hot water, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check water usage: Ensure hot water demand has not exceeded the tank’s capacity. Wait for the heater to recover.

2. Check gas pressure: Verify that the gas supply and manifold pressure are adequate.

3. Check the pilot burner: Make sure the pilot light is on. If it's out, relight it using the instructions in the “Lighting the Water Heater” section.

4. Check thermostat setting: Make sure the gas control (thermostat) is not set too low.

5. Check for leaks or open hot water taps: Inspect for any leaking or open hot water lines that may be drawing hot water away.

This answer is automatically generated

James Mabry
February 4, 2025

Can I set the water temperature to between the reference mark Black Triangle and the reference mark A?

1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
February 10, 2025

Yes, the water temperature on a Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 can be set between the reference mark Black Triangle (120°F or 49°C) and the reference mark A (130°F or 54°C). Each reference mark represents an approximate change of 10°F (5.5°C), allowing adjustments within this range.

This answer is automatically generated

marc scime
May 21, 2025

Looking for the part number for the correct anode rod replacement for my Rheem PROG29-32N RH63 water heater

David
April 7, 2025

I called regarding low supply of hot water (there’s hot water but less than usual) and was told I’d need to replace the anode. I found the hex bolt on top. What size is it so I can get the right socket?

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Summary of Contents for Rheem PROG50-38N RH60

  • Page 1 Immediately call your gas supplier from a ● neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions. El manual en Español está disponible en www.rheem.com. AP22543 Rev 04 ®...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Safety Information Safety Precautions ..3–6 FOR YOUR RECORDS LP Gas Models ... 5 Write the model and serial numbers here: Installation Instructions You can find them on a label on the appliance. Location .
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING. Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and money. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING. DANGER! WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of a water heater’s gas control. Water temperatures above 125°F (52°C) can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below.
  • Page 5 DANGER! LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP - PROPANE OR BUTANE) AND NATURAL GAS MODELS LP and Natural gas have an odorant added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people may not physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with the smell of LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier.
  • Page 6: Safety Precautions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING. WARNING! For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
  • Page 7: Location

    Installing the water heater. This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association, 400 N.
  • Page 8 Installing the water heater. Inspect Shipment Inspect the water heater for possible type of gas supplied corresponds to the damage. Check the markings on the rating water heater requirements. plate of the water heater to be certain the Combustion and Ventilation Air Proper operation of the water heater (but not less than 100 square inches), if requires air for combustion and...
  • Page 9: Water Supply Connections

    Thermal Expansion Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet pressure increase in the water heater and water line. Check with your local water system piping. This rapid pressure increase can utility company. It may have been installed quickly reach the safety setting of the relief in the cold water line as a separate back flow valve, causing it to operate during each heating preventer, or it may be part of a pressure...
  • Page 10 Installing the water heater. A new combination temperature and pressure relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4 is factory installed and must remain in the opening provided and marked for the purpose on the water heater. No valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and the tank.
  • Page 11: Gas Supply

    WARNING: Do not attempt to convert this water heater for use with a different type of gas other than the type shown on the rating plate. Such conversion could result in hazardous operating conditions. Gas Supply The branch gas supply line to the water trap shall be installed downstream of heater should be clean 1/2”...
  • Page 12: Heat Traps

    Installing the water heater. The water heater must be installed with the factory supplied draft hood in place. Venting DANGER: Failure to install the draft This water heater is a Category I -Natural Draft Installation Code, CSA B149.1, (current editions). hood and properly appliance.
  • Page 13: Pipe Insulation

    Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation Installation Typical vertical piping arrangement Typical horizontal piping arrangement For increased energy efficiency, some Please install the insulation, according water heaters have been supplied with to the illustrations above, that best meets two 24” sections of pipe insulation. your requirements.
  • Page 14: Installation Checklist

    Installation Checklist A. Water Heater Location Close to area of vent. Provisions made to protect area from water ❑ ❑ damage. Indoors and protected from freezing ❑ temperatures. Sufficient room to service heater. ❑ Proper clearance from combustible surfaces ❑ Combustible materials, such as clothing, ❑...
  • Page 15: Potable/Space Heating

    Supplemental instructions for gas water heaters installed in potable/space heating applications. Local codes or plumbing authority requirements may vary from the instructions or diagrams provided in this manual and take precedent over these instructions. Combination Potable and Space Heating Application Hot water supply to Tee fitting must be installed as shown.
  • Page 16: Lighting Instructions

    Lighting the water heater. Before operating this water heater, be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label pictured below and all other labels on the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so can result in unsafe operation of the water heater resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death .
  • Page 17: Water Temperature

    Operating the water heater. CAUTION: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this water heater that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!! To dissipate such gas and to reduce risk of injury, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system.
  • Page 18 Operating the water heater. Water Temperature Setting… Maximum water temperatures occur just Therefore, always remember to test the after the burner has shut off. To determine water temperature with your hand before the water temperature, turn on a hot water use and remember that hotter water faucet and place a thermometer in the increases the risk of scald injury.
  • Page 19: Care And Cleaning

    Care and cleaning of the water heater. Draining the Water Heater CAUTION: Shut off gas to the water In order to drain the water heater, turn off gas control heater at the (thermostat) the cold water supply. Open a hot water gas cock or manual shut-off valve before faucet or lift the handle on the relief valve draining water.
  • Page 20: Burner Inspection

    Care and cleaning of the water heater. Venting System Inspection Periodically inspect the gas venting Test for spillage at the draft hood relief system and the chimney. opening after 5 minutes of burner operation. Use a flame of a match or Make certain the vent connector from candle or smoke.
  • Page 21: Troubleshooting Tips

    Before You Call For Service… Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service. This water heater incorporates a combustion shut off device that shuts the operation of the water heater down if undesirable combustion conditions occur.
  • Page 22 Before You Call For Service… Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service. This water heater incorporates a combustion shut off device that shuts the operation of the water heater down if undesirable combustion conditions occur.
  • Page 23: Parts List

    Replacement Parts. For 48, 63, 75, and 98 gallon models using natural or LP gas. Instructions For Placing a Parts Order All parts orders should include: CAUTION: For your safety, DO NOT attempt repair of gas piping, The model and serial number of the gas control (thermostat), burners, water heater from the rating plate.
  • Page 24: If You Need Service

    IF YOU NEED SERVICE 1. Should you have any questions about your new water heater, or if it requires adjustment, repair, or routine maintenance, it is suggested that you first contact your installer, plumbing contractor or previously agreed upon service agency. In the event the firm has moved, or is unavailable, refer to the telephone directory, commercial listings or local utility for qualified service assistance.

Table of Contents

Save PDF