Common Faults - Rheem 613050 Service Instructions Manual

When a complaint is lodged about the performance of a hot water system there are a number of causes that
should be checked and eliminated. In an attempt to pinpoint the most likely cause it is important to discuss
with the customer their reasons for the complaint, the duration of the problem, any change in circumstances or
usage and recent weather conditions. This information in conjunction with the following listed common
complaints will assist you in locating the most likely cause. All procedures assume there is water flowing
through the water heater.
Excessive hot water usage
The complaints of insufficient hot water and no hot water can on many occasions be attributed to hot water
usage exceeding the capacity of the water heater to provide hot water.
When first attending a call of this nature it is essential to establish the probable hot water usage by querying
the usage habits of the household and compare this with the potential delivery of the model water heater
installed. It can then be established if the usage is within or outside the capacity of the model. The areas to
look at for excessive usage are:
1. Automatic washing machines.
2. Showers exceeding 12 litres/minute for mixed water and 5 minutes in duration.
3. Two or more showers operating at the same time.
4. Change of occupancy or number of persons increased.
5. High water pressure area. (Excessive pressure relief valve discharge)
6. Plumbing leaks
7. Thermostat temperature setting
8. Crossed connection
Discoloured water
This may be the result of discoloured water entering from the cold water mains. Check if the cold water is also
discoloured.
Water hammer
A water heater will not cause water hammer, however valves associated with the water heater may be the
source of the problem i.e. cold -water stopcock, non-return valve or relief valve.
Most water hammer problems are associated with plumbing, hot and cold or appliances i.e. solenoid valves,
ballcocks, loose pipes, sharp angles in pipe work, faulty or worn valve parts, loose tap washers or
neighbouring equipment.
High water pressure areas will have more complaints of this nature and the use of a pressure-limiting valve
(PLV) to reduce the household cold -water pressure will usually solve most problems.
Hot water plumbing leaks
If hot water has not been used for a period of time, feeling the temperature of the hot water line may give an
indication of water flow if the pipe is warm. The method of checking for plumbing leaks is:
1. Turn off the stopcock on the cold water supply to the water heater.
2. Open a hot tap to ensure the flow of water stops. This will confirm the stopcock is operating correctly.
3. Turn off the hot tap.
4. Turn on the stopcock to make up the water pressure in the cylinder, and then turn the stopcock off again.
5. Wait approximately 5 minutes then do either of the following:
a. With your ear close to the stopcock turn it on slightly and listen for any water passing. If there are no
leaks, water should not pass.
b. Open a hot tap while listening for any pressure release. If there is a pressure release there will be no
leaks in the plumbing system.
TM014 Rheem Heavy Duty Electric Service Instructions REV: A
Date of Issue: 10/7/2002

COMMON FAULTS

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