20 Most Recent Rheem 40 Gallon FVR NATGAS Low WATER HEATER 6YR 22V40SF - Page 5 Questions & Answers

Pilot will turn off if thermocouple is not seated fully in the flame, or if thermocouple is bad.
When replacing thermocouple, there are good videos on Utube.
Finger tighten new thermocouple then add 1/4 turn, so the insulator is not crushed.
Make sure new thermocouple is seated fully in pilot flame.

You might also need to clean out burner tubes:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#clean

Read manual for troubleshoot checklist, and recommended maintenance and advisories.
Cleaning the burner parts and combustion chamber should be done periodically.

I know it sounds old-hat to say read manual, except each model is slightly different with different recommendations.
Generic 22V40 manual on following link:
http://bostonheatingsupply.com/Rheem%20Res%20Gas%20Fury%20Water%20Heater.pdf
Page 23 has a few DIY steps that include replacing gas control thermostat.
New gas control can cost $60 - $120.
Also air in the gas line, low gas pressure, gas shut-off not fully open, pilot orifice clogged.
Problem may be combination of several factors, requiring clean out and replacement of parts.

If repairs cost more than $330, then buy and install new gas water heater from local box store:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

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You need the manual for your specific Rheem product, which shows periodic maintenance steps needed and will sometimes show diagrams.
Open following link, click on same-similar product, when page opens, click tab that says Specs/Docs, download Use and Care manual:
http://www.rheem.com/Products/tank_water_heaters/gas_water_heaters

The instructions will probably suggest you call service technician do the work.
After all this is a gas appliance, and not really a first-time learning opportunity. One kaboom is a lot more expensive than watching what the service technician does so you can repeat it later.
If cost of parts and labor is higher than $330, then it might be cheaper to install new gas water heater that you buy from local box store.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

As a general non-specific guideline for cleaning burner.
Some water heaters have a gasket-seal where pilot and burner tubes enter combustion chamber. You might need this gasket replacement on hand in case old one breaks.
Other combustion covers have tamper-resistant screws that signal a service technician should do the work.
1) Take photos of all parts and areas so you have a record of how it looked for easy reassembly and relighting.
2) Turn off gas to water heater. The gas valve handle should be perpendicular across the gas line to turn off. The gas valve handle is parallel with gas line when gas is ON.
3) Using wrench, loosen tubes that attach to bottom of gas valve control. Notice tightness of each when loosening. The thermocouple is finger tight plus 1/4 turn. The other fittings are snug to prevent gas leak. Note which fittings have sealant on the threads, and then use yellow teflon tape on those fittings when reassembling. Test gas lines for leaks using liquid detergent mixed with water. Soap bubbles indicate gas leak.
4) Lift burner out of combustion chamber.
5) Clean burner and combustion chamber with wire brush, and you can use mild detergent with a bit of water.
6) Use a burner brush to clean out burner tubes, and use air pressure to help remove particulate. Remember, obstruction as small as a cobweb inside the tube can cause the water heater not to operate.
7) Finish up using vacuum cleaner, reassemble parts, and light water heater using instructions printed on side of tank.
Other helpful information available on following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#clean

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You have to hold the button in until the thermocouple warms up.

Hello genepage,

I understand that you are having a problem keeping your hot water tank pilot lit. I have wrote a tip that explains what the problem is and how to correct it you just need to follow the link to this tip. Click here to go to the tip!

Thank you for choosing FixYa.com

Justin

Hi,
Thermocouple is getting weak... the extra heat from the main burner will keep it lit but after it goes out the thermocouple will then shut down..
Replace the thermocouple...

heatman101

Before calling service technician, read manual for troubleshooting and yearly maintenance requirements.
Open following links to identify same-similar product and download manual.
Once you have product showing on page, click 'specs-docs' tab to see use-and-care manual.
http://www.rheem.com/product.aspx?id=C24E3F52-A6A4-4BC7-AF5B-0DF23A7A0263
http://www.rheem.com/Products/tank_water_heaters/gas_water_heaters
http://globalimageserver.com/fetchDocument.aspx?id=c0471d58-5e59-4be6-96f7-68361b8fb515
Rheem site loads slow, and some manuals never load.
Typical power vent manual:
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-power-vent-manual.pdf

I believe the 21VP is older and Rheem does not show older manuals, but manuals are generally generic enough to help greatly. Year of manufacture show as second and third digit of serial number.

Lockout condition requires service technician and part replacement, or call Rheem and have them send part.
I found one link that talks about FV lockout that may or may not pertain to your issue:
http://www.diychatroom.com/f7/rheem-hot-water-heater-pilot-burner-not-staying-lit-65755/

the button is part of the gas metering valve needs to be reset by calibration or replaced

At the controls there should be a knob that says " Pilot"... "ON" Turn the knob to pilot and hold it down while lighting the pilot lite. Keep holding it down until it gets warm enough that when you leave it up the pilot stays on. Once the pilot lite stays on on it's own turn it to on.

Possible that the thermocouple is faulty or covered with soot. A new one costs around $10 at hardware or home improvement stores. If you are not somewhat handy then a licensed plumbing and heating should be called. They are pricey but peace of mind and hot water is worth it.

Hi,
You set the temperature by turning the round knob on the silver box near the bottom front...CW should be hotter and CCW should be cooler...but different ones may vary...

heatman101

I believe that is the FVIR system.
See image:
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Whirlpool-Resettable-FVIR-5.jpg
I'm not sure if Rheem water heaters have customer-resettable FVIR, but industry changes fast.
Bradford White and Whirlpool have customer-resettable.
Without resettable FVIR, a flammable vapor incident requires service call by technician.

Flammable vapor ignition retardation was mandated on gas water heaters because of insurance property and casualty losses.
In event that flammable vapors enter gas water heater (result of cleaning, painting, or working with fuel or on cars, etc), the sensor stops ignition of vapor.
Without FVIR, pilot flame or burner will ignite vapors and burn down house and occupants.

Older Rheen water heater manuals show illustration with man being engulfed in flames.
Today, that is largely prevented.
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html#FVIR

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There are many things to check. The single most important test is for 24V at the gas valve after the ignitor is supposed tp be on. 19 V or less and there is either a bad ground or the ingition control board has failed. (Wire ground problems are a high probablilty)

Here is what the book says:

PROBLEM #1 - HOT SURFACE IGNITOR DOES NOT GLOW RED

(Remember to wait for purge time, 17/34 seconds, on models so equipped).

Possible causes

A. No main power

B. Faulty transformer

C. Faulty thermostat

D. Faulty limit switch

E. Faulty blower interlock switch

F. Faulty hot surface ignitor

G. Faulty ignition control

Solution

Step #1

Perform normal system checks of main power, transformer, thermostat, limit

switch, blower interlock switch, and replace faulty component.

Step #2

With power on and thermostat set at its highest position, check voltage

between "TH" and "TR" on HS780 ignition control. If 24 volts is not present

check output at transformer. If no, replace transformer. If transformer

checks out OK look at other controls in the 24 volt circuit I.E.: thermostat,

limit switch, blower interlock switch. Check for 120 volts between "neut"

(L2) and "120" (L1). Check for 120 volts at the ignitor across "IGN" and

"IGN" terminals on the HS780 ignition module. If 120 volts is present,
replace ignitor. If no, replace the 780 series module

PROBLEM #2 - IGNITOR GLOWS RED BUT MAIN BURNER

WOULDN'T LIGHT

Possible causes

A. Improper ignitor alignment

B. Faulty ignition control

C. Faulty gas valve

D. High inlet gas pressure

E. Polarity reversed

F. No earth ground

Solution

Step #1

Check for availability of gas at gas valve. Make sure the manual valve

upstream of the gas valve and the gas valve are in the full on position. Also

make sure gas is being supplied to the system at the proper pressure, too

high will lock-up the valve.

Step #2

Check proper polarity of "NEUT" and "120" on the ignition control by reversing

the wires, if reversed gas valve will not open. If this does not solve the

problem, replace wires as they were.

Step #3

Check for proper ignitor position.

Step #4

Check for a good earth ground by using a meter connected between L1

and furnace chassis. Should read 120 volts, if no, check and/or repair ignition
ground wire or ignition control mounting screws.
CAUTION POLARITY MUST BE OBSERVED

Step #5

Check for 24 volts at the gas valve terminals; "1" and "2" on a 7200 series,

"M" and "C" on a 7100 series, "TH" and "TR" on a 7000 series. If yes,

check wire integrity or change the gas valve. If no, change the 780 series
ignition module.

That is pretty much all of the troubleshooting required.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Shut down the power and re-power it up again after a few minutes..

1) You should contact Rheem.
However Rheem will suggest you contact authorized serviceman.

2) Open Rheem webpage and look through manuals.
I have not seen detailed drawings or schematics of their burner or FVIR system.
http://www.rheem.com/products/tank_water_heaters/gas_water_heaters

3) As a general rule, the company can get in legal trouble providing do-it-yourself information to folks who are not qualified, even if you are qualified, the internet information is open to everybody.

4) Next step would be for you to take apart a Rheem water heater, and take photos and make CAD drawings of the parts, and then post that information on your website for free, and then add a comment here and on facebook so others can benefit from your work in the field.

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Hi,
There are a few issues that can cause this....
First... Is this a new installation??? If the hot and cold piping is reversed then you will not get much hot water...
Does the burner come on at all??? If you turn the thermostat up higher does the burner come on???
If the dip tube on the cold water inlet disintergrates or falls off... you will not get hot water but the tank will be warm-hot....
If the burner will not come on at all then the thermostat has gone bad and the t-sta/gas valve will need to be replaced...
To replace the t-stat and gas valve you will need to drain most of the water from the heater and turn out the old valve and then replace it with a new one...
Sometimes the onetime limit safety cutoff on the gas valve will burn out.. usually because of a gas valve/t-stat failure....

This should give you some ideas as to where to start looking...

Comment back to me if you have more questions...

heatman101

You have to hold the red button down longer to keep the gas coming it's a safety thing.

These videos should help you to a successful repair.
http://www.ehow.com/video_5238686_troubleshoot-pilot-hot-water-heater.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_5238684_install-thermocouple-water-heater.html

Hi,
That happens sometimes when the pressure relief valve goes bad...

Change the relief valve and you'll be good again...

heatman101

Turn the gas valve to pilot and leave it there. This way the pilot will stay on but it wont try to heat and you dont have to re light the pilot. Turn off the water supply valve to the heater. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and hold the lever open on the pop off valve towards the top of the tank. This will allow air into the tank and it will drain faster. If there is not a floor drain nearby you can hook a garden hose to the drain valve. When you are finished do not turn the gas valve back on until the heater is full of water. Open sink faucets when filling tank with water to avoid excess pressure.

not sure what you are asking the cost on, if its the RHEEM 40 Gallon FVR NATGAS , then they run 250 to 350 depending on where you are and where you shop. of course that is just the water heater and not installation.
hard to answer a question that only says " Cost? "