Why does my breaker keep flipping off on my water heater?

SOURCE: Rheem RTG 53 PVN with fault codes C4 or C7

I had the same problem with my tankless waterheater (flashing c4 76 alternately). I called Rheem
tech support and they had me 1 power down the remotepanel 2 unplug the unit from the wall 3 remove the cover 4 remove the wires for the remote panel from the circuit board and pull the twisted pair that goes to the remote out from the bottom of the unit. 5 reinstall the cover 6 plug the unit back
into the wall and turn on the hot water see if it works. It did in my case and they are sending me a new remote panel. I hope it helps.........

SOURCE: I am having the same problem as posted by jek01 on

Remove power source from the unit. If remote control is installed; remove cover and lift the control wires on the terminal...can be accomplished from either end.

Restore power and see if unit functions normally.

Contact Paloma/Rheem customer (800-432-8373) support and notify them IF you are getting a code "76" error. Rheem has recently extended the warranty on the "Burner Control Assm."; which is your problem. The C4-C8 portion of the error code, is where the unit stops the ignition process...burner fails to light, or gives you intermittent hot water. In either case, contact customer support.

If this helps, please indicate so.
Mike
[email protected]

SOURCE: My water heater cuts of after 30 seconds and shows C2, 11 code

sounds like your gas lines are too small or not enough pressure... or you may have to clean the rods

SOURCE: I have a rheem 81VP2S Electric water heater it

Hi , when a breaker trips immediately, that can indicate a problem in the circuit. But the circuit stays on for a bit , then trips, so there is a problem with the heater. Could be that a thermoastat or heating element is shorted out. You can replace these items yourself, I would check the heat element first. Or there may be some corosion residue around the heater terminals.

SOURCE: Hello, I have a Rheem 81V52D 50 gal. residential

It's probably bad upper or lower thermostat.
BUT... new element could also be shorted.
OR ... original tank is rated 1500 watt elements look at label on side of tank.
I always replace both thermostats to save time.
Lower thermostat costs $10 at Lowes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

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