Water was only warm this a.m.- not as hot as it usually gets, so i checked the water heater and it was not kicking on. Ran some more water and still did not kick on. Eventually, though it did kick on. Any ideas?? Could the ignitor be bad and is that something easliy replaced by a DIY, if needed? Model is a Rheem powervent 21VP50E-1; natural gas electronic ingition.

SOURCE: dripping from drain spout

If you are refering to the "Dripping coming from the preasure tempature valve,Then just turn off the valve where the water goes into the heater and open the P/T valve with a bucket below it draining only emought water to get below the level where it reaches.     Normally the drain valves are plastic with a Male hosebib attached.  Attach a  garden hose to the rain and run it out to a point lower that the vaslve in order for gravity to drain the tank.The valve opens counter clock wise. If the valve is stuck or does not drain,and you have a foor drain handy,remove the whole valve and replace it with a boiler drain valve.  If The tank is located below the drain level then you will have to either pump or carry the drain water to the higher level.     Replace the P/T valve  and reinstall the associated associated piping. I would use tefelon tape on the P/T pipe theads.    You may have to open a hot water faucet in order for the air to replace the water in the tank ,in order to drain. 

Allen Neal

• 359 Answers
• Posted on Feb 23, 2009

SOURCE: rheem water heater pilot light goes out

REPLACING THE SPARK IGNITOR WOULD BE MY FIRST GUESS .

SOURCE: Rheem water heater, will start but flame lasts 10 seconds

Is the vent fan working well and can you feel unobstructed air out the termination fitting outside?

SOURCE: how to correct error code C-7 on my RTG-74PVN Rheem Pronto

I had the same problem and called the manufacturer. The error code C-8 was followed by the number 76. They told me to disconnect the thermostat/digital display from the main unit. This was fairly simple to do by removing the front panel. The unit works steady now without shutting down after a few minutes. The help desk told me that the main circuit board needs to be replaced for the unit to work with the display and that they would mail me one asap. At least we have hot water again.

Oakville, Ontario

SOURCE: Rheem powervent ignites then goes out, electronic ignition.

Sounds like a bad thermocouple. This part sends a millivolt signal to keep the gas valve open but shuts it off when it cools - or if something goes wrong with the ignighter - to prevent fires. It's easy to replace and not super expensive. See your local Rheem dealer.