How to Flush/Descale Tankless Water Heater - Easy DIY Maintenance Instructions
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 май 2024
- Rinnai, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Takagi. How to flush/descale tankless water heater. Fix/Repair Rinnai Error Code 11, 12, 14. Flushing/Descaling - Ignition Rods Cleaning - Burner Assembly Cleaning.
DIY fix and repair Rinnai error code 11(no ignition), Rinnai error code 12(combustion chamber abnormality), or Rinnai error code 14(heat exchanger overheating/calcium build-up)?
Here is a list of everything you need to perform the tankless water heater maintenance service on your own:
1. Tankless Water Heater Service Pump Kit w/ Stainless Steel Hoses - amzn.to/3eYZAqM
2. Screw Driver with Magnetizer - amzn.to/3JSdzgi
3. Sanding Open Mesh Cloth - amzn.to/3n6DWFh
4. My favorite pliers sets:
- Single Pliers Medium Size - amzn.to/3sZfwBc
- Two Pliers Set, Medium & Large - amzn.to/3znkMQC
- Three Pliers Set, Small, Medium & Large - amzn.to/3pMuyII
5. Air Compressor with the proper blow nozzle - amzn.to/3qU6cfA
6. Clear Vinegar(purchase 3 gallons) - amzn.to/33bGLxz
Watch my Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Service Guide and take care of your tankless water heater yourself, saving lots of money. In exchange, I only ask you to SMASH THE LIKE BUTTON, SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL AND HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL to help with popularizing it on RUclips. You can also purchase any of the tools you need for the job, from my Amazon affiliate links above, which will pay me a small commission.
This procedure applies to all non-condensing Rinnai models; RLX94iN, RL94eN, RL94iN, RL75iN, RL75eN, V94iN, V94eN, V75iN, V75eN, V65iN, V65eN, V53eN, as well as the RUCS75iN models and the RUCS variations.
The ignition rods cleaning and the heat exchanger flush/descale also applies to all condensing Rinnai models. The burner assembly cleaning is not possible on the condensing Rinnai models. If you experience error code 12 on one of those models you will have to have the whole burner assembly replaced.
Some Rinnai condensing models are: RU199iN or eN, RUR199iN or eN, RU180iN or eN, RUR160iN or eN, RU16OiN or eN, RUC98iN or eN, Rinnai RUC80iN or eN.
Here is a purchase list of my recommended tools for the tankless water heater service. Your initial investment will cost you as much as a single service from a plumber. All succeeding services will be free to you, plus you will enjoy being creative at home. My selection is a combination of the lowest price and best quality tools. I've got the best value for you:
IF YOUR WATER HEATER IS ALREADY TOO OLD AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, HERE ARE FEW DIRECT REPLACEMENT OPTIONS:
Bellow listed models are for Indoor Natural Gas. For Propane choose the model numbers that end iP or eP. For outdoor models, choose model numbers ending eN or eP.
1. Rinnai RLX94iN - amzn.to/3pYKaJg
2. Rinnal RL75iN - amzn.to/3zyXQOi
4. Rinnai V75iN - amzn.to/339MN1Q
5. Rinnai V65iN - amzn.to/32UVqh2
6. Horizontal Air Vent Kit(get it in case your old vent is gunky) - amzn.to/3JIj9BL
Chapters:
0:00 Rinnai Maintenance Service Introduction
1:25 Ingnition Rods Cleaning, Fix Error Code 11
6:25 Heat Exchanger Flush, Fix Error Code 14
11:20 Burner Assembly Cleaning, Fix Error Code 12
28:26 Final Steps & Service Completion
Smash The Like Button, Subscribe to the Channel and Hit the Notification Bell to get notified for my next cool video!
This is one of the most detailed videos on how to perform maintenance your tankless water heater. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others.
He left out one important thing what grit sandpaper
I’ve had a tankless water heater for 3 years. I’ve watched a ton of maintenance videos and this is by far the best one I’ve seen. Thank you.
Thank you. I had a plumber come over today and tell me my motor was broken and I needed to buy an entire new water heater. I watched this video and did your error code 11 fix and now I’m back up and running! I really recommend ppl try themselves before calling anyone
I followed your instructions step by step and my hot water heater is back to running like a dream :) Thank you for the video
Excellent. No one else has informed us tech's or client's about the bypass.
Thank you.
Your solution for the code 11 totally fixed my water heater! We even had a “plumber” look at it through our home warranty and he said it was the heat exchanger. We wasted days fighting with the home warranty over this and in the end your video helped me fix it in under 20 minutes!
Hi JD! I am glad you were able to resolve the error code 11 of your Rinnai tankless water heater, by following the steps in my video tutorial. Thanks for watching!
Very thorough explanation. Everyone else is only talking about flushing but you went 2 steps ahead. TY. .
Today I fixed the boiler via RUclips. Everyone in the family was able to take a hot shower. Thank you.
I am glad you were able to get the hot water back up and running for the family!
As mentioned in comment before, this is one of the clearest, simplest, easy to follow most complete video on what a complete routine annual maintenance on a Rinnnai tankless water heater should have performed each year. Most videos just go over the "flushing procedure" and that's all. Thank you very much for this excellent complete video.
Glad it was helpful!
I've watched a ton of video's on this and this video is by far the best one. Great job
I was able to complete a de-scale and burner clean thanks to your video. Replaced the flame rods and igniter as well. After 8+ years it wasn’t actually that bad, but it definitely needed some TLC. I’ll repeat the procedure in about 2 years this time. Thanks for such a useful and money-saving video!
Thank you so much, this video was a lifesaver as I was crouched in my dark, hot crawl space this morning.
Thanks very much for your video! I wouldn't have attempted the burn and heat Exchanger clean out without it! Also replaced the ignition rods and vinegar flush at the same time. 10 year old unit really got some TLC this weekend and ready for some hot winter showers. Appreciate it!
I’ve had ongoing issues with my tankless which wasn’t serviced in 8 years. I followed your steps and viola it’s working great again.
God bless you for the effort.
Pretty clear instructions. I too wondered WTF when he used button to turn off power to unit instead of unplug. Now we know how he learned that high voltage is not good.
Great video, Now I feel like a hero....
Nice job. Thank you for the tutorial.
We followed the video and solved error code 11 problem. Thank you!
Excellent!
This is the best trouble shooting and maintenance vid out there. Thank you.
Sir! I'm so graceful for your RUclips video, Thank you so much...
Dennis you really do an awesome job of explaining every step. Thank you so much!
Very thorough and useful information. I’ll be following this guide to give a little tlc to my rinnai. Thanks for a great tutorial!
Good job .Thank you for your video. It was very helpful and much more input .I feel you covered all the steps well .
Great video bro… had our running 18 years and we enjoy it.
Great video! Lots of dust can be seen in the sunlight when using the air compressor. Thank you!
Love this guy and the way he explains it :)
There us something soothing about watching a professional do their job well! Thanks for sharing and i now know i need to get my tankless serviced soon!
Did an awesome job. I will be adding the extra steps like you did on my next P.M.
I ended up getting over the fear of doing myself and it was easy. Thanks to your instructional video. 😄
Good job Jo!
Hey Dennis thank you for your detailed instruction of this video
Thank you so much!
Got mine working just need a little sandpaper!
This is so helpful! Thank you for posting!
Thank you for making this video. I will be doing my water heater in the next couple of days and this will help a lot.
Thank you, Dennis! Your video helped me fix an error code 11. You're the best!
Glad to help!
Nicely done sir! Your explanations where clear and concise. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, your video was helpful
Thanks Dennis very professional, I will spread the word...
Well done my friend!....Thank you for sharing!!
What an absolute legend!
Very nicely done.
Very clear and thorough steps! Thank you so much for posting this.
I wonder what’s the recommended maintenance if you have soft water at the house. Is it still yearly maintenance?
You are amazing thank you this helped me do my own service.
Got my error code 11. Got a good feeling you are going to help me fix it! My rods look horrible and my unit is only about 1 year old
Bro thank you very much keep up your good work you rock.....
I have an 11.5 yr old tankless propane unit. I got code 11 and had code 12 in the prior history. I followed your ignite rod clean procedure - it was filthy. It fired up and brought the outlet temp up to setpoint. I do not think my descale worked as the vinegar was still fairly clear but had a small amount of rust particles. Water was not green or dark. I think I need to turn the unit on per your suggestion to descale the heat exchanger. Pretty sure I have a circulator heat exchanger bypass due to the clear vinegar.
I turned the unit off after about 30 mins to close the front cover. Upon trying to restart, it gave code 11 again. Several click noises like - igniter sound. I will re-do or re-check the burner ignition rods, replace burner rod holder insulation, and re-do the Heat exchanger descale with unit on at beginning and then unplug. If this does not work, is it possible to see heat exchanger leaks? I have not. Can vent or fan be a problem? Finally, I have not tried burner assembly cleaning and will hire a pro for that. For a tankless winter November to April workhorse unit - would you replace at 11.5 yrs or try fan/vent/burner assembly technician maintenance first. Unit seems to have run strong with blue flame until I turned it off and tried to restart.
Great Video... thank you
Brilliant - thank you!
Thank you for the solution to a code 11
Thanks!
Cool. Thank you.
Great job and should you take the squirrel cage fan off and clean it out to??
Thankyou
Would have been nice to see what the vinegar looked like after the flush. Is it green?
спасибо Денис
very informative and well explained. thanks. how do you prevent your pump impeller or body from rusting?
Make sure to rinse the pump and the hoses with water after the flush.
Hello Dennis, awesome video! Thank you for taking the time to make/upload it! What if after i do these steps i still get error code 12 and it shuts off after 15 seconds, leaving me with cold water, every. Single. time?
Did you do all 3 steps already?
How old is your water heater?
If after doing all 3 procedures you still get error code 12 it might be exhaust vent issue. Something like a a clog or a portion of the vent got lose, so the exhaust fumes enter into the the fresh air intake side of the concentric vent.
@@dennistheplumber that's exactly what it was! It was blocked! Thank you!
Great video! I performed the flush and buttoned everything back up and fixed my errors with hot water. A couple days later I performed the steps to clean the burner assembly. After putting everything back together, I'm now getting error 14. Recommendations on what to check? Thanks.
Great video! You need better lighting when showing hot and cold connection and valves. Description was fine but viewing the valves and hoses was difficult.
I know, it got dark outside.
I've tried two different pumps to do this flush on my V53De water heater. Neither one will circulate the vinegar through the heat exchanger. I can close the service valve and open the shutoff valve and let the water back through and it circulates just fine. I can disconnect the pump from the water heater and cut it on and it'll pump all the water out of a 5 gallon bucket in just a few seconds but it won't circulate through the heater. I don't understand it.
Do you have to be licenced to do a work on gas appliances in USA?
Thanks. Just a few questions.
How hard is it to stew the thing back in? You mentioned that there are two screws that you need a very long screwdriver. And what's the size?
There's a rumbling noise, every 30 seconds through the cold water pipe to the tank. What's causing this?
Thanks again.
You need a 12 inch long Phillips head screw driver. It’s hard to tell what the rumbling noise is without hearing it.
Great video! Thanks.
Is your company in souther California. I am in garden grove, ca and might need a pro as I got a service code 11 then clean out the flame sensor and electrode. Code 11 is gone now it’s 12. I have the R75 LS and the unit in at least 12 years old. FYI the rod and flame sensor were just a bit gray not to dirty. Let me know what you think or if you are in the OC. Thanks.
Give us a call tomorrow at 949-535-2228
Here is a list of everything you need to perform the tankless water heater maintenance service on your own:
1. Tankless Water Heater Service Pump Kit w/ Stainless Steel Hoses - amzn.to/3eYZAqM
2. Screw Driver with Magnetizer - amzn.to/3JSdzgi
3. Sanding Open Mesh Cloth - amzn.to/3n6DWFh
4. My favorite pliers sets:
- Single Pliers Medium Size - amzn.to/3sZfwBc
- Two Pliers Set, Medium & Large - amzn.to/3znkMQC
- Three Pliers Set, Small, Medium & Large - amzn.to/3pMuyII
5. Air Compressor with the proper blow nozzle - amzn.to/3qU6cfA
6. Clear Vinegar(purchase 3 gallons) - amzn.to/33bGLxz
IF YOUR WATER HEATER IS ALREADY TOO OLD AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, HERE ARE FEW DIRECT REPLACEMENT OPTIONS:
Bellow listed models are for Indoor Natural Gas. For Propane choose the model numbers that end iP or eP. For outdoor models, choose model numbers ending eN or eP.
1. Rinnai RLX94iN - amzn.to/3pYKaJg
2. Rinnal RL75iN - amzn.to/3zyXQOi
4. Rinnai V75iN - amzn.to/339MN1Q
5. Rinnai V65iN - amzn.to/32UVqh2
6. Horizontal Air Vent Kit(get it in case your old vent is gunky) - amzn.to/3JIj9BL
Hello Mr.Dennis ,have you made a video for the code 10 ? It would really be helpful thank you!
Error code 10 is: Air supply or exhaust blockage. Check to see that nothing is blocking the flue inlet exhaust or fan. This often happens when you get painters in the house and they wrap oround the exhaust vent. It could also be misplaced vents. It is actually not a problem with the water heater itself, but with the vents. One exception is a leaking heat exchanger.
@@dennistheplumber thank you sir.
Hi Sir,
I did watch your videos about Rinnai code 10 and it helps me a lot
I did replace my fan and clean burners and these did not fix my problem but when I change dip switch 2 and 3 from off -off to on- off , this fix my problem
So I need to make sure that this change is safe.
Can you please help me to see if this safe or not?
I do live at Pittsford NY area
Great video! Thank you 👍 Do you know how to fix rinnai error code 17 (blocked venturi)? Could not find anything on youtube 😁
To reset error code 17 press and hold the two buttons at the circuit board until the display changes, then press and hold again until the display changes again. That’s it.
Денис как часто посоветуете делать чистку нагревателя ,и примерно сколько будет стоить пламер для этого .,,примерно,,
You might have mentioned this and I missed it, but is the pump a standard utility pump? Do I have to buy a special pump? I have a pump I use to drain my hot tub. Would like to just use that, if possible.
If the pump you have is powerful enough to move liquid through, and you can uses hoses that have sealed connection at the ports, you are fine to use it.
WARNING/DANGER: You should always unplug the system prior to removing the panel, not after.
Hello Denis, thanks for this vid. I have a RUR199 and did the flush recently. Now, I get a code 32 from time to time. To reset it, I either disconnect the unit and plug it back or just pop the relief valve and it will clear by itself. I have checked the sensor on the top left the condensing area and the bottom left where the sensor is located for the hot water line. Any ideas what am I missing? Thanks in advance!
Hello Fernando!
Is the water water heater operational when the 32 shows up or does it refuse to produce hot water?
Here is what error code 32 is:
Outgoing Water Temperature Sensor Fault
Rinnai error code 32 indicates a problem with the outgoing water temperature sensor. To fix the Rinnai error code 32, you need to ensure the sensor is clean and in good working condition. Check the sensor’s resistance and its wiring for damage. If the problem remains, replace the "sensor."
Rinnai RUR models area fairly new units and my guess is your unit is no more than 2 years old and it might not be in need of a maintenance, it might rather be an issue needing a repair by replacing a part in the water heater.
Here are my suggestions for you:
1. Try lowering the temperature. I have it at 115F on my Rinnai and monitor for few days.
2. Stop the instant hot water feature for few days and see if you get the code.
3. Getting your installer involved and having them reach out to Rinnai technician support is where you can start.
The RUR models’ instant hot water circulation pumps causes some issues. Once I had to replace the check valve inside the water heater on a one year old unit. It’s a difficult task.
Best,
Dennis, thank you for your video. I have watched many and have some questions about yours. I followed the Rinnai manual but when I went to flush, only a trickle of water came out the hot water drain tube. I did not heat the vinegar, as you state, as the manual does not mention to do this. I am concerned that the vinegar was not pumping through the tankless heater, but the pump seems to work fine. This was annual maintenance. Curious if that bypass may have come into play, but still, it should not be a trickle of liquid. We do have a circulator, but we do not use it, as we have the "on-demand" buttons. Thoughts? Should I turn on the heater at the lowest setting as you say, just to get the ball rolling, and then unplug the unit? Appreciate any feedback.
Yes, have the water heater remain plugged and start the pump to ensure the water heater ignites for a moment. This confirms the solution is running in the right direction. If it is only trickle, your flush valves might be not open/closed correctly, they might be broken, something is restricting the flow or the pump is faulty.
On the flush valves you open the ports for the pump, and close the ones to the house.
@@dennistheplumber Thanks. I know the valves were open, it appears the pump is working. Will check into those. Appreciate the feedback. Only reason I did not have the unit "ON" was due to manufacturer manual. Cheers.
@@dennistheplumber Yes, that is what is done. Will investigate the pump and some other things. Cheers.
Hi Dennis. I have the RU98i model. Do I need to set my temp to 98F for the flushing in order to avoid the bypass or does my model not have that issue. I just want to make sure if it is on that it will be safe. All other videos do not discribe this and recommend to shut off the power and shut off the gas. Please help and thanks
It does not really matter if you lower the temperature. Just make sure you unplug the water heater 20 seconds after the flush starts. No need to shut off the gas.
@@dennistheplumber great, thanks so much for the quick reply
How much for each service? Where's your location that you work?
Hello Dennis.....I’m ready to descale my Rinnai...now can I just turn off on digital screen...or do I NEED to unplug machine.????
Once the flush is going, unplug it.
I’m so afraid to do this by myself. I’m afraid I will mess up my machine. It was expensive and I only am doing a routine cleaning. By myself in a 1500 sq ft home ...it’s only 1 1/2 yr old rinnai. I’ve watched your video and it is really helpful....sooooo.....leave power ON....and lower temp....run for a min....then UNPLUG to complete......right😬😬😬
@@jogrimes421 how did you make out? I thought you should always unplug water heater. heard you should never flush vinegar thru system while it’s running and heating water. Please advise
For code #10. I went through all the steps as you said, still having the same problem. Do you think I should replace the fan?
For code 10 you either have your exhaust pipes misaligned and exhaust mixes with intake, or if this is an older water heater the heat exchanger might be leaking.
Is there any danger in using canned compressed air if that's all you have access to? I know sometimes when you spray at the wrong angle it'll release liquid difluoroethane. If that were to get on the burner assembly is it dangerous when the heater tries to work/combust again? This is a great video! Very clear and detailed.
No, there is no danger in using canned air.
I'm having to Jumpstart the fan and reset the rinnaii rl94 to get hot water to come out. Then it Takes about 30 mins to get hot water. Should I call someone or is this issue something I can fix?
Hi Dennis- I really appreciate your videos. I did the flush, twice, and I still get error 14. Do you have advice for the next step? Should I test or replace the overheat sensor as a next step? If so, do you have instructions for this? Thanks.
How old is the water heater?
approximately 6 years
Correction. We replaced the heat exchanger 6 years ago, but the unit is around 15 years old. It's a c85
It might in fact be a bad thermistor/overheat sensor/. You can try Rinnai technical support to see if they are willing to work with a homeowner on troubleshooting. They might have you measure resistance on the thermistor to confirm if that’s the issue.
This unit is already too old. Not worth the try. Anything you do as far as repairs/maintenance goes is waste of money. Just get a new one.
I have Amazon links to Rinnai tanklesses in the description below, or just get a professional.
Should remove and clean water inlet filter.
Burner can be cleaned with pressure wash when removed.
Hello. Your video was very helpful. I have a rinnai water heater and error code 10 comes on. What can be done to correct this problem?
Rinnai fault code 10 - Air supply or exhaust blockage. Check to see that nothing is blocking the flue inlet exhaust or fan.
There is something wrong with the air vent. It's end is either blocked or the vent joints are loose and there is exhaust/fresh air intake mix up.
@@dennistheplumber thank you for your quick response. What temperature set is the best recommended?
115F
Hi Dennis, I have Rinnai tankless water heater and it is 4 years old unit. I got the error code 11 and i reduce the temperature from 130 to 125. It worked for 30 mins and again it is giving same error code. Again i reduce the temperature to 120 and it worked for 30 mins and giving same error for 2 days. I reduce the temperature to 115 and it is running for past 2 days. I called local technician and he told we need to replace heat exchanger. I thought it might be issue with cleaning ignition rods and need to descale heat exchanger. But technician told we need to replace heat exchanger. is error code 11 require to replace heat exchanger. Thanks for advice
The heat exchanger only needs to be replaced if it is leaking. If the heat exchanger is leaking may trigger code 11. However either ensure the heat exchanger is truly leaking or at least perform ignition rods cleaning as it is very simple task and will allow you to exclude the ignition rods being the reason for the code 11.
Dennis. I get an error code 11 maybe once or twice a day. I cleaned the ignition rods like in your videos, but I still get the error code. I have to constantly turn on and off the faucet until the water heater ignites again for me to get hot water. The tank is less than 2 years old. Do you think flushing the system or doing step 3 would resolve?
I feel like you should try step 3. This also could be related to insufficient gas supply. If the water heater gas supply is not sufficient you could be experiencing code 11 as well. It’s best to call Rinnai tech support and have them review your case to confirm proper install. Usually it takes more than 2 years before needing to do step 3, unless the air in your neighborhood is very polluted and dusty.
@@dennistheplumber I live in Las Vegas where we have very hard water and dry weather. I currently live in a new construction area so the area is very dusty. I do have a soft water tank to help with the soft water.
It sound like you should do step 3. I see the need of step 3 exactly in new construction areas with lots of dust in the air.
@@dennistheplumber Also. Within the first year of the tank we got an error 11. Our warranty service sent out a plumber and they flushed the system. That worked for maybe 9 months with no issues. In the last 2 months the error 11 showed up again with the issues I mentioned on my first post
Flush by itself does not resolve code 11.
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ruclips.net/user/postUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
There is no hot water and the thermostate is not lite up. I have turn off then on the main breaker, still no power. Is there a breaker inside the unit? No power.
did the opposite, I left the shut off valves open and had the service valves closed at the hot and cold water lines at service valves. What damage did I do if any?
So, what you are saying is you did not flip any of the four valves underneath the water heater. Just attached the pump hoses and turned the pump on. Then no damage but also no vinegar cleaned the heat exchanger.
@@dennistheplumber THanks! I'm doing it again and I now have shutoff valves closed and service valves open. Hope it cleans!
Verify that the return hose brings the vinegar back out of the water heater.
@@dennistheplumber I see vinegar come out of the hot water line.
Hi Dennis
Can you be able to help me fix code 14 error the company trying to charge me for 2k dollars, what cause code 14 error?
You need a flush. Use 3 gallons of vinegar and flush for 1 hour.
@@dennistheplumber I need to change the thermal fuze that’s what they said?
What about getting a code 11 on a new unit. It’s an indoor propane unit.
This problem has been solved. I increased the size of the the gas line to 1/2” and it lit.
Most likely no gas going to it. What is the model number?
@@dennistheplumber v65i
V65iN or V65iP ?
@@dennistheplumber Do you have to bleed air out of the system the first time you use it?
Yes, if your propane supply line is long, disconnect the gas flex under the water heater and run the gas for 5 to 10 seconds.
What is usually the charge for flushing?
$250-$300
Why do you need to unplug the power cord to flush if you can run the unit at the lowest temperature setting? Why not just keep it going?
If you lower the temperature to the lowest possible, you don’t have to turn off or unplug the unit during a heat exchanger flush. However you have to turn it off and unplug it during ignition rods cleaning or burned cleaning.
Is there no need to analyse the products of combustion? Or measure the amount of gas being used by the appliance ,its inlet pressure,standing & dynamic pressures ,what about measuring the KW used ,its delta T across the heat exchanger, not even a tightness test ,this clearly is the UK im suspecting Poland or around that region based on the guys accent ,interesting
Moved in to a brand new Lennar home five years ago, today my Rinnai RUC80i showed error code 12. I tried to run hot water by pulling a hot release valve all the way for about 2-5 seconds, the burner started to heat up while the hot water was running in the bathtub at the same time. Once the red light (In-Use) came on, I drop the release valve by more than half way just to maintain the water heating. Once I closed the release valve completely, I received the Code 12 after 5-10 seconds. I started to clean the flame rods, burner thermistor, and the igniter, but it did not solve the issue. I flushed the heat exchanger for 90 minutes and experienced with lots of scaling buildup. It still showed the Code 12. I am thinking about cleaning the burner, but it seems very complicated! Anyone has advise for me to try and thanks?
Ai,
Here is the problem you have. You need to replace the whole burner assembly. Not an easy job.
waterheaterinstallrepair.com/rinnai-burner-assembly-replacement-due-to-error-code-12-ru80-ruc90-rur98-model-lines/
@@dennistheplumber - Thanks for a quick response, Dennis! I attempted to replace a new burner thermistor and igniter and flame rods to sẽ if it solves the problem. Thanks for the linked information. I saw a burner assembly (Rinnai 106000104 Burner Unit Assembly, Ru98/80 I/E. Item numberItem #: HPH106000104) for sale for $63.98 from the WebstaurantStore’s website. Why it is so cheap?
Yes, this is the right product number. Rinnai mentality. They don’t want to make profit of the problem you have with the product they sold you.
@@dennistheplumber - When I tried to lower the temperature setting from 120deg F. to 100deg F., I had warm water running and no Code 12, but not hot enough; however, we can at least shower for a few days while waiting on part. Do you do the repair services?
I finally replaced a new burner assembly by myself yesterday. It took me about 6 hours. It could had been shorter than this if I did not forget to replace a new gasket of the air flow, 109000238 and to fix the water leak and use a hair drier to dry the panel. Once everything was back, it received hot water instantly and was very happy. Thanks for your advise, Dennis!
I checked the heat exchanger there is no sign of leakage.
What is the model number and how old is the water heater?
@@dennistheplumber Great video Dennis but I’m confused. All videos I seen and Rannai own directions advise unplugging your water heater in the first step. How can you turn it down to the lowest temperature and continue to flush it if your suppose to unplug it? Sorry for the dumb question but I don’t get it.
If you are only flushing the heat exchanger, lower the temperature to 97F and leave it on. However in this video, while the flush is going, I also clean the ignition rods. This is why I unplugged it. Otherwise there rods will electrocute you.
@@dennistheplumber Thank you so much for the quick reply. Yes…I am only flushing it and to me it makes sense to turn down to 97F and leave on. Just confused me because only you pointed it out to leave on and all others say to turn off or unplug. Thanks again!
you didn't show the dirty bucket to see how nasty the wasted vinegar was.
The vinegar gets bluish or gets a dark tint. You don't see solids in it. That's the point of the vinegar. It dissolves the calcium.