There are many Rheem water heater blinking light codes that can come up on your gas control valve. They represent a fault within your heater. From my experience of working on heaters, I can tell you that the most common blue blinking light codes are:
- Two flashes
- Three Flashes
- Six three flashes
- Eight one flashes
- And more.
I’ll talk about the meaning of these error codes and their fixes in detail in this guide. You’ll also know how the red blinking codes are different from the blue ones. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Rheem Water Heater Blinking Light Codes [Status Light – Blue Flashes]
Depending on the gas control you have, it’ll flash blue or red error codes. I’ll only talk about the blue blinking light codes in this section. Here are all of them along with their appropriate fixes:
01. One Flash
If you notice the status light blinking blue once with a three second pause, it means there’s a low flame signal. The good news is that the control in your heater is still operating properly. The most common reasons behind this low flame signal issue are:
- Gas supply issues.
- Damaged or restricted pilot tube.
- Dirty pilot electrode.
- The pilot igniter wire is damaged.
How To Fix:
First, you should make sure that everything is okay with the gas supply. Check if the right type of gas is being supplied to the heater. Natural gas heaters won’t run on LP and vice versa.
Turn on another gas-powered device so that you can confirm whether gas is being supplied to your house. If the other device has power, it means the gas supply to the house is good.
Then, check the position of the manual gas shutoff valve. It should be completely parallel to the gas lines to supply sufficient gas to the heater. There’s a picture of the gas control valve in the off position below. You should make sure that it’s parallel and not perpendicular like the picture below.
The gas pressure should also be at the right level. Look at the rating plate of your water heater. It should have the minimum and maximum gas pressure allowed for your heater. You can get it checked using a manometer and make adjustments if needed.
Secondly, all the other issues point to pilot assembly issues. Whether it’s the igniter wire, pilot tube, or pilot electrode, you’re better off replacing the entire pilot assembly. You can do it yourself or hire a technician. The choice is yours.
I recommend doing it on your own if you have experience working with heaters. You’ll save a lot on labor charges that way. Hopefully, taking care of gas supply issues and replacing the pilot assembly will erase the error code.
02. Two Flashes
The status light blinks blue twice indicating that the system has gone into lockout mode. It usually happens due to flue damper issues. The most likely culprits here are:
- The flue damper is not sealed correctly.
- Malfunctioning flue damper motor.
- There is dirt or debris in the flue damper opening.
- The flue damper switch is stuck closed.
How To Fix:
The right solution here depends on the reason behind the issue. You’d have to diagnose each of the points mentioned above. When you find the culprit, you’ll have to take corrective actions to fix it.
I have a guide on Rheem 2 flashes that’ll walk you through the right solutions for each of those problems. Moreover, you’ll also learn how to deal with the 2 red blinking error codes in that guide. Once you fix these issues, you should get hot water without any problems.
03. Three Flashes
The Rheem water heater flashing blue light 3 times is similar to the 2 flashes error code. It also indicates that the system is in lockout mode due to flue damper issues. The main culprits here are:
- The flue damper switch is stuck in the open position.
- Loose or incorrect wiring connections.
- Defective flue damper motor.
- The flue damper isn’t installed properly.
- Obstruction or blockage in the flue damper opening.
- Bad flue damper switch.
- Malfunctioning flammable vapor sensor.
How To Fix:
You’d have to replace the flue damper assembly if there are serious issues with it. If there are wiring issues, you’d have to tighten the loose connections or replace the damaged wiring. If you have a faulty FVS in your heater, you’d have to replace it too.
Our dedicated Rheem 3 flashes error code guide has detailed instructions on how you can solve each of these problems. Check it out if this code has come up in your heater. You’d also be able to solve the red status light blinking thrice by following my guide.
04. Four Flashes
If you see the Rheem water heater blinking 4 times, it’s because the thermal cutoff device has been tripped. The heater also goes into lockout mode when this code pops up.
The mechanism behind this error code is simple. The thermal cutoff device is a safety device. It trips when the water temperature inside the tank becomes too high. When it gets tripped, it sends a signal to the gas control valve to stop supplying gas. That’s exactly what happens and the error code also comes up.
Now, the next question is what causes the thermal cutoff device to trip in the first place. Here are the primary reasons behind it:
- The tank isn’t filled with water.
- The thermal well in the gas control thermostat is faulty.
- Bad gas control thermostat.
How To Fix:
If the tank isn’t filled with water, you have to fill it with water. Make sure the cold water supply valve is open and allowing water to come in. Here’s the valve in the off position:
Make sure it’s parallel to the water lines so that the cold water can get inside the tank. Once the tank gets filled, turn up the gas control valve.
Wait for the water to reach the desired temperature. The burner will turn off when that happens. You can start using hot water again at that stage.
If that doesn’t take care of the issue, you should try to reset the gas control valve. You most likely have a bad gas control valve if resetting it doesn’t get rid of the error code. In that case, you’d have to replace it.
Our Rheem 4 flashes guide walks you through how you can implement these solutions in detail. You’ll learn about resetting and replacing the gas control valve there. It also talks about why this code appears on gas control valves that blink red and electric water heaters too.
05. Five Flashes
The Rheem gas water heaters blinking five times isn’t an error code that comes up a lot. But when it does, it’s bad news. This error code means that the pilot or the main burner has failed to open.
It’s also possible that both of them have failed to open here. The system goes into lockout mode when this code pops up. The most likely reason behind it is a faulty gas control thermostat.
How To Fix:
The main thing you have to do to solve this error code is to replace the gas control valve. You should know how to do that already if you’ve followed the previous instructions in other error codes correctly. Hopefully, doing it will get the error code to disappear and you’ll get hot water again.
06. Six One Flashes
Remember the first error code I talked about? The six one flashes error code is similar to that one. If the status light blinks six times, once, and pauses for three seconds, it means this code has come up.
This code represents that the unit has failed to light. The system also goes into lockout mode during this error code. The most common issues that bring up this error code are:
- Gas supply problems.
- Pilot tube or pilot electrode problems.
- Damaged pilot igniter wire.
- Unstable pilot flame.
How To Fix:
You’d have to solve this error code pretty much like you’d solve the one flash error code. The first thing you have to do is make sure that there are no gas supply issues.
If there’s anything wrong with the gas supply, you’d have to correct it. Secondly, you’d have to replace the pilot assembly if any of the components are damaged. The error code should go away once you take care of these things.
07. Six Two Flashes
You’ll notice that some of the previous issues have started to repeat themselves in the newer error codes. The same goes for the 6 2 flashes error code. It indicates that the system is in lockout mode due to flue damper issues. The most likely culprits here are:
- Bad flue damper installation.
- Faulty flue damper switch.
- Loose connections or bad wiring.
How To Fix:
You should already know what to do about these issues here. I’ve already talked about them in the 2 and 3 flashes error code. So, there’s no need to repeat the same information. You can go to those sections and find the solutions if this code has come up on your heater.
08. Six Three Flashes
I can get through the remaining error codes quickly as the issues have started to repeat. The six three flashes error code indicates that the system is in lockout due to the flame being lost. The common culprits behind this 6 3 error code are:
- Gas supply issues.
- Restricted or damaged pilot tube.
- Carbon deposits on the pilot electrode.
- Damaged pilot igniter wire.
- Restricted or blocked combustion air supply.
How To Fix:
You already know what to do about the first four of the five culprits here. It boils down to fixing the gas supply problems and replacing the pilot assembly if it’s faulty.
The additional thing you have to make sure when this code comes up is that the combustion chamber is getting enough air. The combustion air inlet openings shouldn’t have any objects blocking them. They should be left free and have sufficient clearance from other items.
The combustion chamber should also be clean from the inside. If it’s too dirty, it can restrict the flow of air through the air inlet openings. So, you’d have to clean it using a vacuum cleaner to solve this issue.
Visit my Rheem 6 3 flashes guide to learn how you carry out these solutions in detail. You’ll also find detailed instructions on how to replace the pilot assembly in that guide.
09. Six Four Flashes
The 6 4 flashes error code in Rheem gas water heaters represents that the flame sense is out of sequence. It puts the system in lockout mode. The most likely reason behind it is a gas control thermostat that’s stuck open.
How To Fix:
If you see this code up on your water heater, the only way to fix it is to replace the gas control thermostat. Check out my Rheem gas control valve guide to learn how you can test and replace it.
10. Seven Flashes
Rheem water heater flashing blue light 7 times indicates the presence of flammable vapors. The system also goes into lockout mode in this condition.
The FVS is a sensitive device and can get tripped easily.
The first major reason behind this error code is when there are flammable vapors around the heater. You may think that it’s impossible but you have to remember that it’s too sensitive. Even things like laundry, paint fumes, and adhesives can trigger the sensor.
Secondly, the FVS may be entirely faulty. It can get tripped for no reason if it’s bad and brings up the error code. Finally, you could also have a bad gas control valve that makes the FVS trip and causes the 7 flashes error code.
How To Fix:
The first thing you should do is to make sure that there are no flammable vapors around the heater. If you did a paint job or laundry recently, that would have most likely triggered the sensor. Once you take those things out of the vicinity of the heater, the next step is to reset the sensor.
You can follow these steps to reset the FVS in your Honeywell gas control valve and reset the error code:
- Turn the gas control knob to the lowest settings and shut off the gas control valve. Then, unplug the power cord of the heater. Wait for a few seconds and plug it back in.
- You’d have to do the next step within 30 seconds. So, be prepared to act fast.
- Turn the gas control knob from the lowest to the highest settings. Then, go back from the highest to the lowest settings. Do this back and forth motion six times to complete the reset process. You can use a flat blade screwdriver to turn the knob faster if you want.
Note: I have a dedicated guide on resetting the FVS for all common gas valves in Rheem gas water heaters. If you own a unit that has a different gas valve, check it out to learn the correct reset procedure for it. You’ll also learn the common reasons why the FVS keeps tripping and how to fix those issues.
If the FVS is faulty, you’ll have to replace it with a new one. They’re incredibly easy to replace. So, it wouldn’t take much work. If you unfortunately have a bad gas control valve, you’d have to replace it to clear this error code.
11. Eight One Flashes
The 8 1 flashes error code is similar to the 7 flashes error code. It also occurs due to issues that have to do with flammable vapors. But there’s a higher chance that you have a faulty FVS if this code comes up. The most likely reasons behind this code are:
- Bad FVS connection or wiring.
- Faulty FVS that’s out of the specified range.
- Faulty gas control thermostat.
How To Fix:
First, check the connection between the flammable vapor sensor and its wiring. If it’s loose, you can tighten it and that may take care of the issue. Sometimes, the wiring can be corroded even if the connection is tight and that can cause the issue. Make sure the wiring is free of corrosion and working properly.
If there are no wiring issues, the most common culprit here is a bad FVS. The good news is that you can test it with a multimeter and replace it if it’s bad. Check out my Rheem 8 1 flash guide for detailed instructions on testing and replacing the FVS.
Once you reset the FVS, you have to reset it to clear the error code. Otherwise, it’ll remain. If the code remains even after you reset it, you most likely have a bad gas control thermostat. You’d have to replace it in that case.
12. Eight Two Flashes
If you see the 8 2 flashes error code on your Rheem gas water heater, it means there’s a fault with the energy cutoff device. The system goes into lockout due to this code. The most common culprit behind it is thermal well issues.
How To Fix:
The first thing you should check is the thermal wiring. If it’s loose, it can cause that error code. So, tighten it to rule out any wiring issues. If the code still remains, you’ll have to replace the thermal well.
13. Eight Three Flashes
This error code means that a fault within the electronic circuits has been detected. It also puts the heater in a lockout. The major reasons behind this code are a faulty thermal well and a defective gas control valve.
How To Fix:
You’d have to replace the faulty component to clear this error code. If the thermal well is at fault, you’d have to replace it. If the gas control valve is defective, replace it. It’s as simple as that. You can always hire a qualified technician if you think you can’t do the replacement yourself.
14. Eight Four Flashes
The 8 4 flashes error code means that the heater is in lockout mode due to a fault in the gas control valve. It could be a temporary issue that has caused this code. Otherwise, the gas control valve is entirely faulty.
How To Fix:
The first thing you should do here is reset the gas control valve. If the code had appeared due to any temporary faults, it’d go away. But if the code comes back, then you can be sure that the gas control valve is faulty. You can replace it to clear the error code and get a steady hot water supply from your heater again.
Rheem Water Heater Blinking Light Codes [Status Light – Red Flashes]
There are different types of Honeywell gas valves in Rheem water heaters. You already know about the one that flashes blue error codes in detail. The other one flashes red error codes.
Here are the common red blinking light codes in Rheem gas water heaters:
- 2 Flashes- This code appears mostly when the thermopile is faulty or its wiring is loose. It also pops up when the pilot electrode is dirty or the pilot tube is pinched.
- 4 Flashes- When the high-temperature limit switch in your Rheem gas heater gets tripped, the status light blinks four times.
- 5 Flashes- The five flashes error code means the temperature switch is dirty or defective.
- 7 Flashes- This code is an unfortunate one. It means that the gas control thermostat is at fault. The common solution here is to try to reset it first. If that doesn’t work, it’ll have to be replaced.
- 9 Flashes- This error code indicates that the chamber sensor failed. It occurs when the chamber sensor is dirty or faulty.
There are a few other error codes that can come up on your Rheem gas water heater. Luckily, I have compiled a detailed Rheem red flashes guide to walk you through it.
You’ll find how you can erase all the common red flashing error codes by following that guide. Moreover, it also talks about fixing the red blink codes in Rheem electric heaters. So, give it a read if you’re facing this issue.
FAQs:
What does Rheem gas valve blinking red 8 times mean?
This code represents a faulty pilot flame signal. The most common culprits here are pilot light issues or thermopile problems. The gas control valve can also be faulty. You’d have to replace the defective component to fix this issue.
What does it mean if the Rheem status light flashes bright and then dims?
There’s nothing to be alarmed about if it happens. This code means that the water temperature is below the desired point and the main burner is on. It’s part of the normal operation of a water heater.
Why does the Rheem gas control valve blink ten times?
It means that the temperature inside the combustion chamber is so high that the water heater has shut down. The burner screen being dirty or the air inlet openings being clogged are the common culprits here.
Why does the status light in my Rheem water heater keep flashing?
If the status light flashes once every four seconds, it means the water has reached the desired temperature. You don’t have to do anything here except to enjoy the hot water.
Conclusion
What do the Rheem water heater blinking light codes mean and how to fix them? Now that you have completed this guide, you should know all about it in detail by now.
Hopefully, the tips mentioned here will help you erase the error code and get your heater to work again. Visit my Rheem gas heater troubleshooting guide if you’re facing other issues with your water heater.