Rheem tankless water heater beeping isn’t only a nuisance but also the constant sound will certainly drive you crazy! Fret not as you’re not alone with this trouble. The good thing is the sound is an alarm notifying you about an issue in the system.
Generally Rheem tankless water heater will beep due to the:
- Leakage in the system
- There is a buildup of limescale
- Too low water flow rate
- System overload
- Or the heater might be overheating.
However, getting rid of the beeping noise requires ensuring the correct water flow rate, flushing the heater, and clearing the exhaust venting. Plus, look for visible leaks in the system and fix them.
Keep reading till the end to learn about all the troubleshooting steps in detail.
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Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping [How You Fix Instantly]
Based on my personal experience, I’ve identified several common issues that can lead to Rheem tankless water heater beeping along with effective solutions to resolve them.
Let’s have a short glimpse at the below quick table highlighting all the probable reasons for this issue with the recommended solutions:
| Probable Reasons | Recommended Fix |
| There is a leak in the system | #Look for any signs of water and gas leakage in the unit and fix it. |
| Sediment buildup | #Descale and flush out your tankless water heater. |
| Low water flow | #Increase the water flow or set the temperature higher. #Open the water shut-off valve all the way. #Clean the water filter and flow sensor of the heater. #Remove any obstruction from the water supply lines. |
| System overload | #Reduce the hot water demand by turning off some hot water fixtures. # If needed, upgrade your tankless water heater. |
| A warning sign of the overheating | #Clean out the exhaust vents and air intake. #Make sure the venting meets all the installation requirements. # Inspect the air filter and remove the debris from the filter screen. |
Common Reasons For Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeps But No Fault Code
Rheem tankless water heater is like my long-time companion for providing hot water on-demand. And from that my hands-on expertise, I’ve identified all the possible reasons to resolve if your Rheem tankless water heater is beeping but there is no fault on the remote controller:
1. There Is A Leak In The System
If your Rheem tankless water heater is beeping, the first reason would be a leak in the system. Either there might be a leak of water or gas. When the system senses a leak, it produces an audible beep as alertness to protect your water heater from damage.
So as for the first step, you need to determine the sure sign of a leak and then head to find a solution.
How To Fix:
First off, check whether there is water on the floor near the water heater or inside the casing. Remove the front casing and inspect the heat exchanger, all connections, unions, pipelines, and pressure relief valve (if installed) for any leaks.
Clean the accumulated water figure out any signs of corrosion, cracks, and damage, and repair it. If you are using a water leak detector sensor for your water heater, it could be the culprit itself due to accumulated water or a faulty wiring connection.
If so, inspect the wiring connection to the sensor and make sure they’re secured enough. Assuming the wiring looks OK, clean out the moisture in the sensor or if required, replace the damaged sensor. In that case, it’s time to call a plumber.
One is that you don’t have a water leak, check whether it is a gas leak in your gas-operated tankless system.
You will get a rotten gas odor from the gas supply. If so, turn off the gas supply and fix the leakage part. If needed, call a professional for your assistance.
2. Limescale Is Piling Up
Limescale build-up is one of the major reasons why your Rheem tankless water is constantly beeping. It is a normal frequent phenomenon for the users who are living in the hard water area.
Basically, the water that passes through your tankless water heater contains various minerals, like calcium and magnesium. Even it can even happen in areas where the water is softer.
After long use, the naturally occurring minerals turn into hard particles and get stuck into the water heater elements that interrupt the system from normal functioning. Even it reduces the water heating performance by a greater amount as well.
How To Fix:
If you are experiencing this problem, the only way to resolve it is to descale and flush your Rheem tankless water heater. It will effectively remove all the buildup sediment from your water heater and restore its efficiency.
When it comes to flushing your water heater, you can follow our comprehensive guide on Rheem water heater maintenance, or you can call in the pros.
3. Incorrect Water Flow
If still, you are hearing a beep sound from your Rheem tankless water heater, be sure it’s an obvious sign of incorrect water flow throughout your system. Either the flow rate is too high or not at the recommended level that is creating a lengthy beeping sound as an alarm.
To ensure the proper functioning of your tankless water heater, you need to make sure the water flow rate to the system is according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If the system doesn’t have the minimum flow rate, the unit may shut down to avoid causing damage. Even most Rheem gas tankless water heaters need 0.4 GPM to activate the burner.
Anyway, several factors would lead to low water flow in the system. Such as:
- Water shut-off valves are not opened all the way
- Blockage in the water supply lines
- Clogged water inlet filter
- Jammed water flow sensor
- Blocked aerator in the hot water taps
How To Fix:
First off, check and ensure you’ve set the temperature correctly as at times, turning up the setpoint results in low water flow in the system. If so, head to the water shut-off valves and open them all the way.
When done, inspect the water supply lines and faucets aerators for any blockages and clean them properly.
Now inspect the water inlet filter for any blockages. Remove the dirt, debris, and grime from the filter screen.
If needed, you may use a Q-tip to clean stuck hard particles from the screen.
Next, check out the water flow sensor as water flows through the sensor. It also adjusts the proper amount of cold water mix flow to supply a stable hot water temperature at all times.
Chances are it is blocked by dirt and damages itself. Inspect the sensor and clean it properly. Check the wiring connections to the sensor. With the water flowing, measure 2-5 DC volts between the wiring connections. If not, replace it with the new one.
Lastly, check whether there is high water pressure in the system as it would be the culprit as well. If so, reduce the pressure level from the water supply line.
For instance, you may install flow restrictors in the water lines. Call a professional for your best assistance.
4. System Overload
Most of the time, the beeping from the Rheem tankless water heater is a clear sign of the overloaded system. Unlike other tankless water heaters, Rheem tankless water heater has a minimum flow rate capacity that defines how much hot water your household can use at the same time.
In case, you’re exceeding the capacity, it will cause overload. Even at times, it may shut down to prevent damage. For instance, the best chances are you are running too many hot water fixtures that are causing the hot water demand for your water heater.
How To Fix:
Turn off extra hot water fixtures to reduce hot water demand. Then do a manual reset by turning off the power to your water heater for some time. I bet your heater isn’t beeping now.
If still yes, you may need to upgrade your Rheem tankless water heater with a higher capacity one that will able to meet the demand for hot water for all appliances.
5. There Is A Blockage In The Air Supply Or Exhaust
The insufficient air supply is the most obvious reason why your Rheem tankless beeps while in operation. This is mostly applicable if you have a fuel-operated Rheem tankless water heater in which fresh air is the first requirement for proper combustion.
Air inlet provides fresh air for the combustion process where the exhaust helps to let the combustion gas out of the system. Now in case there is any blockage, clogs, or broken, you will encounter a lack of fresh air in the system and ultimately the waste gas will remain inside the heater.
This will result in an interruption in the overall heating process. And when this happens the system will give a beep as an alarming message or at times the unit will shut down for safety reasons.
How To Fix:
Follow the below instructions to fix the beep issue due to a faulty air supply in your Rheem tankless water heater:
Step #1: Clean Out The Air Intake & Venting
Start by inspecting the air intake for any clogs and blockage. It might be blocked with dust, dead insects, lint, and bird nests. You need to clean out the air intake properly. Also, inspect the exhaust venting as well.
This is crucial because blockage in the exhausts can also cause a beep as the harmful waste gas is trapped within. Anyway, to clean the air intake and exhausts, use a vacuum cleaner attached to a long extension hose.
Insert the extension hose and suck up the debris to clear out the vent. If needed, use a duct cleaner to clean the part of the vent that is slightly harder to reach for the hose.
Step #2: Make Sure The Venting Meets All Installation Requirements
After cleaning the venting system, your next step would be ensuring the proper installation of the venting in your tankless water heater (diameter, termination, vent lengths & venting material.
Make sure the venting length is not exceeding the max lengths and bends. Use high-efficiency PVC; CPVC; ABS; or Stainless Steel venting for indoor installation. For instance, you may go through your Rheem tankless water heater manual.
Step #3: Clean The Air Intake Channel
As with the vents cleaning, you should also clean out the air intake filter. It is the essential part of the Rheem tankless water (Performance Platinum series) that helps to protect the system from dust and lint.
Depending on the location, it tends to become clogged with debris and that leads to overheating the system. Anyway, you need to be regular to clean out the filter to keep your heater’s function more efficient.
To clean the air filter, unscrew the screw that holds the filter and then pull it slightly towards you. Clean all the stuck hard particles from the screen under running water and use paper towels to dry it before reassembling it.
Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeps And Shows Error Code
Assume your Rheem tankless water heater starts beeping with a fault code on the controller display. Here are a few common beeps that you may face with all probable reasons and effective solutions:
1. Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping 11
Rheem tankless water heater beeping 11 is the clear error indication of the ignition failure in the system. Note down the major causes why you’ll encounter a malfunction in the ignition system of your Rheem gas tankless water heater:
- Insufficient fuel in the LP tank or the gas supply is turned off
- Air in the gas line
- Improper gas pressure in the system
- Using the wrong type of fuel for ignition
- The gas shut-off valve is not opened all the way
Also, obstructed gas lines, improper venting, and a bad igniter are responsible for this issue
How To Fix:
To get rid of a high-pitched beeping sound with the fault code 11, go through the fixes below:
As for the first step, ensure you’re using the right type for your tankless system. Go through the manual of your model to confirm the fact. If so, make sure there is a sufficient gas supply in the unit.
The gas supply should be on and the LP tank is adequately full of fuel. Also, ensure the gas pressure in the unit is meeting the minimum gas pressure requirements. If not, adjust it.
Inspect the gas supply line for any obstructions and remove them. Don’t miss to purge the air from the gas line. Above all, head to the gas shut-off valve and open the valve lever all the way.
Inspect the igniter to see whether it is obstructed by the carbon buildup. Use 100-grit sandpaper to clean the vlog. In case the igniter is damaged due to wear and tear, you need to replace it. Go through our effective Rheem water heater error code 11 guide to troubleshoot the issue more effectively.
2. Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping 12
Rheem tankless water heater beeping 12 is an error from the controller, telling you that the heater is not providing enough hot water due to insufficient gas. This can be caused for various reasons. Such as:
- Clogged or broken flame rod
- Interruption in the gas supply
- Poor airflow due to blocked venting
- Insufficient gas pressure
How To Fix:
Start by inspecting the flame of your water heater. Remove the front panel and locate the sight glass.
Check the flame rod status and determine if the flame is touching the Rod. If not, remove any foreign debris from the flame rods.
Use fine sandpaper of 100 grit for better cleaning. Look for any sign of damage and replace it if needed.
If there is all okay from the flame rods, verify the gas supply and venting condition of your tankless system. Ensure there is sufficient gas supply and pressure in the unit. Bleed the air from gas lines and Remove any obstructions.
It is possible that the gas supply lines are not properly sized to support the BTU load of the heater. If so, you need to size it.
Finally, inspect the exhaust vent and air intake for clogs. Remove the stuck dirt and debris from the vents. To get more effective fixes, you can go through our detailed Rheem water heater error code 12 troubleshooting guide.
3. Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping 13
Rheem tankless water heater beep 13 on the control board mainly comes due to improper combustion. This beep occurs when there is inadequate airflow throughout the system due to blocked or improper venting.
Other possible causes include:
- Poor or no ground connection
- Dirty or defective flame rod
- Interruption in gas supply
How To Fix:
First off, verify you have sufficient fuel for the unit to operate properly. For instance, check out the followings:
- You are using the right type of fuel.
- There is sufficient gas pressure in the system.
- Gas shut-off valves are fully opened.
- There is no air and obstructions in the gas line.
- You have sufficient fuel for the unit to operate properly and is in proper diameter and has the correct BTU rating.
When done, disassemble the burner assembly and clean the flame rods using 100-grit sandpaper. Next, inspect the exhaust vents and air intake for any possible blockages and clean them. Also, ensure the vents are sealed properly.
Finally, check whether you have a proper ground at the power supply to the unit. Above all, you can check out our comprehensive troubleshooting guide to fix the Rheem Water heater beep 13 and ensure proper combustion inside the machine.
4. Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping 29
Rheem tankless water heater beeping 29 is the error sign that the heat exchanger outlet temperature is too low. This mainly occurs due to a blockage in the heat exchanger fins. Besides this, a clogged neutralizer and a defective PCB are also causing this error in the Rheem tankless water heater.
How to Fix:
Start by inspecting the heat exchanger that would be blocked by scale build-up. If there is any blockage, just remove them. To do so precisely, you can hire a professional plumber.
Anyway, at the next step, verify the condition of the neutralizer. Check for blockage in the condensate drain line and clean it. Make sure the drain line is NOT pinched and has no unnecessary “P” trap.
After cleaning, replace the neutralizer and reconnect it to the tubing. Ensure a snug connection of the neutralizer.
In many cases, you may need to replace the defective PCB as well. If you are getting it hard, get some useful tips & tricks through our Rheem tankless error code 29 guide.
FAQs:
Why is my Rheem tankless water heater making a high-pitched noise?
A high-pitched noise from a tankless water heater is the result of high incoming water pressure that is pushing through a small opening. Ensure the valves are open all the way. At times, it signs the sediment accumulation that needs to be flushed.
Is it normal for my Rheem tankless water heater to make noise?
No! That’s definitely no! A high-rising noise from the tankless system is an obvious sign that the heater is running through some major malfunctions that need your attention. Determine where the noise is coming from and fix it with the help of a pro.
What does error code 14 mean on my Rheem tankless water heater?
Error code 14 on the Rheem tankless water heater tells you that the overheated Film Wrap gets activated. It mainly happens when the heat exchanger gets too hot. Check for continuity across the Over Temp Switch and replace it if necessary.
In Closing
Rheem tankless water heater beeping is the most common scenario to the user that signs that the heater is in some major issue. But the good news is that now you know all the probable reasons for this issue with effective solutions.
When there is a beep in your tankless system, look for the error code on the display and figure out the exact meaning of the code. For instance, you may check out the manual for your Rheem model or consult your manufacturer’s website.
But to get details, our comprehensive Rheem tankless water heater error codes guide is highly recommended for you.