Error codes are never a good sign on your Rheem tankless water heater. Although unexpected, they can prevent your home from accessing hot water. Rheem error code 11 is one of the more frequent codes that some homeowners may experience, but luckily, Rheem is aware of it and has provided contractors with the knowledge and resources to fix it.
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, our technicians receive specialized training on tankless water heaters from Rheem’s technical support to help identify and fix any potential issues, including error code 11. Since 2007, we’ve helped repair and service Rheem tankless water heaters in homes all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Contacting a professional technician for assistance with clearing Rheem error code 11 is highly recommended. In this article, we’ll review the following information that explains why a technician should address this error code.
- What does Rheem error code 11 mean
- How to fix Rheem error code 11
- Clearing other Rheem error codes
At the end of this article, you will feel reassured that Rheem error code 11 is fixable, and you can go back to enjoying access to hot water thanks to your Rheem tankless water heater.
Now, let’s get started!
What Does Rheem Error Code 11 Mean?
Rheem error code 11 means that there is an ignition failure or no ignition detected with your tankless water heater. This code only applies to gas-powered Rheem tankless water heaters and not other models, such as electric-only units.
The ignition system of a tankless water heater is a crucial component in its operation. It helps ignite the burner assembly system whenever there is a demand for hot water. The control board of the Rheem tankless water heater signals the ignition system to begin the combustion process, which results in a controlled flame that heats water.
A failed ignition means your home may not have hot water available, or you may experience other symptoms, such as water that isn’t hot enough. Rheem error code 11 can appear on your tankless water heater for the following reasons.
- Faulty parts: Ignition failure can be attributed to a defective part, such as the igniter, gas valve, flame sensor, or any other component within the ignition system.
- Lack of gas: These tankless water heaters require gas as a fuel source to heat water. There may be a lack of gas supplying the tankless water heater. Check other gas-powered fixtures, like the stove, to see if you have gas access in your home.
- Blocked venting: Air plays a big part in the ignition process. If the vent that provides air is blocked, Rheem error code 11 can appear on your tankless water heater.
There could be other issues with your Rheem tankless water heater that are causing error code 11 to appear. Although you may find some information online, the best course of action is to set up an appointment with the certified technician who installed your Rheem tankless water heater. With their experience, they can better identify the root cause of Rheem error code 11.
Some homeowners may be tempted to fix Rheem error code 11 on their own, but this isn’t recommended since it can lead to a voided warranty with Rheem. The first step in fixing this particular error code is to call a tankless water heater technician.
How to Clear Rheem Error Code 11?
An experienced tankless water heater technician is best suited to fix Rheem error code 11. The technician will most likely have to fix or replace a part within the ignition system, clean or repair the ventilation, or perform a different repair to address the problem. The entire process of diagnosing and repairing whatever issue is causing the Rheem error code can be fixed in around two hours.
Certain factors, like the availability of parts, can impact the time it takes to complete the repair. Most technicians carry these spare parts in their work vehicles, but there is a possibility that they will need to order the part directly from Rheem. This can take a few hours if the part is ready at a nearby warehouse or a few business days if it has to be mailed in.
The cost of a tankless water heater repair varies from technician to technician and can include pricing factors such as labor, parts, and diagnostics. If a defective part caused Rheem error code 11, then it can be submitted as a warranty claim with Rheem.
Once the Rheem error code 11 is fixed, the technician will run a few tests, like turning and leaving a hot water faucet on for 5 minutes to ensure there’s enough hot water and proper water flow rate and pressure.
The issue should remain fixed unless another error code appears.
How to Clear Other Rheem Error Codes
Your Rheem tankless water heaters may encounter other error codes besides error code 11. There are over 25 Rheem error codes, but most homeowners may see one or none of these error codes appear. Still, it’s best to take precautions and prepare for the unexpected by learning about other codes and having tankless water heater maintenance scheduled annually.
Some other error codes you may see include:
- Rheem error code 12
- Rheem error code 14
- Rheem error code 15
Again, these error codes appear infrequently, but if they do, they’re just as fixable as Rheem error code 11. With annual maintenance, you can decrease the chances of any of these error codes appearing on your Rheem tankless water heater.
No More Rheem Error Code 11
Ignition failure or no ignition can cause error code 11 to appear on your Rheem tankless water heater, but it’s completely repairable. Unexpected tankless water heater issues can be a headache for any homeowners. Now that you’re aware of what Rheem error code 11 is and how it can be fixed, you can have peace of mind knowing your home will have hot water running again.
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re no strangers to tankless water heater error codes. We work diligently with the top tankless water heater brands, like Rheem, to ensure these error codes are repaired, and homeowners across Los Angeles have access to hot water.
If you’re dealing with error codes or any Rheem tankless water heater issues, contact us using one of the buttons below. Book an appointment with an experienced tankless water heater technician through our tankless repair online scheduler.
