How to Restart a Rheem Gas Water Heater Safely

To restart your Rheem gas water heater, turn the gas control knob to “Off,” wait 5 minutes, then set it to “Pilot,” and relight the pilot flame.

Restarting your Rheem gas water heater requires careful attention to safety procedures. Follow these step-by-step instructions to relight the pilot light and restore hot water to your home.

Restart your Rheem gas water heater safely and easily

Safety Precautions Before Restarting

Always prioritize safety when working with gas appliances. Follow these essential precautions:

  • Turn off all flammable materials in the area
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Have a fire extinguisher nearby
  • Never force controls – if something won’t turn, stop immediately

Detecting Gas Leaks

Before attempting to relight, check for gas leaks by:

  1. Applying soapy water to gas connections
  2. Looking for bubbles indicating leaks
  3. Smelling for the distinctive rotten egg odor added to natural gas
Restart gas Rheem water heater easily step by step

Step-by-Step Rheem Water Heater Restart

1. Turn Off Gas Supply

Locate the gas control valve on your Rheem unit. Turn the knob clockwise to the “Off” position. Wait at least 5 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.

2. Access the Pilot Assembly

Remove the outer access panel to reveal the pilot light controls. Some models may have an inner door with a viewing window.

3. Prepare for Relighting

Turn the temperature dial to its lowest setting. This safety feature prevents accidental burns during the restart process.

4. Engage Pilot Mode

Turn the gas knob counter-clockwise to the “Pilot” position. Press and hold down the red button to begin gas flow to the pilot assembly.

5. Ignite the Pilot

While holding the red button, repeatedly press the piezo ignitor until the pilot lights. You should see a small blue flame through the viewing window.

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6. Confirm Pilot Stay

Continue holding the red button for 60 seconds after ignition. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and maintain gas flow.

7. Restore Normal Operation

Turn the gas knob to “On” and replace all access panels. Adjust the temperature to your preferred setting (typically 120°F for optimal efficiency).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot extinguishes after releasing the button:

  • Check thermocouple alignment
  • Clean the pilot assembly with compressed air
  • Consider replacing the thermocouple if problems persist

No Ignition Spark

For piezo ignitor failures:

  1. Check wire connections
  2. Clean ignition electrode
  3. Consider manual lighting with a long match if necessary

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed technician if you encounter:

  • Persistent gas odors
  • Water leaks from the tank
  • Unusual noises during operation
  • Error codes on digital displays

For complex HVAC issues beyond water heaters, explore our guide on essential tools for HVAC technicians that professionals use for diagnostics.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues

Regular maintenance reduces the need for emergency restarts:

Task Frequency
Test pressure relief valve Annually
Drain and flush tank Every 6 months
Inspect anode rod Every 3 years

For optimal home temperature control, consider pairing your water heater with smart home temperature regulation devices.

Understanding Rheem Water Heater Components

Familiarize yourself with these key parts:

Gas Control Valve

This regulates gas flow and includes the thermostat. Modern Rheem models feature precise electronic controls.

Thermocouple

A safety device that shuts off gas if the pilot light goes out. It generates a small electrical current from the pilot flame’s heat.

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Burner Assembly

Located at the base of the tank, this component heats the water when the main burner ignites.

For more information on gas appliance safety, consult the official Rheem support site or the National Fire Protection Association guidelines.

Joye
Joye

I am a mechanical engineer and love doing research on different home and outdoor heating options. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy blogging about my findings and helping others to find the best heating options for their needs.