Rheem Stellar/RheemPlus 5 Star Questions & Answers (page 4 of 5)

Hi Reynold, I am not a plumber but I would at least ring the Rheem help line and ask to speak with a technical specialist. They maybe able to tell you what the problem is. Sorry that I cannot tell you more.

Cheers
Peter

The model 850330 has 130 liters. I have a 850360 (160 liter). For the model 850360, there are two sacrificial anodes (I expect their length to be 1510 mm), that are accessible from the top of the water heater. Most likely the 850330 also has 2 anodes, since there isn't much difference between 130 liters and 160 liters. A longer anode can be cut to the desired length (for magnesium, use a hand saw, not an electric cutter as the sparks may ignite the entire anode).

There is a plastic top held in place by a Phillips screw at the rear. Then you lift the plastic top starting from the back (I pushed it on both sides upwards using a flat screwdriver). The front part of the plastic top has a tiny tongue inserted in a slit of the outer metal cover of the water heater. In order to release the plastic top at the front, you need to push on the metal cover of the water heater, just where the plastic top meets the metal. You need to push about 5 mm, while lifting the plastic top.

Then, underneath there is some insulation held in place by sticky tape. Cut the tape, remove the insulation and you will see a round dome with a band plate on top of it. Move the band plate at the rear and then use your hands (with leather gloves, because it is quite hot), lift the metal dome. In my case, it came out quite easily. Under the dome, you will see the hexagonal heads of the two sacrificial anodes. I measured the hex and it is about 16.5 mm and the closest imperial size to that is 11/16.

Hi Nick, thanks for the instructions, do you know if it has 1 or 2 anodes ?

Hi Peter, we're still having the same problem and just yesterday, the pilot went out again. They came to try and fix it 3 times now but still the same issue. I have booked for the technician to come tomorrow and i'm not sure what they're going to do. Will update outcome.

You should have a stop valve on the cold water inlet of the HWS. Turn that off first, then turn on the tap where you wish to replace the valve to release any built up pressure. Replace the tap valve and turn the HWS cold water inlet back on. If you don't have a cold water inlet (you should), then you'll have to go for the mains valve instead..

Turn your pilot light back on. Your pilot light went off because you turned you gas off. Google how to turn pilot light on and you will see.

Hi Jay,
I would recommend calling Rheem and try to speak to a technician (as opposed to just the service centre staff). The pilot light on my system was also fairly regularly going out & it could indicate a bigger issue. With my system it turned out that low gas pressure was contributing to a delayed ignition which ended up resulting in an explosion. There could be some link between your renovation, but I am by no means an expert.

I spoke to two Rheem technicians yesterday and they were very knowledgeable & willing to assist in resolving the issues with my system, (which was very different to the experience I had with the service centre staff). If you do decide to replace the unit my recommendation would be to thoroughly research the after-sales support that the company provides, (in particular access to technicians after hours) & know exactly what is covered under warranty.

There could be many possible reasons; 1. Possible leakage starting from your gas meter to all the utilities 2. Possible leakage within the gas burner inside Your water heater.
You could try smelling the gas on a quiet day when there are not much wind
Leakage near the meter could be addressed by the gas supplier, because any leakage from meter thy should repair and pay you back the extra money charged.

Failing these a plumbers visit is the only way.

Please read my detailed encounter with a Rheem Stellar 360 with similar problem including the Rheem Plumber/Rpresentative etc -Rheem representative do monitor this site hope some one will respond to you

I think the Rheem representative who monitor this site might answer your question and to let you know if that is still under warranty? If the relief valve works it should not drip constantly. As far I could suggest, you compare the ratings of the replaced relief valve with the old valve (if you have ) or Rheem site /Manual and ask the plumber who replaced it to explain why it is dripping. You might also try by reducing the water temperature by changing the thermostat to see if it stops at lower temperature. If that is due to overheating of your water temperature then it might require the thermostat to be replaced with approx costs of $300+, however I would not suggest spending too much money if the vessel is corroded and scale deposited at the bottom facilitate the water boiling from the bottom of the tank. Please read my detail posting along with communication with Rheem.

I'm no expert but that doesn't sound normal to be constantly happening. After only 5yrs it shouldnt be failing but Rheems standards have dropped a lot. I've had the response "sometimes they last years, sometimes they dont". Awesome customer service....I can tell you that Rheem will say its under warranty if its a system fault, but if the parts are stuffed then you have to pay. What the difference is exactly I'm not sure as the parts make up the system. They'll charge you an approx. $145 call out for about 15-30 mins to only assess, and then charge you per $15mins after that. You'll also have to pay for parts even if you've not caused a fault. They'll tell you they'll be out anytime between 8am - 4pm on a particular day, that's all you'll get from them because they use third party contractors for these things. If you do decide to go with another system, go for a different brand, don't bother with Rheem.

I believe it should be answered by the Rheem Representative, who are supposedly actively monitor this page.

I can only answer from my experience with Rheem Stellar that I used to have, there were two things you need to consider first the heater water temperature and the mixing valve settings.

The heater water temperature is easy to increase, just open the bottom cover where you light the burner see there is dialled thermostat, read the instruction manual or down load one for your model. Most of them normally you press down and rotate to setting you like and release.

I have replaced my 10 years old Rheem Stellar 360 after finding that the Manufacturer would not accept their design Fault. I could hear water bubbling through the deposed scales and anode left over. I have spend about $600.00 for Two anodes and a relief valve and all just waste. When they dismantle the Stellar and the brown rust mix water came out I was thinking to video but this "Product Review" site do not allow us to upload Photo or Video. Hence gave up.

Answer to your question may be found from my experience .

Hi Rod - I am no expert but it could be - in light of the weather it could be condensation or water working its way from the overflow valves or it could be the start of tank failure. The important thing would be to get in a warranty claim in time if you have one. Check the warranty period and the date of your heater (it is printed on the label on the inside of the removable cover if you no longer have the original receipt). If you are within warranty period it could be worth getting an expert (gas plumber) to have a quick look for you so you can lodge a claim before the warranty period is up. If you are already outside of warranty period then no real issue other than the fact that it might be affecting the efficiency of your hot water system (and hence your gas bill could be higher because of this). Good luck.