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Rinnai B26
Gompo55Sydney, NSW
Ok but noisy
Bought and installed Rinnai B26 2 weeks ago.
When water is turned on high it feels like the heater is not keeping up as i feel a slight coldness every now and then. Never had this issue with old tank.
Also have the same noise issue as some of the other reviewers. Everytime hot water is turned off there is a high pitch whistle noise which lasts for 5 seconds or longer. Its annoying me.
Rang head office and spoke to a technical lady who said we never had that noise issue before. Either she is not well trained or they dont read any of the revie...Read more
ws on this site. Obviously its not the later. My dad has the Thermann and it works perfectly with no noise or hot water issues. He told to buy it but i refused as i was under the impression its a good brand. In hindsight i should have listened to him.Purchased in August 2021.
1 comment
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MarkSydney, NSW
- 6 reviews
- Verified purchase
Very pleased
I bought this unit to replace a 1970s-era instantaneous gas water heater which broke down. I am really pleased with the B26 – besides the energy efficiency, the water flow is hot almost immediately after the tap is turned on, and the water temperature is steady (no fluctuation like on the old unit).
After investigating which Rinnai model to get I went with the B26, the base model. The B26 heats water; the next model up, the Infinity, has the same heating system as the B26 and also has a LCD display that gives an error code if the unit has a pr...Read more
oblem – I couldn’t see the point of paying a couple of hundred dollars extra for this. From my experience Rinnai heaters are very reliable and I would be surprised if it ever broke down, and if it did a service call would be needed whether there is an error code or not. (Runs off mains gas)
Purchased in April 2021 at Energy Shop Australia.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Mark,
We are pleased to hear that your Rinnai B26 is exceeding your expectations and that you now have a steady hot water flow.... Read more
Rinnai Australia pride themselves in having superior products and ensuring that our customers are satisfied with them and the service we provide. Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
NessSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 6 likes
Lots of wasted water
We recently had to replace our heat pump hot water system and thought we would give a gas system a go, I mean what can go wrong with a gas system right???? and you will never run out of hot water!
Sounds great on paper, wish I had of done some proper research but it all seemed pretty straight forward.
We got the Rinnai B26 which runs on LP gas, the first draw back of this system is that it takes a LONG time for the hot water to come through, and as such there is a lot of precious water going down the drain while you are waiting.
There is app...Read more
Purchased in July 2021 for $2,500.00.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Ness,
Thank you for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. ... Read more
We would like to investigate this matter for you. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along with your contact details and copy of this review to [email protected], so we can look into this further. Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai B26 compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
John
- 3 reviews
Not performing as expected
UPDATED July 2022
I have the same experience as many others here - intermittent hot water.
Telephone feedback from Rinnai was that the unit seems to be working as it should as I do actually get hot water. The technical support guys were very helpful and talked me through cleaning the filter but this did not help.
I was advised that if Rinnai come to check, I will need to pay approx $200 for the call out if they believe the unit is working to its specifications.
Installed in February and worked for a few months, then one shower stopped...Read more
getting hot water. Was told to change the shower head which I did - more money! Seemed to work. More recently - at night we were not able to get any hot water - the unit outside would try to ignite but not stay on. Called Rinnai again and was told the problem is probably not with the unit but with my plumbing. Plumber checked and said all appears to be OK.Purchased in February 2021.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi John,
Thank you for your review, as a trusted brand for over 50 years, Rinnai place a strong emphasis on the quality of our products and are always striving to improve our customer experience. We w... Read more
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SaddlesSYDNEY
Good so far for hot water ''but'' the high pitched noise it makes
When you turn off hot water the rinnai 26 emits a sound like a bomb falling from the sky. It's a high pitch whistle which rinnai reckon was a batch of noisy fans, so they replaced the fan, no change just as noisy.
Spoke to a neighbor who has a rinnai 24, no problem, quite all the time.
Neighbor next door has a rheem, same quite.
What will I have to do to get some peace and quiet from the missus over this damn noise.
Purchased in June 2021.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Saddles, Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. We would like to know more information about this. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along with ... Read more
your contact details and copy of this review to [email protected], so we can endeavor to look into this further. Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Graham BarreHunter Region, NSW
Intermittent Water Heating Issue Solved
I have amended this review as i was originally incorrectly attributing the intermittent lack of hot water problem to the water heater. After putting on this review i was contacted by Rinnai who sent a technician out who diagnosed the gas pressure dropping when the hot water was turned on. My installer had checked this on a warm day and no issue showed up, the Rinnai tech checked on a cold day and there was insufficient gas to ignite the heater. Gas company replaced the regulator and, so far, the problem has resolved.
The upshot of this problem...Read more
for me, although it may be rare, 1) was not an issue with the B26 heater and could apply to any hot water heater 2) after calls to Rinnai it was the negative review that got their attention 3) I get the impression that Rinnai deal with lots of service calls that have nothing to do with faulty products (of which this was one). 4) sometimes you have to shrug your shoulder and say its just one of those things. Now working the only complaint with the heater, and this is comparing it to the previous storage system, is the extra time it takes for the hot water to reach the taps after turning. This is fine in the bathroom (close to heater) but wastes water in kitchen when only a little hot water is required. I knew this before buying and believe the benefits, like limitless consistent hot water, out weigh the negative... but this may not be the same for everyone.Purchased in April 2021 at Trade Link Plumbing for $900.00.
2 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Graham Barre, Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. We would like to know more information about this. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along ... Read more
with your contact details and copy of this review to [email protected], so we can endeavor to look into this further. Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaRinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Graham Barre, Could you please forward your contact details to [email protected] to enable us to assist you further.
Thanks,
Rinnai Australia.
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TashPerth, WA
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
*It corroded... under 5 years!! Too bad they said!
The unit was visibly corroding through the vent opening after one year. It wasn’t until it reached around 5 years old it stopped working and no longer heated. The unit is covered for 3 years and some parts for 12 years but our builder and plumber said these units usually last at least 12 years. Our plumber stated it wasn’t feasible to fix so we got a replacement. We contacted Rinnai support but they haven’t been helpful with replacing this given it’s out of warranty and were very explicit with their Warranty T’s & C’s. Our builder strongly a...Read more
dvised against the Rinnai brand and now we have learnt the hard way!! I hope no one else encounters our very costly mistake. Steer clear and buy an alternative brand. It seems our Rinnai hot water system product wasn’t able to withstand standard environmental effects.Purchased in May 2021 for $1,200.00.
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TulipgirlMelbourne
- 6 reviews
- 2 likes
Saves on gas bill but requires running tap hard to get hot water
I'm pretty sure we bought this around May 2018, and after getting it, I really really missed my old one.
Our plumber recommended this one as he used it for his home and he liked it. But I think it comes down to the way that I use my water & tap. When I’m washing dishes, I run the tap 30-40% flow strength, and doing it that way, the hot water system doesn’t get triggered, so no hot water (even when I’ve got my tap on only hot water). If I run tap harder (60-80% flow strength), the hot water will get triggered, no problems. If I run tap 40...Read more
-50% flow (Hot water setting), it may get warm water for a minute, then goes cold. So basically, I got used to freezing cold hands doing dishes during winter months (and the 8 degree mornings of Melbourne spring days) as I don’t want to waste so much water just to get the hot water going. Hot water for our shower is good as it’s closer to the unit plus we’ve got lots of water flow so no problems there. Though water does take longer to warm up than my previous hot water system, so when I’m getting the temperature right for my child, I have had to collect the excess water used (before it warms up), for the garden so it’s not wasted. So it comes down to how one uses their tap & washing dishes.1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thank you for your feedback Tulipgirl. Continuous Flow water heaters require a minimum water flow rate to trigger the ignition system and commence the water heating, typically 2.1 litres per min (l/m)... Read more
, however if the heater has no water controllers installed, it will always try to heat the water to the maximum setting which will be at least 50o C. If there is not enough water flowing through the heater it will shut down the burner as a safety feature rather than create a hazard to the person at the tap. Tap ware and showers can all have different water flow rates and usually if the heater that was replaced was a storage tank, the tap ware and shower head may have flow reducers fitted so that the hot water doesn’t run out too quickly.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
AntoinettePerth, WA
- 4 reviews
Incomparable improvement on my previous unit
After our hot water system started to leak we decided (on recommendation from a trade store) to install a Rinnai Continuous Flow Water Heater. When I received my first gas bill I thought it must have been for a lesser time frame as for 3 months it was only $96 - nearly half of the previous one. Apart from the gas savings, the water is much hotter and several appliances can be used at once without the water running out. I highly recommend these appliances. I could not be happier with our purchase. High price to start with but I think over time it would pay for itself in savings on a gas storage heater which we had previously.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the review Antoinette, you really can see the difference if upgrading from a storage tank to a continuous flow unit. Only paying to heat the water you use and never run out of hot water.
... Read more
We are pleased to hear your experience has been so positive and that you continue to enjoy the unit.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai B26 compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
Shiva KAU
- 6 reviews
- 6 likes
Rinnai Instant Hot Water System B26
We're still having problems with the B26 instant hot water system from Rinnai. The water turns cold for about 30 seconds multiple times during showers. It is so annoying. We've spoken with Rinnai a number of times. The first time they told us to change the shower head, we did, didn't make any difference.
Then, they sent a plumber out from Jordans Gas Centres, who charged us $196.95 because they couldn't find anything wrong with the unit. We were told we need to change the regulator on the Gas supply line, because there wasn't enough pressur...Read more
e. We did have the gas meter changed and pressure tested. The problem still remains - water still turns cold during showers. I'd like to add that we are still under warranty. We have emailed Rinnai again with the whole story and I'm hoping that someone from there will actually take us seriously and try and solve the problem. I'm not paying another $196.95 to a plumber who tells me nothing is wrong, when something is clearly wrong.2 comments
I'd like to add that I've emailed the whole story to the Rinnai Enquiry email address and also the plumbing company they use. It's been 4 days and we've not heard back from either company. Rinnai customer service is horrible.
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thank you Shiva K for your review. We have received your email and will be in contact shortly.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Want warm water - purchase the Rinnai B26.
This system maybe satisfactory if it is located very close to the kitchen sink, the shower or other water outlets but if it is not be prepared to waste a lot of water before warm- (note that I have used the word warm) water is available -no need for any cold water or very little maybe when you shower. While you are waiting for the warm water to come through before washing dishes, fill up and boil your kettle - washing dirty dishes in warm water just does clean them properly. I would find it difficult to recommend this warm water system to anyone.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the review Lindsay, it sounds like the unit has not been commissioned correctly as you should be receiving 50 degrees at the nearest bathroom tap. (this is a government requirement).
If ... Read more
there is a loss of temperature through pipework it is possible to make an adjustment to the system to increase the temperature and this should be completed by the installing plumber.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MinTweed Heads
great little unit except for the sound
I have just had a Rinnai B26 installed and it's also making the same high pitched noise as mentioned previously by another person (see 11 Aug). The noise starts up immediately after you turn off the hot water tap. (it's not there while the hot water is running). The system is mounted on a bedroom's external wall and the noise is annoying. Not only can it be heard in the bedroom but also in the kitchen up stairs and faintly throughout the rest of the house. It seems to be travelling through the pipework.
I called Rinnai customer service and Ken...Read more
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marclehSydney
- Verified purchase
2nd Time I've had one - still excellent
We moved to a new home and replaced its ugly and expensive electric hot water tank with the Rinnai B26 and it is still an excellent product that was also inexpensive to setup and install. Never had an issue with the previous one which we installed in our previous home. This would be 5 star except for the little bit of lag getting hot water to tap (but it's not a noticeable difference to electric tank) so it's all about where you place the device in proximity to heavy use tapst. They are so cheap it's an option to have two if your house is long or large.
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John HSydney
- 2 reviews
- Verified purchase
Difficult to replace a lemon
There were at least 3 separate manufacturing faults. The first was that the flame igniter was installed upside down and this was reinstalled the correct way. The technician refused to accept our suggestion that the unit should be taken away and tested properly at the factory. On the second call out (next day) the Rinnai service man claimed that the water flow rate in the shower was too low and that is why unit was cutting out mid shower. After some adjustment he told us that the fault was in the shower head. We purchased a new shower head ...Read more
however the problem still persisted. It was always clear that the flow rate was strong. Further the technician measures the water and gas flow rates at the unit and these were both completely adequate. By the fifth visit the technician installed a new control unit. The delay was due to the technician requiring to have the intermittent problem actually visible to him and not accepting our word on this. With the installation of a new control we asked that the the technician wait and test out the actual shower hot water. He refused and ran out the door without properly ascertaining that the unit was working. There were two further call outs with final, the seventh, bringing the installation of a new unit. The product clearly has failings and these are not easily rectified.2 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for your review John. we are sorry to hear of the issues you have faced with the servicing of your unit and would like to look into this further for you. Can you contact us via our enquiry@ri... Read more
nnai.com.au email mentioning this review and we will be in touch.This is the standard reply from Rinnai. If they were more customer focused they would know exactly the issues. We have raised it with management.
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MTT
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
transitioned from electric off peak to hot water gasheating
We were very reluctant to be using a gas appliance as we don't have any other gas connections. After much researching we went ahead with the Rinnai B26. We have been very happy with the app. It has been reliable and providing almost instantaneous hot water with good water pressure, never running out and had a very good deal from Rinnai at the time. Only issue is if there is a slow flow the hot water cuts out so one has to have a good volume to ensure constant heating when taking a shower. This can be a drawback but one adjusts to this after awhile.Neat and compact installation by side of house was the other deciding factor for us. No regrets.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the review MTT, we are glad to hear the research has paid off and you have a unit that meets your needs. There does need to be a minimum flow rate through the unit in order for it to opera... Read more
te, temperature controllers can help if this becomes an issue for you.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai B26 compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
CarvaanPerth WA
- 31 reviews
Amazing. Coming from Bosch 10P. This is amazing
Was confused as after reading all the negatives up here. People must be crazy to write these reviews, this is absolutely an amazing product.
Called my plumber the other day as my Bosch 10p started playing up and straightaway he said get a rinnai B16,20 or 26. And me being me picked up the best of rinnai with b 26 top model.
Absolutely right choice and loving it.
No more water fluctuations, no more waiting, it comes right away within 5-10 seconds.
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Questions & Answers
Saddlesasked
G'day It's SADDLES again, we still have our whistling problem, we received an email today 24/09/2019 talking about our problem we had looked at about 3 months with no result. Maybe they have developed a quite FAN for the unit now, if so put our name on the list.
The other thing I wince about is all the water being wasted waiting for the hot, I've been reading a bit about continuous flow, would that help ? can it be fitted to mine? how much would it cost?
Thanks for your time
Saddles of Penshurst NSW
1 answer
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the question Saddles, we would recommend contacting our Technical Department to discuss the continuous flow. They can be reached on 1300 555 545 (option 3).
Thanks,
Rinnai Australia
John J.asked
How to connected temp controller to B26(MODEL REU-VR2626WB-AK)?
1 answer
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the question John J, our technical help desk can provide you with assistance and can be reached on 1300 555 545 Option 3.
Tim Reynoldsasked
I have a Rinnai B26 installed in our new Villa. Our issue is it takes so long for the water to become warm/hot. The water wasted is incredible. We now have two 10 litre buckets in each bathroom to catch the water until it be comes warm/hot. This is currently used to water the garden. Is there a solution to this issue. Our previous house had a Rinnai Infinity 26 and circulated the water prior to turning on the shower/bath/sink. Virtually no water loss.
2 answers
After experiencing multiple issues - no hot water, slow hot water, on and off hot water etc. We finally had our gas meter regulator upgraded to 2.75kpa. This has greatly improved the performance of the B26 - although the hot water will never be instantaneous it is certainly better. I would suggest that you ring Rinnai customer service - they do try really hard to help.
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Tim,
Thanks for getting in contact, we would recommend contacting our Technical Department to discuss this matter further. They can be reached on 1300 555 545 (option 3) or alternatively by emailing [email protected].
Thanks,
Rinnai Australia
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Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the review Gompo55, we are sorry to hear of the issues you have faced and would like to investigate further. We have sent a private message to follow up your contact details.
Thanks
Rinnai Australia