Has anyone experienced any problems with a Rheem or GE Smart Water natural gas hot water heater?

by Water Heaters on September 4, 2010

Home Depot sells them as GE Smart Water units, but they are manufactured and serviced by Rheem Manufacturing.
I should point out that the problem has been ongoing since it was installed less than a year ago. Rheem has sent a plumbing contractor out four times. Insufficient natural gas w.c. has been ruled out. Dip tube is not missing and is not damaged. The thermostat control unit has been replaced TWICE. Yesterday, the burner assembly, and all its components, was replaced. The plumbing contractor pointed to the fact that the original burner’s flame appeared as if it were pointing upward and gripping something when it should look like the palm of someone holding a basket ball. The "new" burner looked fine when the plumber left. The next day, though, that "curled in" flame was back.


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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Brian M September 4, 2010 at 10:06 am

there aren’t alot of manufacturers that make water heaters. Alot of companies use the same ones but just stick their own label to it. Any water heater is going to have problems eventually, Rheem is a good brand name.

would be easier if I could actually see what it’s doing. it could be a chimney problem, to much draft/not enough draft. Try opening/closing windows and watch the flame and see if it changes. If all the burner components are new I’d have to say it’s something causing it that hasn’t been found yet. If it’s a sealed burner type heater, make sure the grate on the bottom isn’t obstructed. But chances are if it was the flame would be orange so I doubt that is the case. Only other test I can think of off the top of my head would be to disconnect the chimney from the top of the heater. The draft hood should just lift off, see how the heater burns with that removed. Only for a minute or two. If it burns correctly it could be a blockage in the chimney or improper draft.

you can check draft somewhat with a match, light a match and hold it by the draft hood on top of the heater, see if there is a suction drawing the flame, smoke will work too. I’ll make a couple calls and see if I can get any more theories and check back later.

edjumacation September 4, 2010 at 10:06 am

Have someone open doors and windows while you watch the flame. It sounds like a problem with the venting.

I saw one unit where the suction from a commercial vent fan created a negative air pressure, and the water heater would not work properly. Make sure that it gets plenty of fresh air constantly.

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