It’s not very common to have the Rheem water heater status light not working. But if you’ve experienced one, this means you need to check your water heater. There are multiple reasons why a water heater’s status light can default. 

In this article, you’ll get to learn about the exact reasons and respective solutions for your Rheem water heater. But first, let’s clarify whether this is a concerning issue or not.   

Is the Status Light Not Blinking Dangerous?   

It depends on the reason whether the status light not blinking is dangerous or not. The status light generally indicates the water heater’s usual operation and certain blinking patterns mean specific issues. For example, a single flash refers to normal operation. 

You have to inspect for unusual patterns in the heater’s status light. Steady status light or no blinking refers to your water heater’s proper function. However, blinking 4-8 times every three seconds indicates issues like malfunctioning water temperature sensors or faulty combination gas control. These issues require an expert’s opinion or professional checkup. 

There are certain cases where your water heater’s status light is designed to not blink when there are safety concerns. If you see the status light remaining off, consider safety issues and do not force the water heater back into operation. 

Why is My Rheem Water Heater Status Light Not Working? [Reasons+Solution]

Well, your Rheem Water Heater status light is not working for the following reasons-

Reasons	Solutions
Power Supply	Secure the plug for an uninterrupted power supply. Reset control panel.
Faulty Switch	Replace the light switch if faulty.
Loose Wire	Inspect for damaged wire and repair it.
Control Board Malfunctions	Diagnosis immediately and replace the control board.
Poorly Installed Ducting	Use the Rheem kit to seal the ducting while installing.
Malfunctioning TPR Valve	Inspect signs of leakage and replace valve.

You can also check out the following articles if you’re facing other issues with Rheem Water Heater. 

• Common Rheem Water Heater Problems 
• Rheem Water Heater Not Draining [6 Solutions]
• Why is My Rheem Water Heater Not Heating at All?
• What to Do When Rheem Water Heater Not Working After Power Outage?
• Why Does Rheem Water Keep Going on Vacation Mode? 

So, back to the status light problem, check out the reasons and solutions in detail below. 

Reason 1: Power Supply

Often your water heater may not be receiving the right amount of power supply. This directly causes the status light to not function. 

Solution

To solve this issue, secure the plug in a position that allows the power supply to flow uninterruptedly. Check for the circuit breaker or fuse that is connected to the heater for any breakage. You can reset the control panel or replace the fuse if necessary.

Reason 2: Faulty Switch

Your Rheem water heater’s status light is generally connected to other safety components and the control board. A reason the water heater’s status light is not working is a faulty switch.

Solution

If you see your switch is not responding to any sort of adjustments, check for damages. Each model of Rheem water heaters will not have similar switches. 

So, it’s important to check your heater’s manual or reach out to Rheem customer support to collect the accurate switch replacement. If you further want to know about the installation process, customer support can help with that as well! 

Reason 3: Loose Wire

Loose wires are a very common problem with water heaters. The wire may be damaged due to strain or other external forces. It can come off loose and only support the power supply when put in a specific position. 

Solution 

To fix a loose wire in your water heater, you need to secure the connection to a reliable electrical connection. Here’s how you can do it.

• Firstly, check for loose wires at connection points. 
• Then, tighten the terminal screw with a screwdriver. 
• For connectors or wire nuts, you need to ensure that the wires are securely twisted with one another. 
• Lastly, if you see the necessity, you can replace the wire nut as well. 

Note: You must turn off your power supply before you attempt any work on your water heater. Turn off the circuit breaker in case your water heater is electric. 

Reason 4: Control Board Malfunctions

The Control board is the brain of your water heater. Your status light not working properly can be due to control board issues. Malfunctioning control boards lead to numerous problems and dysfunctional status light is one of them. 

Solution

Your control board needs to be diagnosed and replaced if necessary. I would suggest you buy a replacement from the official website. 

So here’s how you can replace your control board if you see it malfunctioning: 

• Step 1: First, make sure the power supply to your water heater is turned off.

• Step 2: Open the control panel by removing the cover of your water heater. You will need to remove the clips with screws that are holding the cover.  

• Step 3: Before you disconnect the wires from the control board, take notice of the wire diagram or take a photo. It will help you reconnect the wires properly in place. 

• Step 4: Then, carefully remove the old control board after releasing any fasteners securing it. 

• Step 5: Place your new control board in the same location and attach it using the same fasteners. 

• Step 6: Carefully follow the wiring diagram you took a picture of and reconnect wires to the new control panel. 

• Step 7: Make sure to test the control board before you put the cover back again. Turn on your power supply and check if there’s enough water supply. You can use a multimeter too. 

• Step 8: Put the cover back on if the water heater works accurately. 

• Step 9: You can turn on the power supply now. 

• Step 10: Lastly, check for any issues with the status light. 

Reason 5: Poorly Installed Ducting

Often plumbers can leave the ducting unsealed or use the wrong ducting while installing your heater. It causes a vacuum that sucks the oxygen out of the chamber. As a result, the status light stops working.

Solution

• Firstly, you need to inspect your entire ducting system for disconnected ducts or improper angles. Ensure that your ducting compiles with your heater’s manual. 

• Next, if your ducting has improper angles, make necessary adjustments according to the manual’s guidelines. 

• Then, evaluate your ventilation path so it has a clear and unobstructed route.

• Lastly, make sure your ducting is sealed properly and that you have used the ducting from the Rheem Duct Kit with the silicon band. 

Reason 6: Malfunctioning TPR Valve 

Your TPR Valve is the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve. Any malfunction in the TPR valve can cause your status light to not work.

Solution

You need to inspect signs of leakage and replace the valve as soon as you can. The best way to solve this problem would be to replace your TPR valve. 

How to replace TPR Valve?

If you are looking to change your TPR valve, the following steps will help you:

• Step 1: You need to ensure your water and power supply are off. Close the cold-water inlet valve to turn off the water supply to your water heater. 

• Step 2: Next, you need to open your old TPR valve lever and its drain valve so water can flow out. 

• Step 3: You need an adjustable wrench to unscrew your old TPR valve. Turn the wrench anti-clockwise. 

• Step 4: Once you have removed the old TPR valve, clean the threads on the opening of the valve. Remove old pipe thread sealing tape and place a few wraps of pipe thread sealing tape on the threads of your heater. 

• Step 5: Now you can screw the new TPR valve into the heater’s opening and use the wrench to tighten it’s installation. 

• Step 6: You can close the drain valve and reopen the cold water inlet valve. 

• Step 7: You should turn the power supply back on once the tank is full.

• Step 8: Test the TPR valve for any leakage and you’re all set. 

Moreover, installation problems can cause your heater status light to indicate errors. You can also reset the control panel for a better result. 

Why Is My Rheem Water Heater Status Light Constantly Lit?

If your water heater’s status light is constantly lit, it means that the pilot is extinguished. Your status light is supposed to stay lit for a brief period once the knob is turned OFF. That is if your pilot is lit and operating. However, a constantly lit status light can also indicate that your heater’s thermopile is cooling itself down. 

There are lighting instructions written in detail on your water heater. You should follow the USE and CARE manual to light the pilot to get your heater back to usual operation. 

Why is Status Light Blinking Blue? 

While a steady blue light refers to the proper functioning of the heater, a blinking blue light means there is an issue with your heater. It can happen for several reasons: 

• Your pressure switch is defective. A blockage in the hose running from the draft motor to the pressure switch can be the reason. Install a new pressure switch right away. 
• Your vapor sensor is defective.  Your flammable vapor sensor is probably in lockout mode. You need to reset your flammable vapor sensor.
• The exhaust vent is clogged. Your exhaust vent can be blocked by dirt or spillage. You must turn off your heater right away without delay and get professional help.

Why Is My Rheem Water Status Light Blinking Every Few Seconds?

Your water status light can show different blinking patterns. The issue with your water heater can be detected by observing these blinking patterns: 

STATUS LIGHT INDICATION	CONDITION	SOLUTION
Blinks once every three seconds	Indicating that your heater is operating accurately. It means that the temperature knob is in the pilot position and the pilot is lit.	Set the temperature knob on combination gas control.
Blinks twice every three seconds	Indicates lower thermopile voltage. However, the pilot is lit.	Examine your thermopile connector to ensure proper connection to the combination gas control.Replace the thermopile wire if it’s damaged. Check your pilot assembly to ensure proper functioning.

Your status light blinking 3-8 times every three seconds indicates a professional checkup.

How to Prevent Your Rheem Water Heater Status Light Issues in the Future?

While the status light conditions can bother you, there are ways to prevent them. The following measures can be taken to avoid status light issues in the future: 

• Make sure to perform proper maintenance as recommended in the manual.
• Adjust your heater’s temperature at a safe mark so it doesn’t overheat.
• It’s important to keep the water heater area clear of inflammable materials.
• You should inspect the TPR valve regularly to ensure it functions accurately.
• You need to inspect the pilot burner periodically and relight if it is required. 
• Your plumber system’s water pressure must be kept at neutral so high water pressure doesn’t stress the water heater.
• Keep technical factors in mind such as ensuring a stable power supply, replacing damaged wires, and checking signs of leaks. 
• Schedule an annual check-up to avoid any future issues.
• Keep your water heater’s manual at an accessible and secure location

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FAQ

Where is the control panel of the heater?

The control panel of the heater is right under the plastic cover of the water heater. Your control board can be hidden by a layer of plastic cover according to its model. Squeeze both sides of the cover to remove the plastic if there is one. 

Why is my heater not getting hot?

Your water heater is not getting hot due to dysfunctional heating elements. In terms of a gas water heater, you need to inspect its pilot light. It is probably turned off. Simply turning it on will let the gas flow again. If your water heater is electric, there’s a good chance your electric heating element needs replacement. Your local hardware store can help you there.

How long do water heaters last? 

Most water heaters last for eight to ten years. Rheem water heaters typically provide services for five to fifteen years. You can add a few more years to their lifespan if you get them serviced every five years. 

Final Words

Hopefully, this article helped solve the  water heater status light not working problems. For further guidelines, you can look through your heater’s model-specific troubleshooting manual. Make sure you turn off your power supply to the heater and take safety precautions before you attempt any form of repairs. If you are still unable to detect the problem, you should contact a professional technician.