Hot Water Heater trouble

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soccergirl

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I have a Reliance Gas Hot Water heater that is only a few years old. The other day I notice that I did not have any hot water. I checked the hot water heater and everything looked fine. The pilot light was on, no leaking, etc., but still no hot water. I turned up the temperature on the heater and the gas burner came on. I then had hot water shortly after. However, this happened again several times. If I adjusted the temperature to turn on the burner, I had hot water, but it does not not heat the water unless I do so. What is the problem with my hot water heater? Thermostat? Something else? Please help. :confused:

Nancy
 

e-plumber

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Warranty Issue

Depending on the model of water heater, it may be covered under the manufacturers warranty although most guaranty parts for only one year. Call Reliance and check, have the date of installation, model & serial numbers handy when you make the call.

Have you tried to leave the setting a little bit higher? See if it will run normally, but monitor that the water temperature does not become excessively hot, above 120 F is dangerous and could cause 2nd & 3rd degree burns within seconds :eek:
 

soccergirl

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Warranty and Temperature Setting

I did try to find the warranty info, but my ex husband installed it about 3-4 years ago and I have no idea where he put the paperwork. I think he purchased it from Home Depot so I was going to stop by and ask them for contact info for Reliance. As for the temperature, I have tried setting it higher. It will light and heat up once I turn it up, but it will not continue. It seems like I have to adjust the temperature (either up or down) whenever I want the burner to come to heat up the water.

Any thoughts?
 

e-plumber

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Gas Control Valve

It appears to be the main gas control valve that is causing the trouble, (square box w/ temperature adjustment dial). The thermostat that is inserted into the water heater may not be detecting accurate water temperature. It would be rare that this control went bad, but anything is possible.

If you can find an 800 telephone number or a website for Reliance all you need is the serial number and model number, (on the side of the heater on a tag) possibly the date of installation, maybe not. They will inform you when you call about the warranty status for your water heater.

If it's out of warranty, which there is good chance it is, call a licensed plumber to service the unit.
 

Gary Swart

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Reliant repair

I had a similar problem with my Reliant heater recently. It was the Ignition Control module. Cost me $65 and I installed it myself. Find the Reliant (Richmond) web site and you can get a trouble shooting guide. There Tech people can give you some pointers too. Do not buy the module from them. They charge MSRP plus shipping and that would be somewhere around $125-$130. A plumbing supply house will have them.
 
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hj

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heaters

Reliance is made by State Water Heaters. Reliant is made by Rheem/Ruud. They are two different animals and the Reliant people have nothing to do with, or any knowledge of, Reliance heaters.
 
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