Close look at water leak detection & noise levels of Rheem Prestige Professional Hybrid Water Heater

[@sorka95032]

For those of you who are confused about why some of these are reported as quiet and some are loud, Rheem made some significant changes to the product last year resulting in a product that is widely reported to be 65 to 69 dbm. The changed product is the 5th generation. You can tell the difference one way by noting if you have the integrated duct collars or not. The 4th gen product has duct collars that allow you to attach the ducting directly to the units. The reviewed unit in this video is a 4th gen unit that have the intake and exhaust collars. The 5th gen unit requires the duct adapters that you have to purchase separately for between $125 and $150 each and are often hard to get. They also reduce the clearance a small amount which can be problematic for standard 30 x 30 water heater closets. The exhausts adapter puts the collar attachment point further away from the unit removing clearance. There is a full discussion here as well as other threads on the internet: www.reddit.com/r/Plumbing/comments/m0qmym/rheem_professional_prestige_proterra_hybrid/ I was all set to by and install this product but the water heater closet, which is outside, shares a wall with my daughters bedroom and I couldn't introduce a noisy appliance right next to her room. I'm hopeful that the product can be fixed. I'd buy a 4th gen unit in a heartbeat if I could find one in stock. Rheem has been sending retrofit blower kits out that claim to bring the noise level down to 59 dbm but this is still many times louder than 49 dbm.

[@arinpounov369]

This is so helpful, thank you! I could not figure out why some reviewers were so adamant about noise and some didn't mention it at all (though some more recent reviews still don't mention it).

[@sorka95032]

@@arinpounov369 Some recent reviews picture the 4th gen and then looking deeper you realize these are republished reviews. This happens a lot with comparison reviews where a previous review will be sourced for a new comparison review.

[@ryan92084]

Thanks for this, really clears up the mixed reviews. Guess i'll hold out for a hopefully improved 6th gen.

[@MrSoulMonk]

Thank you for the great information. While the 5th gen "may" have improved something, the added noise and the expense of the exorbitant duct collar makes it a downgrade, in my opinion. It also points to lack of testing and common sense evaluation that Rheem has foregone in a rush to bring this to the market.

[@Irishman1776]

After procrastinating for months for fear of the noise level, I finally bought and installed mine last night. I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the unit actually is. I could have slept next to it and not been bothered at all.

[@TheSaint135]

I basically sleep next to mine, it's about 15 feet from my bed, it never bothered me but you can also program it from your phone to not run when you're sleeping.

[@Ozzie4Para]

I bought this same water heater two years ago and it's been great. I only run it in heat pump mode which is why I can include it along with my four mini split systems on my "must haves" when it comes to powering my home on my 7K inverter generator when we lose power. Some people like to knock this water heater by saying its too expensive for the time it takes to repay for itself in terms of energy savings on your power bill. That doesn't mean nothing to me. My water heater only pulls like 600W when its running which is simply awesome.

[@TinkerTry]

Thank you for sharing your experience, valuable information for shoppers for sure!

[@gsweater5544]

What happened to your face? You look like a comic book villain. Gross.

[@FamilyDIYtv]

I love this feature ! One of the reasons I bought this water heater !

[@TinkerTry]

How is your energy efficiency doing, and are you happy with your purchase? That huge rebate made it almost a no-brainer for me, but that rebate isn't available everywhere...

[@dwci77]

Great little video here, thank you! Answered my question about noise...

[@workingraveyard]

Nice. I replaced a 20 year old 50 gallon last month with a Rheem 50 gallon HPWH. I run it in heat pump mode only to save energy. I avg about 1.8 Kwh/day (I love the app). I installed solar this year and have enough capacity to cover the water heater so the energy cost is free.

[@NatzulForrester]

Bought a house a little over a year ago that had a brand new Rheem electric water heater and Heat Pump AC system installed. I also went solar and when our current water heater is running it can consume about 5Kw of power. In my hunt to curb electricity use I'm debating swapping out current water heater for this unit. 10 months in are you still happy with the purchase? My current water heater will go into my mom's house, so the newish unit wont be wasted.

[@normrubio]

I keep getting a leak detected alarm and there is no moisture in the pan.

[@DeHavenRanch]

Thanks for sharing. I just installed ours a few days ago and have been super impressed. I love the app that shows power usage. Thanks for sharing I'm going to test the water leak detector when I get home! We've used less than 9kwh in the past 5 days since its been in. Amazing.

[@john4kc]

Does the unit keep track of the power usage? How has it been over the last 8 or 9 months you've had it (usage and # of days)? My concern is the water heater pulling too much moisture from the air in the winter months as we struggle to keep the humidity up. Has that been a challenge?

[@jobney]

I see you have the temperature set at 120 but on the sensors screen the tank temperatures were a bit under that. You might want to double-check but I think Legionella bacteria growth stops at 122 degrees F. and it dies in the low 130s. I had recently checked my temperature (Spring 2019) at the tap and it was a sad 114. I had to boost it up a bit. 1:10

[@TinkerTry]

Wow, I cannot thank you enough for bringing this to my attention! One of many articles: www.treehugger.com/green-food/is-it-safe-to-turn-down-your-water-heater-temperature.html I really appreciate this, and I'll update my article TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review accordingly, once I see my tank temps when the Rheem is set to higher temperatures.

[@n1kkri]

Can you tell me if there is a probe at the end of the Leak sensor wire with the black cap on it. A friend has one with a missing cap. There are 2 wires exposed. Should a probe be connected or are there just 2 wires? Should the wires be separated or shorted? thanks

[@speedRacer05]

If I'm not mistaken, the Professional version is self-cleaning while the Home Depot version is not. If you know differently, please let me know.

[@rioborzeli147]

My tank arrives soon. Glad to get this best ever heating system. Better then Gas, Any other models out their in 2022.

[@shadowofahedgehog7139]

What is the model of your water heater 🤔

[@96sssnake]

So I bought this year's model with an added Proterra package. Seems to add just an auto shutoff valve (solenoid) that works with the leak sensor. What's puzzling is now they tuck the sensor inside the unit down a sheath and there's a red rope that runs the outer perimeter of the unit. I'm not sure if this red rope is just for show or if it's the external leak sensor. I can't tell if it's actually wired although it doesn't appear to be, but the manual points to it as "lean detect" (one of many typos) and the parts list has 3 different part numbers for rope water sensors. Also i wonder why they went away from that nice touch display and went with LCD screen with buttons. Seems a lot less functionality too. Probably cutting costs on their end.

[@96sssnake]

SOLVED - This woman explains it perfectly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rPl2add7lpqZY Somehow the leak sensor integrates with the red perimeter rope to detect both internal and external (they call it 360) leaks. What was frustrating me is that I am getting constant false positive leak detects. When I remove the leak sensor from the sheath and still leave it plugged in, false positives go away. This woman says that because of the 360 leak detection on this model only they require a drain pan. Would have been nice if the manual said that. Mine is on a concrete slab so I can only assume it's picking up moisture from the concrete.

[@TinkerTry]

Such an awesome and informative video, thank you! I've added your great comments to the article too: TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review#jan-28-2021-update

[@robertmccully2792]

My alarm goes off every winter. I noticed the drain is 1/8 to high.

[@DS-vq4fw]

I have this exact unit, and the leak sensor alarm constantly goes off. I check almost everyday since I've moved into this house and there aren't any leaks anywhere. I keep clearing the alarm history and the active alarm, but it instantly goes off again. I've read through the maintenance manual and haven't gotten any help there. Any suggestions?

[@christopherfoulk9931]

Is the leak detection wire in a metal drain pan?

[@TinkerTry]

I had a few sporadic alarms about the drain clogged or something along those lines, so I cut a notch on the inside center of the right-angle down turn of my attached drain PVC line, which prevented any puddling of water near the outlet, and the alarm has gone away for me. Something to consider? Sorry I just spotted your comment, hopefully you found a resolution.

[@TinkerTry]

In my case, I put the detector wire in my plastic pan.

[@dickydewpodcast]

I also have a question is it electric and how many gallons

[@tinman1955]

Does the heat pump usually run for a big percentage of time? Does it run more often than it's quiet?

[@scottcarlson2316]

Paul, you mention near the end of the video a model that may be quieter but is probably less available--what model is that?

[@TinkerTry]

I"m so sorry, just spotted this comment, I wish I could remember why I said that, but unfortunately, I don't recall. I'm so sorry. See also more comments about sound at kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZLNlJeVhbiMZ8U&lc=UgwIGDipj3uKQ5EBc-N4AaABAg

[@nodave77]

I have a small utility room. Winter time temps are on average 60 in that room. Do installers run duct work to intake air from a larger room in the basement, or should I stick with a regular water tank?

[@TinkerTry]

I don't know that most plumbers would care about duct work, but you should probably check on the install guides for the current models to see how many sq. ft. of room they want you to have around your water heater.

[@loganashley8271]

I find mine to be extremely loud. Any suggestions? Where did you find the Db rating for the unit?

[@TinkerTry]

I didn't find the dB rating anywhere at Rheem, but I see they now publish

[@TinkerTry]

See also claim of being the quietest in the industry, along with 50dBA, in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rPl2add7lpqZY and in my article here tinkertry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review I found this 3rd party sound rating link www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/61527

[@BanditPharmD]

@@TinkerTry I'm in the same boat as Logan Ashley. We just installed 80 gallon Rheem Hybrid Proterra. Extremely loud and I can hear it in my living room above me. Me and the plumber called Rheem and they asked us to download an app to measure the decimals. Mine measured around 65 dB. The lady on the phone tried to tell me that the ambient noise played a difference but I think that's bull shit. We had a similar amount of ambient noise as your meter. I have one of those leaders coming in the mail.

[@gsweater5544]

If you get a 20 lb weighted blanket, throw it over the top of the unit, covering both the intake and exhaust. It will completely stop the noise

[@percyjen6490]

Have you thought about ducting the cool dehumidified air to a room in your house?

[@TinkerTry]

I did, but was a bit worried about the quality of the air, and the seasonality, so I never went through with it.

[@nanadeb8442]

I have this prestige Professional and it has no tray or alarm hose on the bottom. I get water all over the place and no alarm goes off. It sounds like the installer didn't finish the job. Only by watching this video did I learn about the missing tray and hose alarm.

[@TinkerTry]

Glad the video helped you some!

[@Salanan]

Where did you find the dB rating? looking at the Rheem Proterra as thats all i see on the Rheem website, and cant find any noise ratings.

[@TinkerTry]

A viewer found this: rmc-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/iat/sites/36/2020/04/HP-350-5-RHEEM-GenV-hybrid_0403.pdf

[@dbriggs1689]

Is there a way to divert the cold air exhaust? I ask because the one I have in my garage blows cold air right where my work bench is. I need a 90 degree elbow that fits. Do you know if one is commercially available?

[@FamilyDIYtv]

yes - you can divert the cold air. It accepts normal HVAC duct work... believe it's an 8 inch duct. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6nKhH6MaqqWa9k&lc=Ugz_qUkVe7xXVWNnTFZ4AaABAg.98_pcuWuN5a98oBOU_2mGi&feature=em-comments

[@Dead_Aim556]

Can you update in a few months to see how it affected your energy bill

[@TinkerTry]

Got some numbers for you: tinkertry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review#jun-22-2020-update

[@jcoughlin325]

I can get 10% off ($1300) then another $400 back in rebates for one of these. Are they still worth it if mine would go in a southwest Pennsylvania basement? The room is an unfinished section of a finished basement. It is over 7x10 (the utility room) and closed by a wall and door (not louvered).

[@TinkerTry]

Seems like that meets the space needed, review the install manual (I’m not a plumber)

[@jcoughlin325]

@@TinkerTry Yes but will it be as efficient as advertised? It's okay if you don't know. Rheem won't get back to me either.

[@perproject06]

Hi Paul, any instructions on how to flush the system? I’ve had that Rheem Prestige water heater for about a year now and I would like to flush it as part of the regular maintenance. I attached a hose on the bottom and opened the valve, but very little water came out and was thinking that there must be a release valve somewhere that I have to open up as well for the water to flow faster. Please advise and thank you in advance.

[@TinkerTry]

I'm sorry, I'm just not a plumber, sure hope you found help (so sorry for the delayed reply) or details in the manual. Did it work out ok?

[@macbeliever]

Open a hot water tap in the house. That will allow air in the system and remove vacuum.

[@coreynightingale7091]

About how long with this unit be running and making noise throughout the day? If it's in electric mode will it be emitting noise?

[@TinkerTry]

I attempted to capture the noise it makes, and discuss it a bit in my article tinkertry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review I'd say you'd not want to install it right near a living space. I just happen to have it in a back unfinished area of our basement, separated from where I often work and record videos by about 35' and a louvered door, and we can't hear it at all from that distance. Every situation is different though, at least at the time I bought it, it was the quietest unit of its kind on the market.

[@daytonc4736]

How cold is the air coming out?

[@FamilyDIYtv]

DAYTON it’s cold. I have video on it ...

[@jeremygoldstein3138]

can you comment at all on the temperature of the exhaust air that it blows out? What kind of temperature differential between your ambient temp and exhaust? Thanks!

[@FamilyDIYtv]

Jeremy Goldstein hi - it blows out cold air ... I have a video on how it’s impacting my basement temp...

[@joshparker9128]

How does the professional compare the platinum sold at home depot?

[@TinkerTry]

They seem to be exactly the same thing, see also my detailed article at TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review#specs-and-manuals

[@tomservo14]

Thanks for the video Paul, how has it affected your electric bill?

[@TinkerTry]

Minimally, see also some 1 year data in my article: TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review#jun-22-2020-update

[@gatgolf]

Paul, which size is this unit?

[@TinkerTry]

50 gallons, details at: tinkertry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review

[@televisionarchivestudios1130]

Will this alert you for leaks in your pipes inside the house?

[@96sssnake]

No, it's a simple water wicking rope sensor

[@Videpedia]

1:47. You know your actual kwh usage and local electricity rate ? Those numbers seem totally useless to me. My electricity rate is about $0.32/kwh. If I use 650kwh per year it will cost me 208 dollars annually.

[@austinroberson8]

Holy crap! I pay $0.10/kwh. If your elecrical provider is charging $0.32/kwh I would definitely change providers man. You are paying 2.6 times more for electricity. Buying a water heater like this would literally pay for itself in a year. You would basically be cutting your bill by around 15% per year after that. The more per kWh you are paying the faster the rate of return on this system.

[@bethannecarr3614]

All appliances are measured to the same kwh price so you can compare one to other. They realize this. Are you in Hawaii? These rates are astronomical. In south Florida where I live it is $0.11/kwh. Also, this calc probably includes some use of the heating element. If your unit is in a warm area, you might be able to run completely on the heat pump, so it would further drive the cost down.

[@jtphotography0]

Can that get hacked?

[@TinkerTry]

Yes, anything connected can, I try to reduce the risk by connecting it to my guest WiFi only.

[@thor6997]

Did you install this unit yourself? If you had a professional install it then they should get rid of those flex lines on the water supply.

[@TinkerTry]

That was an attempt at a bit of vibration isolation, with a living space right above. I'm guessing you're feeling is that they're likely to fail sooner, do you have an alternative suggestion?

[@FamilyDIYtv]

Rheem actually recommends those flex lines and most code i believe actually calls for these types of flex lines.

[@AgentOffice]

It probably ignores condensation vs leak

[@BigHushAffiliate]

Why is one model called prestige and another called platinum? They seem to be the same aside from the name.

[@TinkerTry]

Yeah, nearly identical, I've got that detailed for you in the article, see: TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review

[@BigHushAffiliate]

Paul Braren Thanks buddy 👍🏻

[@danbuckles2745]

Condenser is in the tank the evaporator is in the top with the noisy compressor and fan. Just had one installed and the compressor vibrates through the wall since the tank sits against it and has high ringing noise that is not normal. It's in the garage and if it were in the house, it really would be annoying. I have 30 years of appliance repair and this noise and vibration is not acceptable therefore I do not recommend this product especially if it is installed in the house.

[@TinkerTry]

Thank you for the feedback, could you let my viewers know your exactly model number?

[@danbuckles2745]

@@TinkerTry I think they are all like this if they are Gen 5. XE40T10H45U0

[@AgentOffice]

Free air conditioning

[@dickydewpodcast]

Not a good idea giving out your IP address can't people hack you that way.

[@warmon6]

While your right about giving out ip addresses and they shouldn't be shown, in this case, he has very little to worry about. To do targeted network hack over the internet, you would first need the "Public" IPv4 address (IPv6 is a whole other beast) to target his network. The only IPv4 address I've seen in this video are "private" ip address and those can't (or at least they shouldn't) be routed on the internet. (192.168.xxx.xxx, 172.16.xxx.xxx, and 10.xxx.xxx.xxx are all private addresses). Now if we saw an ipv4 address not be one of those private addresses, then he would have to worry about it. At most this video shows, his water heater is on address 192.168.11.20 on his private network and it assume the DHCP is not changing it randomly.

[@waynemccormick2236]

Is the Gen 5 Professional Model quieter than the Platinum sold at HD?

[@sorka95032]

I was told by Rheem support that they are identical and not even binned different for quality of parts. They are just different skews so that they can service and support them through their respective channels.

[@TinkerTry]

This information is of incredibly high value to my viewers and my readers: TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to post these comments!

[@TinkerTry]

@@sorka95032 I've added your words to my article, at this spot: TinkerTry.com/replaced-my-gas-water-heater-with-more-efficient-hybrid-electric-rheem-review#jun-10-2021-update Thank you again!