GAS CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT ON RHEEM WATER HEATER 2022

[@TOOL_TECHNICAL]

If you're draining your tank (especially without a transfer pump) by "gravity" draining, close the cold water feed to tank and leave the hot valve open. Leave one or two faucets' hot open all the way and the tank will suck in air to avoid airlocking. Your flow should drain faster as you hear the chugging of air returning from your plumbing lines. Hope that helps! - Work Smart

[@TheOchuckie]

You saved me a lot of money 400-900$ honestly thank you so much for this video

[@vinnythehandyman]

You’re welcome! Please share

[@kingkewon000]

Looked at a lot of videos and your was one of the best and helped me install after almost a week of cold water thanks!

[@vinnythehandyman]

So happy you were able to fix. Thanks for the kind words and supporting my channel. Please subscribe if you enjoyed. Take care and enjoy a nice hot shower. 👍

[@outofround]

Many thanks. Looks like I'll be doing this myself as my plumber has left me high and dry on the warranty!

[@patricksmith510]

Watch several videos to get ready for this and I really liked yours the best. My tank setup has very small differences but followed your steps and it made me feel like a pro! Thanks a bunch!! Liked, shared and subscribed.

[@vinnythehandyman]

I appreciate the awesome feedback! Thanks for taking the time to post and watch my video. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@violetapelzman4316]

Why do you have to remove the whole thermocouple component from the bottom? Is it just because water may leak ?

[@violetapelzman4316]

Oh I see others have asked and you responded alreadu

[@Rocket-x9v]

This is a common occurrence with the Rheem gas control valve. I stopped buying them at my local plumbing supply store. I ended up switching back to Bradford white. I had 4 in a row of these contractor grade rheems gas control valves not work after installation, And bad thing is I cover a 80 mile radius and there was no supply 3in the areas that sold the contractor grade, so the customer was down. Pretty bad when you have 4 in a row with bad gas control valves. I rarely have an issue from Bradford white. That one in the video is not a contractor grade because it's got the cheap plastic drain valve, it's probably a home Depot model

[@joecaldwell3080]

You can drain the tank much faster if you activate the pressure relief safety valve. That allows air into the tank. That is why you had that glug,glug,glug noise.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Yes you are correct. Never thought about doing that. Probably try it on the next install. Good point! Appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching.

[@dachicagoan8185]

And leaving 1 sink on, running hot water.

[@J.ArturoMartinez]

Of course

[@tylerscarbrough6301]

And you can also use a pump to help drain it faster.

[@dougware4676]

yes your right and open up a hot water valve at sink and when refilling keep you water relief valve opened until water starts coming out

[@frank.arroyo]

Man you save me a ton of money. I came back to ask a question about the sizzling and you mentioned it at the end 😂

[@ellenjak]

Thank you. Good video. I have a couple of questions. I have watched 3 videos on replacing these Rheem gas valves. Your video is the only one that shows the probe for the replacement valve longest on camera. My replacement valve arrived today (under warranty) and the probe is covered in a thick plastic sheath. The valve didn't arrive with any instructions so I wasn't sure if that last should ve removed. In your video, it appears that the plastic stays on the probe. Is that correct? Next, my tank was installed in June 2020. Why did you remove the entire burner assembly if you didn't replace anything? Was it just to get it out of the way so that you didn't dump water on it when the valve was unscrewed? BTW - My gas valve failed because that little white plastic sensor that is between the thermocouple and the valve body shorted out. That sensor seems to be what is failing on most of these gas valves.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Yes, the plastic stays on the probe. It’s easier to remove the burner assembly. By Removing it allows for you to use leverage by adding a small iron pipe. This gas control valve are on pretty tight. You can try to remove only gas control valve and see if you get lucky. Other than that pretty easy fix. Take your time and take pictures if you can’t remember where everything goes.

[@jamesking9280]

This built my confidence. Thank you.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Thanks bud for watching.

[@tmac6604]

very good instructional video, clear and well spoken... thanks Ryan!

[@vinnythehandyman]

I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post. 👍 -Vinny

[@montezeubanks5324]

Great video and although you did an excellent job explaining how to change out, I'm probably still gonna call somebody lol...especially since I'm still under warranty. But that last tip at the end about the "sizzle" was worth me watching, because I surely thought it was leak making the pilot go out.

[@vinnythehandyman]

The sizzle can be scary for sure. Thanks for watching and posting your thoughts. Hopefully everything works out.

[@cardalebrown2105]

A little new to this, but why did you need to remove the burn compartment to change out the gas valve?

[@vinnythehandyman]

Sometimes you need to use leverage and add a piece of iron pipe to turn the gas valve. Therefore, I remove the burner assembly to prevent damage however, you don’t have to just be careful when turning the gas valve.

[@cardalebrown2105]

Thank you so much for this video and reply, I was asking cause I thought I messed up. I was going to cry 😂

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@cardalebrown2105 😅 Glad it worked out 💪

[@paultrevino274]

On the thermostat do you leave that plastic that goes into the water heater

[@vinnythehandyman]

Hi Paul, it’s recommended to leave the hard plastic on.

[@kbrew20]

Much appreciated and looking forward to replacing mines this week 🥴🥴🥴

[@vinnythehandyman]

Thanks for watching! You will do great 👍. Keep us posted on your progress.

[@outofround]

Is the API 15255"D" an upgrade to the API 15255"A1". Thanks.

[@justinruffner8717]

Very helpful thank you

[@vinnythehandyman]

You’re welcome Justin!

[@huiouyang2003]

Where did you buy the black leverage you use to turn the gas control?

[@vinnythehandyman]

I purchased an 1/2” iron pipe from Home Depot.

[@huiouyang2003]

thank you very much !!!Actually, I'm still a little scared. I'm worried that I can't unscrew those pipes. @@vinnythehandyman

[@vinnythehandyman]

@huiouyang2003 just use extra leverage and you will be fine. I believe in you 🫵

[@huiouyang2003]

@@vinnythehandyman thank you very much .I watch every step of your video over and over again. I'm still looking at how to drain the water

[@vinnythehandyman]

@huiouyang2003 I just use a water hose from out size and run to floor drain. It screws down below. Once you connect turn valve with a flat head screwdriver. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcarlisle4667]

The comment at the end - hold the pilot button for 2-3 minutes to let it cycle properly - is what made ours finally work. A plumber replaced all our parts including the valve replacement, then he held the pilot button only for 1 minute and the flame wouldn't hold when he released the button. He concluded falsely that he couldn't fix the heater, so he gave up and left.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Thanks David for highlighting a good point! Thanks for sharing your story and thoughts for other viewers.

[@davidcarlisle4667]

@@vinnythehandyman Actually, the flame went out overnight, then when I tried to light the pilot this morning, the flame didn't hold. The plumber I mentioned earlier was trying to help us quickly by replacing our gas control valve with one of his spare parts (he also replaced our thermocouple), but that didn't keep the pilot flame lit. So today I installed the gas control valve we ordered from Rheem - it worked! Your video helped - thank you!

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@davidcarlisle4667 Wonderful news David! Glad everything worked out and thanks for sharing update. Original Rheem gas control valves are garbage unfortunately. Happy New year!

[@JesseV-gf3ct]

Thank you for the great video

[@vinnythehandyman]

Awesome man! Glad it worked out for you. That’s what my channel is geared towards. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@sslmtz8]

Do I leave that plastic thing on the new when installing bout to knock it out and not sure if to leave it on

[@vinnythehandyman]

Hey Luis! Leave it on. Thanks for watching

[@sslmtz8]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@vinnythehandyman]

I gotcha ya! Keep us all posted if you had a successful installation.

[@Bumper1974]

Thank you for all he extra info definitely appreciated buddy!

[@vinnythehandyman]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Bumper1974]

@@vinnythehandyman hey check out my update man I don't want you to miss what I wrote about ya man you sure did help this electrician have the confidence to do the job.

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@Bumper1974 Jeff, appreciate the kind words man. Comments like that help me put out more videos and let’s me know I’m on the right track. Happy Thanksgiving bro.

[@Bumper1974]

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

[@joseloera8263]

The part that makes the sparks, can it be replaced alone?

[@vinnythehandyman]

Hi Jose! That’s a great question. Yes, you can purchase separate at Home Depot. The igniter switch runs about 15.00. Thanks for watching!

[@Crypto4x]

I removed the plastic off the rods is it safe to install?

[@vinnythehandyman]

You can install it without however it’s meant to stay on probe. If you have clear silicon you can use to basically hood in place. You will survive if you don’t use. Long term it can build corrosion.

[@Crypto4x]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm going for a tankless some time this Month, just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to explode on me or something 😆

[@vinnythehandyman]

No worries, you will be good bro. Thanks for watching.

[@rositabonita4254]

Today I had the 3rd gas valve replaced. It did not even light up the pilot. Had to put the old valve again with the white sensor bypass. Can the control valve be at fault?

[@vinnythehandyman]

Yeah that’s possible but must be something else if it’s the third time. Try replacing thermocouple as well. Home Depot sells kits so you can do rather quickly. I have a video on that as well.

[@rositabonita4254]

After putting the 3rd gas valve the pilot didnt even light up and no gas smell whatsoever. Then i switched back to the first gas valve bypassing the sensor and it worked. If it worked the thermocouple is fine am i right?

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@rositabonita4254 sounds like thermocouple is good. Sometimes when you install new control valve it can take up to 10 min for the gas to cycle through system. I would allow some more time for it to cycle through.

[@rositabonita4254]

thank you. I am getting the fourth valve tomorrow. The ten minutes is with the pilot button depressed?

[@rositabonita4254]

I even tried with a lighter. Nothing no pilot lit up no gas smell.

[@tripjet999]

@7:56 - So much for all the water being drained. Thank you very little water heater manufacturers.

[@beloved_mon]

Do I have to drain my water heater completely? The water pressure of the hose lessen after 15 minutes and there is still a lot of water coming out through the valve

[@vinnythehandyman]

You can Remove one hose on top of water heater to get some air inside. That might help a little. If not then drain past control valve.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Everything work out ok?

[@mikenowitzki6732]

Should you turn off the heater if you’re not sure what to do? I hear if there’s an issues with the gas valve that’s pretty serious? Thanks

[@vinnythehandyman]

Yes, before touching water heater gas lines, turn off water heater gas shut off valve. Also turn off main water supply above to water heater. Everything needs to be off before disconnecting anything.

[@mikenowitzki6732]

@@vinnythehandyman appreciate the reply. I read that the gas valve on our Rheem model that was installed a week ago is prone to issues. Wondering if I can ask for a different model from the company that installed them instead? They only warranty it for a year and manufacturers 5 years. Paid $2800.

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@mikenowitzki6732 if the new control valve is made by Honeywell then you should be fine. However if it’s the old original then have them replace again. Sorry they charged so much.

[@Zsigmund]

Great Vid! Sub'd

[@vinnythehandyman]

Great you watched both videos! Thanks for your support 👍

[@Zsigmund]

@@vinnythehandyman Absolutely, I had an ice-cold shower this morning, but not tomorrow lol. Thanks again!

[@Feller1853]

Am in a quandary as to why you removed the burner assembly.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Hi Wayne! I was using iron pipe extension to loosen gas control valve and was afraid of damaging assembly. If you don't remove, just be cautious not to hit burner assembly.

[@selesteautry4337]

The door is stuck on mine. What can I do. I did the screws

[@vinnythehandyman]

Just pry with a flat head screwdriver or all purpose tool on corners. It’s just the gasket sticking.

[@ellenjak]

I hate automated spell check. One thing to correct. The valve didn't come with any instructions so I wasn't sure if the PLASTIC on the probe should be removed or if it should stay on the probe. I think that it's supposed to stay. Thanks.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Hi Ellen, it’s supposed to stay. Thanks for watching!

[@JasonFinch]

What happens if your kid took the plastic off? 😬

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@JasonFinch I would use clear waterproof silicone and let dry for 24 hours. Not sure if superglue would hold long term.

[@zhangteam]

Do you really need to take out the burner?

[@vinnythehandyman]

The burner is down below inside the glass with the thermocouple. I have a video that shows removal.

[@tracytillett]

You didn't answer the question. Doo you need to take out the burner? I had the same question

[@vinnythehandyman]

@tracytillett Hi Tracy! You don’t have to remove the burner. I do it to avoid damaging any lines. Sometimes you need to use leverage like a pipe to twist of gas control valve thus hitting gas lines. If you leave burner installed just be careful. Let us know if you were successful! Thanks for watching.

[@tracytillett]

@@vinnythehandyman makes sense! Thanks for answering so quickly

[@bruceboma357]

Teflon tape/pipe dope does NOT do anything to prevent a leak on compression fittings. If the compression fitting leaks, the leak makes its way out around the outside of the tubing, inside the threaded nut.

[@tcudahey9550]

Why remove the burner assembly? That was not necessary if only the gas control valve was bad.

[@vinnythehandyman]

You don’t have to remove the burner. I do it to avoid damaging any lines. Sometimes you need to use leverage like a pipe to twist of gas control valve thus hitting gas lines. If you leave burner installed just be careful. Let us know if you were successful! Thanks for watching.

[@ripvanrevs]

Takes longer to drain and refill the tank than to replace the valve. That is the junk control valve that everybody is having problems with because of the white wires (heat sensor) that is going bad in as soon as a year.

[@vinnythehandyman]

Yes,Rheem has been on the naughty list for sure. Hopefully they design a better product soon.

[@dougware4676]

date 9/13/2022 i replaced a 1 year valve on my tank which is only 2 yrs old now so it needed number 2 valve so i replaced the gas valve and a new thermocouple tried to relight the polit for over 5 to 8 times would not light so i tried to jump the white wires at the thermocouple and still would light. Remember this valve came from RHEEM out the box at no charge this valve is junk i put my old i yr valve back in the hot water tank i jump the white wires and i have a working gas valve all comes down to the valves are junk i called RHEEM and they told me to throw that new valve away and they will send me a new one so don't trust these gas valves guys even RHEEM don't want them returned.

[@vinnythehandyman]

@@dougware4676 wow that’s a terrible experience. Rheem must do better. This is a repeating nightmare for a lot of people. Thanks for watching and Sharing your experience.

[@BoredInTheComments]

Yeah a little over a year for ours. I called rheem and they shipped the part overnight but only want to cover $175 for labor but everyone is charging over $300 for the instal.

[@kchilz32]

The new tanks have Honeywell valves now. I lucked out because my tank was leaking and hot a new one with the Honeywell and not the junk delta valve that I had

[@josephdennis3478]

He soaped the thermocouple 😅😅

[@ronmaturo7063]

Why would you take the burner assembly out? Totally unnecessary

[@vinnythehandyman]

The iron pipe I used for leverage hit the burner assembly lines. So I took off to prevent damage. However, you are correct you don’t have to remove, but be safe not to damage lines.

[@kchilz32]

Rheem switched back to Honeywell valves

[@Bumper1974]

Cool thanks to this gentleman's video I was able to get a replacement valve from Rheem for free. They overnighted it and was on my porch at 9am. But it's good to know they changed distributors. Happy Thanksgiving. Froma grateful fan.

[@kchilz32]

@@Bumper1974 Happy Thanksgiving to you as well and God Bless