Recommendations for Installing Rheem® ProTerra™ Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters

In this how-to video, we discuss some things that might not always be required by local codes but are always a good idea when installing heat pump water heaters.
Thanks for watching! Subscribe to our channel and click the bell for notifications so you don’t miss out on any new content.
Have a topic or issue you would like to see us cover? Leave us note in the comments section or email us at [e-mail]. Let us know how we can help you and your business!
Interested in water heater product training? Sign up for our free classes at www.rheemtraining.com/.
Looking for more ways to engage with the plumber community? Join our private Facebook community created for plumbers by searching for Plumbers’ Exchange on Facebook or clicking / plumbers.exchange .
Visit our website for more information about us and our products at www.rheem.com/.
Stay Connected
Facebook: / rheemwater
Instagram: / rheemwater
Twitter: / rheem_water
Plumbers’ Exchange Facebook Group: / plumbers.exchange
This channel supports the Rheem family of brands including Rheem®, Ruud®, and Richmond®.
Legal Disclosure
All information contained on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein is intended to be for guidance only. Any action you take on the information on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein is strictly at your own risk. Please seek professional assistance should you not be familiar with repairs, installation or other aspects of water heaters and/or air conditioners. Although Rheem takes all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein is accurate and up-to-date, all information is provided on an “as is” basis. Rheem makes no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy of suitability of the information available on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein. Rheem may at any time and at its sole discretion change or replace the information available on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, Rheem shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages and/or any loss of business, data, use or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of any content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein, including, but not limited to viruses. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, Rheem shall not be liable for any direct or indirect injuries or death arising out of or in connection with the use of any content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein. Rheem disclaims any control over, relationship with or endorsement of the views expressed by other KZbin viewers on any of the content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein. All comments may be reviewed by Rheem and may be deleted if deemed inappropriate. All comments/posts are from members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rheem. Any links to other websites are provided only as a convenience and Rheem reminds you to read the privacy statements of any third-party websites. All content on the Rheem Water Heater Training KZbin channel and in the videos contained therein belongs to Rheem and is the intellectual property of Rheem.

[@gnexjeff]

It's ridiculous that Rheem sells a simple plastic venting adaptor for $120-$140. Total ripoff of your customers who pay top dollar for your water heaters.

[@stevenocchionero5262]

excellent presentation thank you

[@dgalvan123]

Is it possible to install one of these outdoor but in an aluminum water heater shed? I live in an area of Los Angeles (max 84 deg in summer, min 45 deg in winter), and we don't have indoor space for a water heater. Our gas tank water heater was outside in an aluminum shed/cabinet.

[@webstartup]

Thank you for the video. Will this work with a hydronic heating system. Right now I have a hyrdonic water heater but would love to use this if possible.

[@Anavllama]

I am interested in the new plug-in variant. Currently I have a two panel solar hot water heater that takes cold water from the street and attempts to preheat the water. This hot water goes to the bottom of the Propane heated water tank ( infloor radiant heat, baseboard and hot water). I have a mixing valve from the propane hot water exit before it goes into the house. I keep the temp high to ensure all bacteria in tanks are neutralized.. I dont want to replace the Propane heated tank, I just want to reduce the need to heat water by propane. Thus what I would like to do is put the Rheem plug-in, in between the solar tank and the propane tank. Open room, no doors, never gets cold in the room. Could vent outside if I had too. My question whether its Rheem or AO Green ( GSW up here in Canada ). Given that the Rheem will get slightly warmed up water some of the time or on a good day hot water from the solar tank.. will this cause any issues........ The idea being that hot water from the solar and Rheem, or just the Rheem (as cold water coming from solar tank) gets fed into the bottom of the Propane tank. The idea being the propane tank doesnt fire until the propane tank water temp is too low for the settings.

[@doublea434]

Can you use a recirculating pump with these?

[@Ean3]

I'm looking to get one of your water heaters and I'm impressed by the 4.0 UEF rating you have on these. My only question is- specifically what is the difference if any between your Professional Prestige Series and your Performance Platinum Series?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

There is no difference between these products, Performance Platinum is a Rheem series in Home Depot.

[@jamesdenton7517]

I have a Rheem heat pump water heater. We love it. It is currently wired (per specs) to a 240 line. We only use the water heater in heat pump mode. Can I just run the water heater on a 120 volt line if I always keep it in heat pump mode? I realize I would lose the use of the regular diodes that require 240 volts.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

We do not recommend changing the electric voltage to the Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. Rheem just launched a 120-volt plug-in heat pump water heater that can plug into a standard outlet. www.rheem.com/heatpumpwaterheaters

[@amiriqbal1871]

For protera 50 gallon water heater , what are the specifications for the expansion tank, drain pan , and do we have to have drain pipe attached to drain pan ?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Hi Amir, thanks for the question! The specifications for the expansion tank and the drain pan would come from the manufacturer of those devices as they are not part of our water heaters. As for attaching piping to the drain pan, you will need to check with your local plumbing codes. We hope you found this helpful! Let us know if you have further questions.

[@mackiv8612]

Can you run a recirc pump with one of these?

[@mtbbiker6401]

Is it necessary to install a vacuum release valve (vacuum breaker) on the cold inlet if not required by local codes? I've been reading that vacuum relief valves should be installed on bottom fed water heaters but can't find any mention of one in the instruction manual. Thank you.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Local plumbing codes should always be followed. However, it is always a good idea to install a vacuum breaker on any bottom-fed water heater.

[@mzilchutube1]

Where is the best place to install a vacuum relief valve in relationship to the bottom fed Proterra cold water? I’ve an expansion tank installed as well between the main and heater Thanks

[@mtbbiker6401]

@@mzilchutube1 I would like to know the answer from Rheem as well. If you look at Watts N36 Vacuum Relief Valve instructions online, Watts show it above the height of the water heater

[@austinroberson8]

I live in the south and our attics are always super hot. Is it possible to pull air from a hot attic into the pump as long as it’s filtered? Then possibly reverse that during the 3-4 cooler months of the year? Basically just swapping the inlet and outlet ducts around.

[@DBowTX]

Possible? Yes. How much effort do you want to put into it?

[@MB-zs3og]

Did you use self taping screws and what size supporting pipe hangers to support side cold/hot pipes shown in video?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

A short, self-tapping screw will penetrate the outer jacket. If using this, pipe supports would need to be sized according to the size of the pipe.

[@JoshWhiteJW]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining Shouldn't the 3/8" threaded rod be epoxy copper coated? I am worried about the two metals causing rapid dielectric corrosion

[@sandiego22tnt]

Is it recommended to connect a water softener or water conditioner/filtration system to a Model # PROPH65-T2-RH350-DCB ?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

When it comes to water treatment and filtration, it depends on your local water conditions. For instance, if your water quality is very high, you may not need to treat or filter the water. Regardless of your situation, we do not recommend against using filtration and treatment products. If you decide to use one, it certainly won't have any negative effects on the water heater. We hope this helps!

[@morrisassociatesllc]

I just had a 2021 80 gal Pro Terra heat pump water heater installed in my basement and we can here it in every room in the house. It’s loud. I’ve spent the last 2 days on hold trying to get in touch with Rheem’s hybrid water heater customer service. Still have yet to talk to anyone or get of my emails returned.. Terrible customer service!!

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

I’m sorry you’re having trouble getting through. Our call volume is high and email response is slower than normal due to call volume. To expedite your issue, please email your serial number and contact information to [e-mail] and someone will reach out to you.

[@miannebenchwork]

My current BoilerMate water heater does not have any expansion tank and my water is supplied by a well. Is the expansion tank still necessary with your hybrid water heaters as I do not have municipal water?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

To get information on this situation, please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373 for more details.

[@DBowTX]

Do you have a backflow preventer anywhere between the well and the tank? If not, the reservoir would act as an expansion tank. *not a plumber or Rheem representative

[@jean-francoisfortier8727]

Is it possible to install inside? How to expel the cold air that will cool the house?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Hi Jean-Francois, great question! Yes, you can install this unit inside and expel the cold air exhaust outside the house. To learn more about this, check out our ducting video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIG4iGSAZparqJo. Additionally, you can consult the use and care manual about this topic. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

[@ThisIsNotAVideo]

Is there a top connection?

[@galfert]

What is that clear tube contraption installed on the cold line intake?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

It measures the water pressure. It was included for demonstration purposes during our training.

[@galfert]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining Well that looks neat. Do you have a brand and/or model number for that cool looking contraption. EDIT: After some more research It looks to be a flow meter. F-41000LN-12 Might work in a lab...but not sure if certified for potable water.

[@andresescobar653]

How long are the screws for the plate mounted on the water heater?

[@JoshWhiteJW]

I have read that 1/2" self tapping screws work

[@jonclark5418]

Considering buying one but the noise complaints concern me. Has this problem been resolved from Rheem’s perspective? Is there a serial number cutoff that consumers should be aware of to ensure they don’t get a noisy unit? If not, does Rheem offer retrofit solutions to address potential noise?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

In 2021, we improved the hybrid electric heat pump water heater fan design which has eliminated noise concerns. If you are experiencing noise concerns, please contact technical support 800-432-8373 to diagnose and resolve the concern. Thank you for your interest in our heat pump water heaters.

[@wiredforstereo]

Noise is very subjective. These aren't that loud. I can only hear it when there is absolutely nothing else on in the house.

[@Tanquen]

I'm sure the installation and location, do you make a difference but we did our best to follow guidelines and we've got 70 decibels a few feet from the unit and 60 decibels in the upstairs areas. It's the compressor that has a low frequency droning sound.

[@susanb6789]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining I'm an architect and wouldn't say 'eliminated'. I'd say improved. And everything to stop vibration through the structure should be done because these are not quite even with the fan replaced. Put in rubber under tray and insulation in area surround. My bedroom is above a garage with one of these, and I learned what to do for clients after I was the test case.

[@georgeplesa8174]

I want to install this in my garage in Arizona. What is the temperature range for the area of installation? In the winter it may drop to as low as 50 degrees and the summer as high as 115 degrees. I have been using a Geospring in the garage for 9 years with no problem but is nearing the end of it's life.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

The heat pump technology in the Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater has an ambient operating range of 37 degrees F to 145 degrees F. Outside of this range, the electric elements provide water heating backup. Based on the information you've given us, it looks like it's a good fit for your installation.

[@georgeplesa8174]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining Thanks.

[@rebeccacherrier4037]

what is the glass or clear plastic tube on the cold water inlet pipe?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

The clear graduated tube on the cold water line measures the water pressure. It was included for demonstration purposes during our training.

[@adil06944]

Hi do we need to install heat traps on these units? I've heard that they are now built into the water heater and are no longer needed on the outside.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373.

[@wiredforstereo]

With mine, I ran the hot water flex line down before it comes back up to feed the fixtures (not like the one in the video). This has completely eliminated all thermal leakage issues. Since these tanks have the cold water inlet at the bottom, the normal vertical heat traps don't really work, so just loop your hot water outlet down a foot or two before going up and away and you'll eliminate heat leakage. Otherwise, like the one in the video, hot water will percolate up the pipe until the heat is dissipated, and then it will fall back down and be replaced by new hot water, reducing your efficiency.

[@sashly99]

@@wiredforstereo the Ruud units which are virtually the same show the trap on the cold inlet pipe at the unit

[@justingastrich9604]

I have one of these on order (few weeks out), and would like to have the wire run in the meantime. Can anyone confirm if 8/2 (no neutral) is adequate, or is 8/3 (L1, L2, Neutral and GND) required (due to needing 110V for WIFI/etc.)? Wiring diagram seems to just show L1, L2 and GND - but just want to make sure before buying $200 of the wrong wire! Thank you!

[@TBONENYC]

I used 10/2 Romex (Orange) and double 30A breaker

[@justingastrich9604]

@@TBONENYC thanks for the reply. I ended up using 10/2 and 30A breaker too, and it passed inspection. It does make a noticeable drone / hum through much of the house when the compressor is running. We are not fans of this, so we are looking into alternatives (tankless, etc.) to likely replace it.

[@TBONENYC]

@@justingastrich9604 oh man I’ve read others say that before as well. I was worried about it too but luckily Mine is very quiet, can barely even hear it in the same room when it’s on. When was yours built?

[@jensenjacob8474]

Is it possible to put a soft start on the unit to reduce the damage to the compressor on start up similar to what one would do to an HVAC?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Jensen, thanks for the question! Our heat pump water heaters have a pre-warm cycle which is similar to a soft start for HVAC systems. The pre-warm cycle occurs upon installation and anytime the water temperature in the tank gets below 40° F. The cycle heats the water to around 90° F using the electric elements before it turns on the compressor. This is to protect the vapor compression system (compressor, evaporator, & condenser) if the incoming water is very cold at the installation or start up. We hope this helps. Let us know if you have additional questions.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Additionally, it looks like you included a malicious link that you did not intend to. Can you please edit your comment to remove this link? Thank you!

[@jensenjacob8474]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining removed thank you

[@jensenjacob8474]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining hi my question is different from that. HVAC compressors will use hard start of soft start kits to assist in reducing the locked rotor amperage of the compressor. The soft start in particular helps to extend the life of the compressor.

[@jensenjacob8474]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining my other concern is on the longevity of the capicator. I have the unit in a hot attic and capicators tend to blow when they get hot. thoughts on this?

[@WayneMacDonald1]

Would a thermal expansion tank be necessary when installing in a house with a well? There is already a tank between the well pump and the house's plumbing.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Please reach out to your local utility company or plumber to advise on local codes.

[@WayneMacDonald1]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining there is no local utility company; this is my house and my well. I guess I will reach out to a plumber who is familiar with wells.

[@Tanquen]

​@@WayneMacDonald1if you don't have utility water service then you probably do not have a check valve so it should not be a closed system. If there's expansion in the line it should be able to go out through the pipe that feeds from the well. The main thing is when the heat or pressure expands in the line, does it have somewhere to go? If you're not sure or you know it doesn't have anywhere to go, you need to include an expansion tank.

[@WayneMacDonald1]

Thanks,@@Tanquen! I installed the hot water tank with the assistance of a retired plumber who is familiar with wells. He said there is no check valve and the well's pressure tank should accommodate any expansion although he didn't expect that to be an issue.

[@gijsschot8825]

do you have a european model?

[@Manjeet-hl1lj]

Hi, how to reset the water sensor error code?

[@eurotech5316]

i would like to see a comparison video of the pro terra vs platinum model

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Thanks for the suggestion! Could you clarify which products you are referring to? ProTerra refers specifically to our hybrid electric heat pump products while performance platinum is a product tier, or label, we apply to many of our Home Depot retail products.

[@eurotech5316]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining yes both hybrid electric water heaters HD sells the proterra and the platinum hybrid water heaters what are the differences

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Thanks for the clarification! To answer your question, all our hybrid electric heat pump water heaters in Home Depot carry the ProTerra name on the product. For a given tank size (ex: 50 gallon), there are both H and HS models. The HS models offer leak detection and automatic shutoff while the H models do not. See an example below comparing our two 50 gallon models. XE50T10H45U0: 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric XE50T10HS45U0: 50 Gallon Hybrid Electric with Leak Detection and Automatic Shutoff

[@jenniferyambor1760]

What should the screen say when it is workingM

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

We can walk you through the screens over the phone. Please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373 for more details.

[@CyenceFun]

Doesn't say anything about wiring. I'm looking at getting a 15 amp. model, but there is a lot of conflicting or missing Rheem product information. On their website they state there is a plug in 120V 15 amp model available, but they give NO product numbers. In their general install manual, it lists 15 amp models, but later on it says to use 220 - 240 V, 10 ga. wiring. It also seems these must be "hard wired" in, not plugged into an outlet. Their website gives no additional help in being able to contact and talk with a live person and many of the local "pros" listed on their website know very little about the 15 amp models. Can someone at Rheem update their installation literature and give model numbers of 15 amp which need to be hard wired and those which can be plugged in.

[@kbram7363]

How do you get to the ano rod

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

The anode rod can be removed by conventional means after removing the lid of the unit. This is accomplished by removing the four screws at the top and then taking off the lid. Please refer to the use and care manual.

[@joselemus357]

Hey guys I installed it and everything but it dosent turn on everything is right but it dosent turn on

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373.

[@SeanHanley7]

I've read a lot of reviews with noise complaints (even on the Rheem website) on the Gen 5 units which is my biggest hesitation in buying a hybrid unit as mine will be installed in a utility closet with louvered doors in my living room. Will this flexible piping solution help issues like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Wacqhqbp6amLc and this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4WmnX-jht2ZpM0

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Hi Sean, thanks for the question! The flexible piping is something that we recommend on all our hybrid installations to help isolate the unit should there be any vibration (that might cause noise). Aside from that, all hybrid water heaters do produce a little bit of noise due to the air that they are moving through the unit. Flexible piping will not address this. We heard some complaints about some of our initial units producing more noise than expected, and we have made changes in production to reduce this. Overall, this has given us positive results in the field. Additionally, you can contact our support team at 1.800.995.0982 should an issue arise. We hope this helps. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@extrabaltaa]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining is there any way to know which units in production has the changes for the noise reduction? Onl noise concern is holding me to buy this unit.

[@CarlosElPeruacho]

I just installed a hybrid unit myself and I haven't had any noise aside from the compressor kicking on to heat the water. I only know the unit is working when I walk into the room where the water heater is located. Best of luck. I'm running a 40 gallon tank.

[@yonggangjin9181]

A week ago I just had a Rheem ProTerra™ Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater (PROPH50 T2 RH375-30) installed by a professional in the garage. It's on a non-concrete floor right next to the living room wall and stairs. We are having huge trouble with the annoying humming vibration noise, which travels more than half of the house both first floor and second floor. The fan noise (around 60 dB(A)) does not bother us at all as the garage walls are all insulated. But the compressor (i.e. heat pump) running noise with humming vibration is driving us crazy. We have to use electric element to heat water for now (4 times of energy consumption). We have a case open (#3216068) with Rheem to try to solve the issue. So the material of the floor matters the most for the noise/vibration travels across the house. Hopefully it's concrete. Please check very carefully before installing and check with your installer with many questions.

[@las174]

i got one of these and it is noisy. It makes almost a shrill high pitched sound when running. It really bothers me. It's in my basement but that is right below a bedroom. I will have to call the company and see what they say. Fun. Mine says it was made in the March of 2024, so they have not resolved this issue as of then.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

For assistance with your Hybrid Water Heater, please reach out to 800-955-0982.

[@Imwright720]

I hate the way this install looks. It’s not clean like a normal water heater.

[@jimthvac100]

On these heat pump water heater videos you spend more giving your outline on your video and talking about what you may say in other videos than you actually spend on the subject... waste of time... I learned little to nothing in this video