Rheem Water Heater Chamber Sensor Failure / How to Replace Chamber Sensor & Gas Control Valve DIY

[@kirkweber3907]

I had the exact same problem, red light flashing 9 times. Water heater is 4 yrs. old w/12 yr. warranty. Called Rheem and they sent me the exact same 2 parts that you received (Gas control valve & chamber sensor). Written instructions were very confusing and complicated, so thought I’d search KZbin for a video. So glad I found yours! However, I only replaced the chamber sensor & used the same Gas control valve that came with the water heater. It now works fine & I didn’t have to disconnect the gas line or drain & refill the tank!! It took about 45 mins. total while watching your video. I now have a brand new spare Gas control valve if I need it in the future. (One thing that wasn’t mentioned is that you need a #20 size TORX head tool to remove the 4 screws). Thanks so much for your easy to follow informative video!

[@tonytee6283]

2:06

[@rheadog9546]

@@tonytee6283 smart, the controller is sent out by Rheem just in case you need both parts. 9 times out of 10 it will be the sensor. I will also try to do the repair without the controller. You can always easily change it out later and keep it for past warranty repairs.

[@tonytee6283]

@@rheadog9546 I just got the sensor. So far my water heater is still working without the need to replace the controller :)

[@kevinhenderson3349]

I swear I think the Rheem engineers were hungover when they designed these heaters. My chamber sensor went out after 5 years. They sent me both parts under warranty two days ago, but I only got the gas control unit today. The sensor will be another 5 days 😢. Update: The chamber sensor arrived 2 days before the scheduled delivery date, and it took me an hour from start to finish to replace and get the heater lit. Fortunately, I didn't need to replace the gas control unit. If you follow the video, it's actually not that difficult. Now we have hot showers again 😊 😃.

[@CCP-KILL-8964]

@@kevinhenderson3349 same here, my just went out yesterday. repaired cost needs $475 labor only. I am going to replace by myself.

[@Leo-rg8pv]

Sir, you have very clear voice and clear explanations, thank you

[@approachingpassive]

By far the most comprehensive chamber sensor replacement video. Just replaced my own unit in less than 49 min. bc of this video.

[@JoelJessel-o6o]

Just finished the job and thanks so much for your great video/DIY. A plumber quoted me $350 to do the job. I did it myself and it only took about 3 hours including draining and trip to hardware store. Loved the Star Trek red alert reference. Still upset with RHEEM though. Make sure you install the gas line assembly correctly and check for leaks. VERY IMPORTANT!

[@externalaffairsporter]

You did. A pretty good job illustrating on how to replace gas valve. But when you light the pilot, you do not have to hold down the ignite button. Just hold down the pilot for about 30 seconds. Once you hit the ignitor it should light the pilot. Hold it down for another 30 seconds and release, then turn on. Keep up the good work.

[@glennbruner7504]

Repair complete! New control assembly and gas chamber sensor. This KZbin video took all mystery out of the job and help me know everything to expect on the repair! You are fantastic! Thank you!!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

You're welcome!

[@martharaleigh1518]

Thank you thank you for your tutorial. I called rheem and parts replaced. I replaced everything on my own with your video replaying multiple times while parts arrived. I just turned everything back on and it’s working beautifully. Thank you from a mom of 3 +2 dogs. You saved me money and empowered me w knowledge. Thank you.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Great job! Glad I could help.

[@approachingpassive]

This was the second video I checked out but by far no. 1 for just providing good info. Always tape your warranty and owners manual to the tank - your future send will thank you. Easily checked the Rheem site and mine is definitely in warranty. Just like our smart phones - reparability is not always prioritized.

[@approachingpassive]

It took me me while to do it but only took 49 min to replace it. Tried to shoot a video but I did it too quick so it’s just a short. 😂.

[@MyDailyPerspective]

I am on my 3rd Rheem water heater in past 5 years. My home has two 40 gallon units, one for main house and one for garage house. All 3 units are Rheem "platinum performance" with the 12 year warranty. They all failed at the 3-5 year marks...warranty covered parts of course ..but I doubt I will buy Rheem ever again. Its not fun running out of hot water SUDDENLY ON A WEEKEND BECAUSE OF TECHNOLOGY FAILURES like this. The two water heaters in this house were 13 years old original from builder. Replaced them to be safe...were working fine...just evidence of some minor leaking (heat expansion cycles most likely). These videos are helpful and what I needed for 3rd repair. I have 3 heaters...because I can't wait for the shipping....no hot water for two days MINIMUM...in my house, and ended up buying a new water heater and use it as the rebuildable spare unit. Last warranty parts shipping from Utah AND South Carolina for the two parts in this video. 3-4 days expected to California...or pay $30 for express. Way to provide great warranty service Rheem. Pffft. I do not recommend Rheem based on my experiences so far.

[@raveely3196]

I had the same problem , my unit is 4 years old . They sent parts and I replaced it .

[@jianbinchen2881]

Rheem suck

[@ateamplays]

Thanks to this video, you made me look like a hero! Very entertaining, informative and easy to follow along instructions. We had the exact same problems with this unit and it was resolved all thanks to you (7 red blinks). If anyone else is experiencing this I would 100% recommend you get the priority shipment from Rheem...this took almost 7 days to ship over with ground shipping.

[@JesusChristo]

I notified Rheem of the problem, and the replacement sensor was dispatched the same day, on November 22nd, shortly before Thanksgiving. On Friday, I received the new sensor on Friday the 24th and the thermostat today 11/26 . It made its way from Utha to California. Is it essential or optional to replace both the Thermostat Control Box and the sensor?

[@SDwriter.and.surfer]

So the 9-blink "Chamber sensor failure" means I'd need to change not just the chamber sensor and the whole but also gas control valve, huh? That sucks. Edit: This just happened yesterday to our Rheem WH. It's still under warranty, so the replacement part will not cost us anything. But they'll be arriving in "2 to 4 days". So no hot water until then. Thanks much for producing this video! I will be following these steps to the letter next week.

[@steveguzman6640]

Thank you for this video I was able to fix my water heater and saving me $687.00 from a plumber. Thank you, thank you.

[@marcoscalaguas9121]

Thank you very i saved a lot of money…I call the company…they mailed the parts you shown in this video …Now it working fine …Thanks for sharing …God bless you your family and your business

[@JoeVaccaro-hg1hb]

First off, thank you for a great video! I called Rheem and they fessed up with little argument and sent the part. I had to pay for over night ($30) but given we had no hot water that seemed like a deal over their week long shipping option. They did NOT send the thermopile though just the controller box BUT it fixed the issue and we are back in hot water! Thanks again for doing the video!

[@ryanbingham83]

"That's not the American way." 😂😂😂😂 Fantastic video, and the humor was the icing on the cake! Thank you for your help, Sir!

[@tvm1978]

Thank you, thank you for the tutorial. Rheem sent the parts and we were able to replace everything without problem. Again, thank you so much.

[@rnielsen3315]

Thank you for the detailed video, I didn’t know I would need to drain the tank before I started, and that very expensive tool was 2.59 at ace, and worked like a charm. Thank you for all the little insights, really helped. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@6butterflywings6]

Great video! Thanks so much. I’m very dissatisfied with Rheem, but your video has made my overpriced water heater repair something I can do. Thank you!

[@byronmorgan9399]

Thanks for the video, and here's a tip which might work for someone else as it has for me. Rheem will send you the parts and you should fix your heater as soon as it is convenient, but you might be able to have hot water while waiting for the parts. I turned off the gas, and after a couple of minutes, the blinking red light stopped. Turned the gas on and was able to relight the pilot and start up the heater, which ran okay for one or two days. I have repeated this procedure daily while waiting for the parts; now that I have them, I'm keeping the hot water flowing while waiting for the right moment to do the job!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

That is a good tip. I did the same thing but I didn't mention it in the video because I had no way of knowing if it would works for anyone else. Seems to be a good trick that works as a fail safe when these things go bad.

[@Censik]

Doing the same here while waiting for the parts. Not sure though why they send a replacement controller if only the chamber sensor needs replacement

[@solidsotia]

I did exactly that ! Got the part , watch the video a couple times and BAM! It’s done and working! The key is to have all the tools ready as mentioned in the video. It took me 2 hrs because I was running back in forth to the garage. Probably would of taken me an hour if I was prepared. 😀

[@map7463]

@@Censik My guess is that since it was under warranty, they sent both to make sure the problem would be fixed, in case it wasn't the sensor that failed.

[@map7463]

I posted this same thing after I saw your comment. Turned the thing off, waited for light to turn off then re-lit pilot and it worked. We'll see for how long. A new sensor is on the way.

[@manohoo]

Thank you for the wonderful video, I was able to replace the sensor myself. This is the 2nd time the chamber sensor fails on my 5 yr old water heater. Dealing with Rheem was a nightmare. I ordered the replacement part FEDEX overnight, 5 days later they didn't ship it yet! I spent 3 hours on the phone trying to figure out what the problem was... stressful!

[@racerx4152]

Thank you for your video. I watched it twice and then did the repair which was a success. I had the parts shipped to me under the warranty.

[@4000jetta]

Thanks to your video I tackled this repair and it went flawlessly. Thank you.

[@UwoDill]

i held both buttons tight for a while and it worked! thank you!!

[@afisguru26]

Thank you, very thorough and helpful. I just replaced the faulty sensor and have the control valve on backup/stand by in case it to goes intermittent or fails. Thank you again!

[@babennewport]

absolutely the best video I have watched on the subject. Narrative was top notch.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Thank you my friend!

[@sBentonfamily]

I have a Bradford White 50 gallon propane heater that is 31 years old. It still works, well. Enough said !

[@PJ-SanDiego]

Thanks for the tutorial. Got the part and our water heater is working again. 🎉

[@tomthai4658]

Thank you much for show me how to replace the gas control valve. This video helps me a lot to replace mine at home.

[@billm5235]

Nice video. Same issue - the dreaded 9 red blinks indicating a bad chamber sensor. A quick call to Rheem and replacement parts sent out (via FedEx Ground unfortunately). The trick below using a 60K Ohm resistor on the chamber sensor meant that the water heater worked the whole time while we waited. However, once I received the packages (there were 2) ,I not only got a new thermostat like you but also received a complete new burner unit! So no switching in the new chamber sensor on the old unit - just put in the entire new burner. So I now pretty much have a new heater and control system on my 3 year old Rheem heater.

[@MrTenny52]

It would be a smart move by replacing the chamber sensor with a resistor; I am going to order the resistor. Thanks, do you think it can permanently do the job, so I don't need to replace the sensor. Would it cause any hazards?

[@billm5235]

@@MrTenny52 No I would not suggest the resistor trick being a permanent fix. I used it only as a temporary solution while I waited for the replacement sensor to be mailed to me from Rheem. It meant we had hot water during the wait. The sensor is there for a reason and needs to be replaced if broken. Note Rheem have a 7 year warranty on all parts for this heater so if you call and give them a serial number (which confirms its age), then they will ship you all the parts for free!

[@MrTenny52]

@@billm5235 thanks, where to call Rheem, I lived in California.

[@elowe657]

Temporarily Fix Below!!!!!! Had the dreaded 9 flash "Chamber Sensor Failure" over the New Years Weekend on my Honeywell controller. Of course researched all sites for "hours" on how to reset it. Was able to get restarted but would fail within hour. After extensive research, I came across one person (sorry don't remember where, could be here in the previous comments) saying that a resistor could be used since of course the chamber sensor is a heated variable resistor itself. They stated 60K ohm. Being a electronics guru/car guy, I looked around the garage and found a 68K. I cut the sensor wires off the connector and added the resistor in. I can confirm it works, Has gotten me by for the few days without issue. Of course I am ordering a replacement sensor since it is a safety item to confirm if flame is still on (shutting of unit/pilot) in case of main control valve failure. Just wanted to let other know there is a option to get by for a few days. Once again, I don't recommend making it the overall fix, just one to get by while another sensor is ordered and on the way.

[@billm5235]

Nice tip mate. I had the same exact issue as you. The tricks that worked for others to turn off for a while and restart didn't work for me either. But cutting the sensor wire and attaching a 60K Ohm resistor across the 2 wires (actually 3 x 20K Ohm resistors in series!) meant that the water heater stayed on 100% of the time. Totally took the stress out of waiting for the FedEx Ground shipment to arrive with the replacement parts.

[@scottcarlson5369]

Thanks man helped a lot fixed my water heater in an hour!! Great channel

[@ronlilo4926]

Thank you for the video. You explained everything and made it easy to replace. Mine came with a replacement foam sealer that I replaced.

[@David-im6yu]

Waiting on my sensor to arrive this video makes it look so easy. Thanks for the upload.👍🏽

[@JoeVaccaro-hg1hb]

Well check my last comment as the unit did not stay lit. Re-called Rheem to find out that they forgot the thermopile that he shows needing to be replaced in the video. They are sending it now but i will have to tear it apart again. Oh well, thanks again for a good vid that shows what needs to be done.

[@edwardflores5424]

Thanks for this video bud. Just completed the same repair on same water heater. Piece of cake after first watching this video!

[@Spiderpig8276]

Very good job. I have 7 flashes, that says gas control or valve faulty error code. I also had it for about 2 years. Me thinks I have to look for receipt. Thank you very much for the instructional.

[@pstrzel]

Gonna be doing this in a few days when the replacement burner assembly arrives from Rheem. I can't believe that I paid good money to a "professional" who probably just reset the code and didn't fix the problem. Live and learn.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Wow, that is so wrong. So many plumbers are scammers, that's why I learn to do all the work myself.

[@pstrzel]

@@ModernDIYProjects I even asked Rheem and they said there was no warranty claim on the part he allegedly replaced.

[@Elliomadera]

You've saved me so much money. Thank you for the wonderful post! Got mine installed and running today.

[@GR_june]

Thanks for the Video. I’ll be doing this repair in a few days. I will be receiving the same parts in a few days.

[@zavenzardaryan7094]

Perfect presentation, bravo 👏👏👏👏👏 Now I can go for Plumbing test To get my license 😵😂😂

[@jamescarrington5521]

This a VERY well-known and RECURRING issue with these Honeywell branded controls. I'll buy my next one with a different control manufacturer entirely!

[@scotttucker8660]

Was at my wits end trying to figure out what I needed to do for this exact issue. Watched your video a few times (only needed to do the sensor) and had it on my phone ready to use as reference. Water heater is in a pretty small area and had to do a lot of it by feel but it only took an hour and a half. Thank you for such a good tutorial. In definitely subscribing and following.

[@heythere7598]

Thank you for the tutorial because it is really helpful. I just followed your video and replaced my sensor in about 10 minutes. However, your video does not explain why there was a need to replace the control white box. I did not replace the white box and my water heater worked perfectly just by replacing the sensor itself. After the replacement, I have a blue blinking light indicating that my water heater is now working properly and I can also hear the flame going and the metal parts of the water heater gets hot quickly.

[@victor.huy.8021]

It’s still working ok?

[@solidsotia]

Great video ! Took me 2 hours but it’s done! Thank You!

[@johnnosek2]

Just completed this project, excellent tutorial, really appreciate your help!

[@williamcohen3351]

Isn't it amazing that years ago you could buy a gas water heater that did not have all these electronic sensors and stuff and it would work for years with maybe having to ony replace a thermocouple once in a great while. Is this really any better? Is there really any great benefit for all these electronics? Think about it.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Totally agree. My previous heater only cost $300 and was the top of the line model GE. Lasted me 17 years with NO trouble ever. This one was the cheapest one I could get and cost $600 (because my state requires Low emissions BS). So it's more expensive and breaks down faster. Yeah that is a winning combination. Most of the electronic stuff I bet is State mandated and not that the Manufacturer wants to make it more complicated.

[@Jhairoh405]

My grandma had her water heater for 20 years maybe more and it went out. This new one is not even 2 years old yet and has this same error. Gotta call them tomorrow to order the part

[@freddieirasusta519]

Totally agree. My old water heater failed after 15 years of use due to leak. The one that I got now failed just for 2 years of use. A year after it was installed, it turned off once in a while. They said it was just a safety feature so I just ignored it and just turned it on (no big deal I thought).. this happened every month so I thought it’s no big deal. After 2 years and 3 months, it won’t turn on anymore. When I turn it on it will work for a few minutes then blink my light turned red. Called the tech and they replaced control modules and all sensors. After 2 weeks of use, the problem appeared again(turning off). Called the tech he said that it has discoloration in the burner (looks like leak), called rheem tech support and they said the unit needs to be replaced but I will pay for labor because they only pay for labor if the unit is 2 year old. Lesson learned callrheem tech support before your unit reach 2 year if your getting a unit with turning off issue. It will be costly if you don’t. Always call them even it’s just a minor issue and let them fix it.

[@Brandon-mg4ox]

My landlord installed this same water heater recently, 3 days later it shut off with the red light indicating a chamber sensor failure. Such a POS

[@hamsandwich4451]

the water heater I replaced was original to the house Install date on ticket still attached to unit was 30 years ago when I removed it. My Rheem lasted 9.

[@johnburdg9763]

Hey, I really appreciate the no nonsense tutorial... Any idea how long these will last? Since we have all had to replace these parts within the first 2 or 3 years, I wonder if we will need to do this again in the near future... Hopefully Rheem figured out the problem and sent out updated parts but my faith in Rheem is not very high. Anyway anyone that knows please respond and otherwise have a great day and enjoy hot water!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Impossible to know at this point since most have not gone past the 3 year mark yet. So we'll all find out together I guess. After the 3 years are up, my warranty will be expired also. At that point there really is NO point in buying replacement parts since it will cost almost as much as a new heater. Most likely will just get a new water heater at that point. Hopefully a different brand is available near me.

[@johnburdg9763]

@@ModernDIYProjects Yea the cost of the parts was my next question, so thank you so much for your insight and your reply. I am hoping they figured out the problems and fixed them for the parts they sent out. I guess time will tell. Thank you again for all your help. Take care...

[@coreyreynolds1205]

@@johnburdg9763 controller from ACE hardware is about 140.00. Thermopile around 40.00. Still cheaper than 1500.00 for a new heater installed. Local codes/laws say licensed plumber needs to install new heater.

[@richardporter7218]

That's why they're named Rheem because they just reamed everybody who bought one

[@HardmanKnott]

@@richardporter7218😂

[@UltimateGuidetoWoodworking]

A Child can install this unit. Great quality!!

[@DeclanRyanRising]

Thanks for the complete tear down. Informative.

[@michaelcollier6390]

Great customer service.

[@randymoore3983]

Thanks for the very well done video. It was very helpful. You have a great speaking voice, by the way.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Thank you so much.

[@tonyfernandez330]

Thanks for help. Made the install way easier

[@naahafoka3290]

Thank you! Was able to replace and repair control assembly and burner unit! You're awesome!

[@juandoughboy]

You saved me some $$$, thank you for the clear instrux!

[@jordanton5064]

Thanks for the video because it makes replacing the chamber sensor much easier for me. I do have a feedback for you though. Even if the engineers who designed the chamber sensor from the outside without taking the bottom part out, then how the hell are you supposed to remove the tubing or install the tubing without removing the bottom part? I guess that's why you're not an engineer because you don't think things through. Even as a Senior Software Engineer, I still see exactly why the chamber sensor had to be done just like that.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Wow, you sure have a passive aggressive tone going there. First a compliment followed up by a back handed insult. Nice one! First of all, in the video, I was just venting some frustration about the amount of work that I had to do for such a minor problem. I never claimed to be an Engineer but was just thinking out loud how there "Must be a better way" to have done this. But I can certainly see how you are definitely a senior software engineer. Dealing with code you can say whatever comes off the top of your head. When talking to people maybe you want to rephrase things a little bit better so you don't wind up insulting the person that just helped you out. Just sayin!!!

[@jaytaylor9230]

This video helped our 100%.. thank you

[@map7463]

If the chamber sensor failed, why did you replace the gas valve as well? Did Rheem send you both since it was under warranty in case it wasn't just the sensor? The sensor is a $17 part but that gas control valve is at least $230. FYI, I had this same 9 flash error come up, chamber sensor failure after 2 years. I turned off the gas valve and waited for the red light to turn off. I then re-lit the pilot light and turned the knob to hot. The burner started right up. The sensor must be intermittent. This is a good thing to try while you get the sensor. Now if the sensor goes completely open, you're SOL until you get the sensor.

[@noereyes4551]

Thank you for the step by step removal and reinstall.

[@michaelli6372]

Thank you for the video and it was very helpful! I had the same problem of the chamber sensor failure. I was given both the chamber sensor replacement and a new Resideo brand gas control valve. I have replaced the sensor and now it is working. My Rheem water heater is 4 years old and has the original Honeywell control valve. Should I replace the control valve also?

[@ModernDIYProjects]

I would, and I did. I hung on to the old control valve in case I needed it down the road, but if they sent you a free new part, why not use it?

[@JJoda]

Do you have to replace the gas control valve or can I just replace the sensor?

[@HectorQuien]

We were having the same issue many of you were... Hot water was running out and would take forever to heat back up once it went cold. At first it was only a few hours. Then it went up to 6-8 hours. And finally 10-12 hours or so. Blue light was blinking, pilot was on and remained lit but burner wouldn't turn on under the tank to heat up the water tank. Did some trouble shooting like shutting everything down completely, gas line, pilot and turning temperature to off. Noticed it would get harder and harder to reignite the pilot but once it was on it would stay on. Still the problem persisted. Blinking blue light, pilot on but burner wouldn't run underneath the water tank. After calling the 800 number for Rheem that was on the water heater warranty sticker, talking to the rep and explaining what was going on, he helped us in ordering the parts [free of charge since water heater was still under warranty], we just paid for overnight shipping. Thanks to your video, I just now finished this on a Rheem Performance Platinum 50 gallon water heater. And since I was already there with everything disassembled I also cleaned everything inside with a shop vac, scrubbed the burner assembly and flushed the tank several times until I got all the sediment out. Thank you very much for your video, it was of great help! God bless!

[@doghouse94545]

Awesome video, it really helps!!!👏👏👏

[@marceloacuna6479]

Great tutorial on repair, I think my thermostat is faulty, I have it set all the way down to Pilot and I'm still getting hot water

[@marlonlim5023]

Thanks for this video. I have a whirlpool water heater indicating an “upper sensor failure”. Have you encountered this problem?

[@ModernDIYProjects]

I have not had a Whirpool so I have not experienced it. I'm sure it's the same procedure as fixing this one.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Re special tool: In my early handyman days I bought a 36" pipe wrench to unscrew the old school gas valves. It never occurred to me use the special tool!

[@jeremyi3443]

Awesome video. Thanks for the instructions!😊

[@peterparker2068]

Do you have to replace both? I replaced the control valve not too long ago. Maybe 2 months before.

[@Leoneidas]

Thank you for this but WHY would Rheem need you to change TWO things at once? It's either the sensor OR the thermostat.

[@antoniobadalucco6404]

Thank you for the video brother

[@philthyphil6950]

Good thorough instructions

[@rickroberts622]

SIR..you are the BEST!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

You're Welcome. 👍

[@chanallen4704]

Thanks for your share my water heater have same problem and is it possible just change the brass sensor only?

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Yes, you can.

[@arturonegretejr9745]

Do you have to change the control if it's just the sensor that's bad?

[@gilbertgallegos5377]

Great explanation of how to do it 😂

[@ryanzook597]

Is it necessary to replace the control valve assembly or can I just replace the sensor?

[@studiozyxwv7960]

NEED A QUICK WORK AROUND WHILE U WAIT FOR THE SENSOR AND GAS VALVE CONTROL TO COME?? This is what i stumbled onto with my Rheem Performance 40-gallon water heater. Follow these steps: 1) Turn the temperature control dial counterclockwise to Off. 2) Wait til the red light stops blinking and turns off. 3) Unplug the chamber sensor wire from the gas valve control 4) Leave it alone for about an hour. This action seems to "reset" the sensor. 5) After an hour, plug the chamber sensor wire back into the gas valve control. 6) set the temperature dial to "Pilot" and press in as you simultaneously press-click the ignition button to light the burner. 7) wait for the blue light to come on and when it does, turn the dial to the desired temperature setting I hope this helps

[@Keithdayres]

This only worked for about an hour for me. Then back to the 9 flashing red.

[@cheriek60]

I’m thinking just change out the sensor. Why change the white panel Gizmo also?

[@justinluu9646]

Hi, why does the thermometer have to be changed as well? Thanks!

[@StewsReplay]

Update: Just DIM. Longest thing was draining tank...yeah..Vacuum's are a real thing...OPEN up your faucets to drain tank faster. No issues putting everything back in...silver lined gasket kinda ripped pulling out..replaced with another cheapass one they sent with the unit...It ripped too. looks like it went on ok.... Soaped connections, checked for water leaks... Back in business with $450 in my pocket BEER IS ON ME!!!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Glad I could help.

[@shauntampa]

You don’t have to take the entire gas control out. Just remove the face and the guts from the existing one and install the new face and guts. Saves you the trouble of draining.

[@richardporter7218]

Dude you just saved me some headache because mine is in a really tight spot. right bro.

[@DavidGonzalez-lw1pl]

@@richardporter7218 Was it easy to do? I have to replace mine and don't want to take out the entire controller if I can just remove face & guts.

[@AbComp870]

Thanks for the DIY. They’re sending me the whole controller and sensor. Does the controller necessarily need to be replaced if it’s just the temperature sensor that is giving the error?

[@AbComp870]

No worries. I’ll answer my own question. Rheem said in some situations all you need to replace is the probe but more often than not also the control unit. I just used your video to guide me through the probe switch, and wanted to say thanks so much. Looks like we’re good to go.

[@LaurietheLib]

Do you have to get the new tube! I got the sensor but didn’t know about the tube.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Not necessary. I got is for free from Rheem.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Heads up! I find these heaters thrown in alleys all the time..good tank, frustrated previous owners. Rheem warranty covers 5 years per serial # and date code. Call them up and they will send you $300 worth of parts for free. Once fixed it's like getting a $750 water heater for free (Calif prices)

[@zacharyscruz]

Great video, thank you for your tutorial!

[@zacharyscruz]

Just replaced my chamber sensor thanks to you!

[@babennewport]

I meant to ask if you had replaced the gasket on inner door. Rheem included a new one with the Chamber sensor they sent me. One side of the gasket is the narrow silver strip. Was not sure if I was supposed to peel that back to reveal the sticky side, but upon peeling a small area i discovered there in no sticky adesive at all. I found it hard to keep it in place while installing the screws. Looking forward to your comments. Thanks.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

I did not replace it. I pondered that same question as you, and I did the same thing as you peeling back the silver to find no sticky tape also. I decided that mine was in pristine condition and it was firmly affixed in it's location so why mess with it. Have not had any problems with it in all these months, so I don't see a problem just leaving it alone and reusing it. I think it is included in case yours is messed up or gets messed up during the removal process. Since I went slow and careful to show you guys everything, mine came apart without any issues.

[@babennewport]

Thank you for your reply. My old one didn't look so good but I did notice that yours look okay, from what I could see. Thanks

[@nayemhossain4283]

Thanks to you ,good job .

[@fernandovelazquez2623]

Thank you for your help

[@ikaamaadmi201]

U r awesome what a detailed video highly appreciated 👍👍

[@johnuribe7695]

Excellent instructions

[@simonsalamon8178]

thank you so much, i am going to do the same thing,

[@badboytilltheend13]

Hello. To replace the sensor, do I need to empty the water tank or I can replace the sensor without emptying the water tank? Thank you

[@katewinslet]

If the chamber sensor fails, do you also have to replace the thermometer or can you only replace chamber sensor? Thank you for the video!

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Yes, you can replace the chamber sensor by itself. I only replaced both because this unit was under warranty and Rheem sent me both items to replace. It was free of charge so I am not going to argue. I kept the old part just in case this one breaks, I have that old one that I can put back in.

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

What does the gas chamber sensor do?

[@Brian-rj5rl]

@@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn it turns the gas valve inside the controller off so your water heater won't work anymore. It supposed to turn it off if it senses flammable vapors, but it fails 99.9999% of the time in just a few years.

[@gerryhan8818]

@@Brian-rj5rl I have seen other videos of flammable vapor sensor. This chamber sensor looks different. It is sealed in a brass cap. Maybe just for temperature....

[@shmanthonyshmiaz8783]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@cuocsongsanfrancisco736]

Thanks for sharing ❤ . Have questions where do I buy these parts? Can I buy on Amazon

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Sure you can. You can also buy them directly from Rheem.

[@dddd3161]

Great video A+ 💯thank you

[@StyleOverPolitics]

To fix the chamber sensor do you need to replace the control valve aswell?

[@MrTenny52]

Can you tell me where to call Rheem for the replacement part. I lived in California.

[@chadcordero1618]

I have the performance plus and mine just started doing the same thing after 3 years The plus apparently means you get an extra year.

[@arthurtavares4462]

Any ideas of where it would be the temperature sensor. I’m getting five blinks on a AO smith signature 100 water heater

[@meevwhy3704]

Thank you!!!