Water Heater Gas Valve & Thermocouple Replacement (Richmond / Rheem / Others)

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

** UPDATE: July 2022 ** There appears to be an "upgraded" version of this valve. Might be worth a try (Amazon Affiliate Link - helps my channel and costs you nothing extra): amzn.to/3nRZbuz Here's a link to other Richmond water heater parts: amzn.to/3RqF4kP And Rheem parts: amzn.to/3c5qtuD Finally, if you REALLY want to get adventurous, here are some White-Rodgers brand gas valves. If you find one of these that is compatible, White-Rodgers is known to be one of the best brands in HVAC and water heating parts: amzn.to/3ItoAEm

[@xayala87]

This was a great video Justin! I really appreciate the tips and step by step diagnosis.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Glad I could be of help! I really appreciate the feedback 👍

[@kevinahlgrim3982]

Great video as I’m getting ready to replace my Richmond gas valve. My heater is about 2 years old and I called Richmond and they are sending me a new valve at no cost. Saves me around $100 but I have to wait a couple days to get it. They are expediting it so that will help

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Happy to help, I wish you the best of luck with this repair!

[@xayala87]

Glad I read this.....just saved myself $100 as well. My unit was still under warranty as we bought the house a few years ago. Thanks!

[@dashdigital5869]

saw a different video where someone just removed the white sensor attached to the thermo couple and it pretty much fixed it. someone in the comments on that video said the white sensor on the thermocouple is an emergency cut off that turns off the water heater if the water inside reaches a certain temperature. about half the people in the comments in that video said by removing that sensor, their water heater started working fine again.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I do still have the original gas valve. I didn't think to dissect the valve itself in any way but if this happens in another year I will definitely give this a try

[@mikibihon8826]

Mine did not work at all upon removing that white sensor to the control valve.

[@krimzeen2647]

@@mikibihon8826 Probably the thermal couple did not have good connection. Please see below comment from Ray K I took from another video. Or wrap a thin wire around (4 laps) the cable between the nut and the tip of the cable acting as a spacer that would provide better connecting. Ray K 3 days ago This is a major Richmond known gas valve flaw. No need to remove thermocouple, just cut the 2 white wires close to the thermocouple then tie them together, that's it. Works like a champ. Great video though!

[@mikibihon8826]

the white sensor is a thermal cut-off device (a fuse) if they open the pilot will not stay on at all.

[@sjeverett75]

Same boat. Water heater made Sept 2020. Called Richmond and they shipped me the gas valve under warranty

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I rent, but I do all the maintenance to this house. So my landlord had purchased the water heater, and I installed it - and he never kept the receipt or filled out the warranty info... so I bought the valve in the video and took it off the rent. So far a year later, so good...

[@MensMastermindGroup]

You are really good at making these videos

[@outdoorswithcam]

Thats for this. Mine lasted 9 months. They sent me a new one.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Yes, always good if you catch it within the warranty period. Mine was literally about 1 year and 2 weeks old when the valve crapped out... almost like it knew ... ;)

[@Fierysaint1]

Love the Rick and Morty cameo!

[@glengriffith8870]

I too have had my water heater go out after a year of service that I got from Menards. The water heater has a warranty on the water heater for 2 years for in home. I called on Monday, and still no parts to fix it. Christmas is Saturday. A friend of mine told if you take a green scratch from your kitchen a litely scratch the thermocouple it will work for sometime.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I did try cleaning the thermal couple with a scrubber pad and even sandpaper. But the problem was actually the gas valve because even a new thermocouple did not fix it. Still a good point though, oftentimes cleaning the thermal couple can fix a problem like this

[@mikibihon8826]

As emergency temporary solution is to put a metal shorting wire or wrap a tin foil on that white sensor ends, shorting out the thermal cut-off device, until a new one arrives. This will make your pilot lite to come on.

[@edmignery4361]

I have a Richmond W. heater purchased by Menards in November 20. Same problem. My pilot light kept going out. I am going to change thermal couple first. Must be a defect with Richmond product. don't have time to wait on phone to Rheem answering call center. not very happy with cold showers

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I live in a rental house, so even though I installed it and I do all the maintenance around here, I didn't have a choice of brand when it came to a new water heater. So of course a year later it broke, and just the mere fact that Menards carries the thermocouple and the gas valve on the shelf directly underneath the water heaters themselves, tells you that they must go bad quite frequently... You don't usually see spare parts for sale next to brand new appliances lol

[@MoonRambo702]

The 2020 valves are defective. They go out in about a year from install

[@mikibihon8826]

Quick fix for the old bad control valve is to replace the open thermal cut-off device with 120*C rating instead of the 91*C install, it should have a wider safety factor. Keep it as a next replacement when your new replacement arrives.

[@MoonRambo702]

@@mikibihon8826 do you have that part number?

[@mikibihon8826]

@@MoonRambo702 there is no specific PN# only the temp rating is stamp w/c is 91*C, 10A by 250v but there are other temp choice of 93*C, 100*C to 120*C. Lots of suppliers on Amazon, one of them is NEC. It will cost you about $6-$7 for 5 pc. +S/H

[@deankay4434]

Richmond (Rheem) sold at Menards after 2012 have an "Over-Heat-Protector-Bulb)". It is behind the burner on the floor and has a glass bulb that looks like part of a ceiling sprinkler system. If it is set real hot or the valve malfunctions, it expands and breaks. Air is needed for combustion and this broke bulb causes the spring loaded bottom trap door to close. No air, the main burner stops, the lack of oxygen causes the standing pilot lite to quit, this allow the thermal coupler to quit producing the 0.030 (30 mV) required to hold open the solenoid to the pilot, so it goes out. Also when equipped with the "Blue" plastic control valve, the igniter wire is on the right hand side. It is a complete circuit thru the body of the heater lines (etc.) back to the igniter. So, it is a single wire and has a snap button top of it, not the gas control valve RED button for pilot. Pushing the RED pilot button down to snap the igniter does nothing. Place the the pilot position and hold the RED button down (As if to remove air from the gas line) for 20-30 seconds, allows the time to hit the igniter snap button on the right hand side where the "Tan / Orange" colored wire attaches. If unplugged or dislodged, it will not create the snap noise like a gas grill. Use a mirror if possible (Sometimes lights out help) but these have a window on the right hand side. It will allow you to see the spark / flame and held for 20-30 seconds, release RED pilot button, turn to low setting, the main burner will come on. Adjust as needed. Just remember that too high people can be injured by hot water above 110 degrees F. Many like it a little hot for dishes in the sink or washing hands. Dishwashers have a heating coil at the bottom and many like it. I have used one because they waist electricity and water plus you have to by soap.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I actually was not aware of the glass bulb safety mechanism, good to know. Everything else you mentioned I pretty much covered in the video. I didn't hand hold the viewer through how to light the pilot light given that a, the instructions are printed right on the tank and or the gas valve, and b, if you're taking on the task of replacing the gas valve I would certainly hope one would know how to light a pilot light. As far as the temperature of water, I covered that. I specifically mentioned to not simply set your new gas valve to the same setting as your old one, rather start low and incrementally increase it as needed over a period of a few days. So pretty much most of your comment was covered in the video, with the exception of the sprinkler type safety mechanism which, I'll admit, I wasn't aware of and is definitely a great feature assuming it works correctly.

[@deankay4434]

@@JustinNelsonsProjects You did the best you could in an attic! My god, I am 6'3" tall and most likely couldn't even get up there, much less hold a camera while getting video when most jobs take two hands. I fixed cars and I have thought about this, but well over 50% of the bolts I installed are never seen, only felt. Like you, a finger tip finds the spot, tip the bolt or object into place, then gently turn it to see if it starts. The glass bulb thing bothers be. I honestly believe that is a special requirement for attic, area or local code! The national electric code is a book twice a thick as 10 years ago. (I am guessing) but water heaters can only over heat by a control valve malfunction. The tube that enters the tank, senses the internal temp can mid-read the actual temp. If covered with hard water deposits, it can be insulated from the actual temp so I was thinking. What happens if the flue is short and it is very windy. This could supply everything to support combustion yet it can travel say 2" outside the burner plate. So, this would get hot, burst, close off air intake on the bottom and stop combustion. To me, this makes sense. I am just thinking out loud as they don't all come with this. If mounted in a fashion where flue pipe is 10 feet or less, then yes, this safety device is required. If 10 foot long flue or longer, wind will not effect a standing pilot very much if at all, but not overheat. In Omaha, city water has some hardness minerals. So, after installing a ball valve for main shut off, a 3/4" line feed lawn irrigation the into the softener. Soft water goes into the water heater and out. So to make the heartier last longer, soft water in, temp sensor, drain and pressure/temp sensor is not coated. The anode should be changed next. That is something few very do. Also, 99% of people think a glass-lined tank leaks at the bottom! No, the pin-hole and rust thru at the top. Heating + minerals produce bubbles. A simple common system allows these bubbles to float to the top. You end up with oxygen, minerals (Perhaps some acidic) but when cutting open, every time, I find the leak/rust at the top 5-8".... It is crazy. I open power window motors, brake boosters, whatever it is, but look to see where it failed at and why. Dealer techs can call technical support but they are going to ask 20 questions so they know you didn't skip steps and that places you both on the same page. They can be brutal if you don't have answers. So, Rheem customer service would know why this glass bulb is used, maybe it is on all new ones manufactured after a more recent date as mine is 10 years old. Manufactures do design a certain amount of "CYA" into their products. Like "SIR" in you car or truck. It takes a 12-15 second loop of network info from deployment, brakes on/off, slowing, speeding, lights, MPH, VSS, deceleration in "G's", etc. all recorded electronically on a EEPROM chip using software lawyers, highway patrol, police, FBI etc. Many call this the black box but most are aluminum under center console or seats solid to the floor. Have a good one. I like learning and gas company installed smart gas meter but could start my water heater. I found this in 6 minutes, pushed the button once, had my burner on! Thanks.. happy 2023! DK, ASE master tech since 1978, Omaha, retired.

[@MoonRambo702]

If you are in a jam and can’t get the valve, you can jump the open circuit on the little white piece above the thermocouple. Little dab of solder, a small alligator clip , 1/2” piece of copper wire bent in a “u” shape pushed in that space. Could even clip the white wires and wire nut them together. Obviously it’s not recommended to override any safety feature but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Rheem takes over a week to send the warranty valves. Nobody wants to wait that long.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I was a little afraid to mess with the actual gas valve in any way, plus this is a rental house and my landlord paid for the replacement part anyway. But if this happens again I may try this, I still have the original gas valve to play with

[@MoonRambo702]

@@JustinNelsonsProjects I feel you, messing with valves and safety features can be dangerous. I would call the warranty dept and get the new valve, it’s free.. why not. You’d have one on for the future if needed or you maybe send it off to a subscriber in need. Excellent video tho, very informative and easy to follow for a diy guy. I do havc for a few property rental managers. The plumber installed prolly 40+ of these over 2020 and he doesn’t service, only install. They’ve been going out one by one. I’ve done about 20 so far, always keeping a few valves on standby as local suppliers have a hard time keeping these in stock. I did not know that Menards had em, and cheaper than my supplier @ $140. Appreciate that info.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Since I rent this house, but I do all the maintenance as a favor to my landlord, I handed the receipt and a picture of the serial number etcetera to my landlord. He never filled out the warranty paper a year ago when he bought the water heater. So he just ended up eating that cost. But sure if it were mine, I definitely would have claimed that as a warranty repair as it was a 3-year warranty and it had only been one year almost to the day

[@outdoorswithcam]

Thanks for this idea. I used a papper clip to jump it. Atleast I have hot water until replacement gets here...

[@MoonRambo702]

@@outdoorswithcam another contractor buddy already had an issue with 2 replacement valves just a year later.. maybe he got some old stock with the same defect. I’ve done around 20-30 replacements I’m not so confident anymore they fixed the issue. Save that paper clip 😂

[@dragonslayer990]

Good job. Good video. Next job, replace the 1950's sink and faucet.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Lmfao, this is a rental property so I don't have that kind of freedom but yes, much of the house is pretty out of date... But knock on wood, everything works 😀

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Actually I think my next house project, which is mine to do what I wish, my clothes dryer has sand like trapped in the outside of the drum. I used to work in setting modular homes and mobile homes, and I washed a lot of sand ... Unfortunately my dryer always sounds like I'm tumbling a rock tumbler when I first start it up... Not sure when I'm going to get around to that video but it will be in this series of fixing home appliances. But thanks so much for the feedback in any case, always appreciated!

[@shellyblanchard5788]

I been having a problem with for two years nearly, I found out the igniter wasn't getting good connection and the burner goes off ever time you turn on along with the pilot light. I leave on pilot it goes out once in while.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room, and no gusts near the bottom of the water heater. Also check the flue for any blockages though if it's the passive kind (little "hat" that sits on top, rather than a forced-air) that generally won't starve the pilot... My water heater is in the launrdy room, a small room shared with the Furnace -- and at one time, when the furnace would kick on, it caused enough suction in that room to starve the water heater's pilot light! (I later added proper cold-air return ducting to the furnace) but that's why I mentioned ventilation; it needs oxygen for combustion... even for the little pilot light. Aside from that, I would say replace the burner assembly (usually comes with the pilot tube, etc) and thermocouple first, and failing that, it could well be the gas valve.

[@Max-kn9yi]

How to get that plate off after removing those 4 screws. Do i pry it up and out? It's on thier solid. Looks like same unit. 2 years old just stopped working pilot light will not light.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

That orange gasket behind that plate can become quite stuck. In fact you are supposed to replace that gasket every time you remove the burner assembly, and a lot of times the kit for a new thermal couple will come with that gasket. I was lucky enough that my gasket being only a year old came off quite easily and did not tear. However in the past I have had them ripped to shreds and require scraping the remnants with a razor blade ... So before you go prying on it with a screwdriver, have a new gasket because if it's giving you trouble it's going to tear.

[@sayfoallah4596]

U don’t need to drain the water heater tank just cut off the water coming to the tank and use a rag maybe small amount come in when u take old gas valve off , I try it hundreds time in my job

[@mikibihon8826]

Be prepared for the Rheem control valve to fail within a year or less, whether its brand new or new replacement. My original OEM valve last for about 13 months, then the replacement last only about 9 months, same failure. Richmond covered the warranty for free replacement. They know there is something wrong with their product, until they can find a better material to fix the control valve opening and closing of burner gas line. Any smart engineer available, please apply now at Rheem!

[@mikibihon8826]

Probably, Rheem should increase the temp rating of thermal cut-off fuse to 120*C instead of 91*C.

[@TheAxecutioner]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@tonyboccuzzi7430]

Are you suppose to remove the plastic on the copper pipes that go into the tank? All the videos look like it stays on but nobody talks about it! Any info would be greatly appreciated

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

That plastic stays on. I think I pointed that out (I asked myself the same question) because I recall showing that the original valve had the plastic on it . And it was pretty grimy looking 😲.

[@tonyboccuzzi7430]

Thank you! I did install with it on since the original indeed had it on when I pulled the sucker out. Could not believe I had to replace the gas control valve after less than one year of purchasing my richmond hwt! Thanks again

[@ezekielalexander709]

Great video have a question the igniter went out for mine it no longer clicks ive found the igniter online home Depot would i have to completely remove the whole pilot assembly as u did in this video? Or is there another way to do it thank u

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I would read all instructions that came with the new igniter, or instructions for your specific water heater. In my particular case I do believe you have to pull the burner assembly out but can't really give you advice on a product different than the one I personally have experienced with

[@MoonRambo702]

Instead of draining the tank you can shit off the water then open the pressure relief up top for a few seconds into a bucket. Prep the new valve, Then twist off the old valve and pop the new one in. Only about a cup or 2 will come out Could put a old towel on the floor to soak that up.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I was going for the safest option there, plus I figured it couldn't hurt to flush out that tank. I'm on well water here and draining it from the bottom would certainly get some of the gunk and sediment out, you saw how nasty the insert of the old gas valve looked

[@MoonRambo702]

@@JustinNelsonsProjects oh yea definitely. I never worked with any tank on well water but I’d guess it would greatly benefit from an annual flush. That would be more for a service tech needing to get in/out and on to the next.

[@darrylwilliams9249]

Why is that gas valve cocked to the side?!

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

If you watched the video I do explain this; a year ago I had replaced the entire water heater. As the new one was slightly taller than the old one, I simply rotated it to match the gas input lines. With some research you'll see that the exact orientation doesn't matter, and in fact the Rheem/Richmond valve is simply a defective design from the start...

[@ghoffmann821]

Laziness.

[@dane1234abc1]

Surprised by your comment that white Teflon tape is fine for natural gas pipe fittings. My understanding of the reason for a separate yellow Teflon tape for natural gas fittings is that it won't chemically degrade over time in the presence of natural gas, like white Teflon tape will.

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

I did a little research, and from what I can gather, these days the only difference between yellow and white is the thickness of the Teflon tape. It used to be as you say a formula that was less likely to degrade in the presence of certain gases but apparently the white tape also is made pretty much the same way just thinner. However many jurisdictions, say during an inspection, will expect to see yellow on gas pipe one half inch or bigger. They also make a red tape, pink I believe, and silver for stainless fittings. I believe the red is required for anything containing oxygen as it is not petroleum based and is less likely to cause an incident with oxygen... This is based on some quick research, I have just always used the white tape because I always have that stuff lying around. Plus I don't expect this gas valve to last more than a year anyway however if and when I have to redo it, I will pick up the yellow kind if only so that it "looks correct".

[@dane1234abc1]

@@JustinNelsonsProjects Thank you for the additional information. Yes, it appears that currently the only difference is that yellow Teflon tape is slightly thicker.

[@Metalbass1979]

This video seems to perfectly explain what I need to do but I'm having one problem. I undo the 4 screws and the 3 nuts the the control, but that whole section will not even budge. It's almost like it's welded in place. You just seemed to lift and pull the unit straight out. (I'm guessing that you ate your Wheaties the morning of the video?😉)

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

If you are talking about the burner assembly, mine came out pretty easily but the water heater itself was only a year old at the time. An older unit might have a gasket that has fused itself in place...

[@IRONMAN79101]

Why didn’t u call it in , the part was free they express ship to u , it’s still covered to this day 2023

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

As far as I was aware, the warranty on the unit was ONE YEAR from the time of purchase. I didn't purchase it (my Landlord did) and when I called him, he hadn't even registered the warranty anyway (though he did keep the receipt). Plus, as I believe I stated in the video -- this happened about 2 weeks after the one-year period expired (as is tradition, I wrote "Installed 11/2/2020 by Justin Nelson" on the side with a Sharpie). Now look at the video date... and again I mentioned this in the video itself... did you watch the whole video? Trust me, if my Landlord could have saved the money and gotten a free replacement, not to mention my free labor, he'd have jumped all over that (have you met *any* landlord?) lol -- his conclusion was, go pick up the replacement part, and deduct it from next month's rent. I am *sure* he called Richmond/Rheem and even Menard's to see what could be done, before giving up. It is *possible* that he could reimbursed after-the-fact if there was any kind of out-of-warranty RECALL -- I did give him the receipt for the part -- but I didn't follow up on that (technically that's his business). Plus we already have an agreement where I don't charge him labor for doing maintenance myself (he's in his 80s and I don't mind doing it; I do part-time building maintenance outside of this anyway)...

[@IRONMAN79101]

@@JustinNelsonsProjects I bought mine in 2020 as well and yesterday I changed it again this the second time I had to call for the same part in the past three years it’s crazy how they know what part it is , and still continue to sell the water heater without creating a better control valve system

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

@@IRONMAN79101 I have not tried it so I can't speak for it... but in another comment, I do mention an "upgrade" replacement model that is supposed to be better... But also, ANY gas control valve that will fit, all the fittings etc, but is of better quality (from perhaps a different brand) might even be better. NOT advise, just something I've read about and have not yet (had the need to) try myself. Trust me, if that time comes, I will make a video about it 😊

[@kengenorris4062]

You need to clean that bathroom

[@JustinNelsonsProjects]

Thanks so much for the life advice, I will take it to heart. Seriously, you watched THIS video and that's your takeaway?