Tankless Water Heaters

The words error code conjures up images of broken or malfunctioning technology. So when you see error code 14 pop up on your Rheem tankless water heater, it can cause a momentary feeling of panic. Rheem error code 14 doesn’t always indicate that your unit is done because it’s possible to address and fix.

For over 15 years, we have installed and repaired hundreds of Rheem tankless water heaters. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve seen all sorts of problems with tankless water heaters from Rheem, including all possible error codes. Rheem error code 14 is one of the error codes we’ve been able to address so homeowners can return to enjoying their hot water access. 

Rheem error code 14 is not an issue homeowners can fix on their own and will require a certified technician to come and diagnose the error code before applying a repair. In this article, we’ll explain what Rheem error code 14 means, what possible repairs look like, and what to do if you see other error codes appear. 

This article may not help you fix Rheem error code 14 on your own, but instead, it prepares you to speak and understand what a technician says regarding error code 14 on your Rheem tankless water heater. 

Let’s jump right in!

 

What Does Rheem Error Code 14 Mean?

Rheem error code 14 indicates that the tankless water heater is overheating. An overheating tankless water heater may make water scalding hot and unsuitable for use. Overheating can also damage the parts inside the tankless water heater.       

A Rheem tankless water heater can overheat for the following reasons.

  • Limescale buildup: In areas like Los Angeles, hard water can lead to limescale buildup in hot water fixtures like tankless water heaters. The scale can build up on the heat exchanger, which can negatively impact its water heating efficiency and overheat. 
  • Inadequate airflow (gas models only): Gas-powered tankless water heaters use air for combustion, requiring proper ventilation. Ventilation also helps release heat produced during combustion. If the ventilation for a Rheem tankless water is clogged or blocked, it may become overwhelmed with hot gasses and eventually overheat. 
  • Temperature sensor issue: Tankless water heaters have a sensor near the heat exchanger that monitors the temperature of outgoing hot water. The sensor is able to adjust the heating so the water can match the homeowner’s desired temperature. A malfunctioning temperature sensor cannot sense an overheating tankless water heater and may trigger error code 14.  
  • Electrical issues: Tankless water heaters have intricate wiring and computer boards that power the unit and allow it to operate. Although uncommon, the electrical components of tankless water heaters can have faulty wiring that can fail and, in some cases, cause them to overheat. This scenario may cause error code 14 to appear on a Rheem tankless water heater.

These are some of the most common reasons a Rheem tankless water heater overheats. There could be other parts within a tankless water heater that can trigger error code 14. 

It’s highly recommended to contact a professional technician to come and inspect your tankless water heater to understand what exactly caused Rheem error code 14 to appear. 

 

How to Fix Rheem Error Code 14?

A certified technician is highly qualified to diagnose and repair Rheem error code 14. These professionals will likely need to fix or replace the part or components that caused the Rheem tankless water heater to overheat and trigger error code 14. A repair can help clear the error code even if the tankless is older, but a replacement may be a better option at some point. 

The entire task of fixing Rheem error code 14 can take a few hours to complete. Once the repair is completed, the technician will run a few tests to ensure the home’s fixtures run hot water properly. 

Most technicians have spare parts readily available for certain repairs, but sometimes, they may need to contact a supplier or Rheem directly for replacement parts. Rheem parts are sold in most hardware stores like Home Depot. Thanks to Rheem’s availability, technicians working on error code 14 can obtain the required part relatively quickly to complete the repair with minimal delays. 

Rheem has both a 12-year and 15-year warranty on select tankless water heater models, so if there’s a defective part causing error code 14, there’s a good chance it will be covered under their warranty.

Good warranty coverage offers homeowners peace of mind when other error codes appear. 

 

How to Resolve Other Rheem Error Codes?

Error code 14 is just one out of over 20 Rheem error codes. A majority of homeowners may encounter one if none of these error codes. Nonetheless, preparing before an unexpected error code appears on your Rheem tankless water heater is beneficial. 

Here’s a list of some of the most common Rheem error codes other homeowners have encountered.

These error codes may not appear on every homeowner’s Rheem tankless water heater. However, with annual maintenance, homeowners can take extra precautions by ensuring that their tankless water heaters perform efficiently.

Flushing a tankless water heater, for example, can help remove any scale buildup that can accumulate and may cause the heat exchanger to overheat. Annual tankless water heater maintenance can help address any early problems before they become severe and cause multiple issues with your specific water heater. 

 

Moving On From Rheem Error Code 14

An overheating tankless water heater is never a good sign. Nevertheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean your tankless water heater is done for. Rheem error code 14 can be fixed, but it will require the assistance of a technician since this isn’t something a homeowner can perform on their own. However, you can now confidently speak with a technician and ask questions about why your tankless water heater is overheating without feeling out of the loop. 

Since 2007, we’ve helped clear hundreds of tankless water heater error codes from various brands, including Rheem. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we have seen all kinds of error codes and helped homeowners across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas fix and clear Rheem error codes. 

If you’re experiencing error codes or other Rheem tankless water heater issues, contact us using the buttons below. You can also book an appointment with a tankless water heater technician through our tankless repair online scheduler. 

After determining what’s causing Rheem error code 14, you may have to consider a new replacement. Learn more about the price factors behind a new Rheem tankless water heater. 

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