Rheem Water Heater PROG50S-40N RH61

CAUTION: For your safety, cleaning of the burner must be performed only by qualified service personnel.

Ensure the burner chamber is sealed before starting the cleaning process.

Remove the burner from the water heater.

Choose cleaning method for the burner

If the burner access door was removed, ensure the burner access door gasket is replaced.

Shut off gas to the water heater at the gas control (thermostat) gas cock or manual shut-off valve

Ensure no one is exposed to hot water before operating the temperature and pressure relief valve

Open a hot water faucet or lift the handle on the relief valve to admit air to the tank

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the water heater

Direct the stream of water to a suitable drain

Ensure the temperature and pressure relief valve is not plugged

Is the temperature and pressure relief valve discharging periodically?

If yes, contact the water supplier or plumbing contractor and describe the issue

Measure the current water temperature in the tank

Drain a few quarts of water from the water heater’s tank

Was the tank successfully drained and cleaned?

Inspect the pilot burner through the sight glass with the main burner off

Inspect the main burner through the sight glass while firing

Was any unusual burner operation noted?

Venting System and Chimney Inspection

Ensure all parts are in place and secure

Is there any soot or deterioration in the vent system?

Did you find soot or deterioration?

If yes, describe the issues found

Call local gas utility if issues were found

Operate burner for 5 minutes before testing