What are the common problems with Rheem tankless hot water heaters including RTG-64, RTG-84, and RTGH-95 high efficiency models include no hot water, error codes, and mineral buildup. First, mineral buildup and scaling in heat exchanger due to hard water over 7 grains per gallon causing reduced flow, noisy operation, and error code 11 or 13 indicating ignition failure or limited flow, fix by descaling with vinegar flush every 6 to 12 months costing 100 to 200 dollars DIY or 200 to 400 dollars professional, and installing water softener for hard water areas. Second, no hot water or lukewarm water due to cold water sandwich where brief cold water burst occurs when hot water turned on and off, inherent to tankless but improved with buffer tank or recirculation pump at 300 to 600 dollars. Third, error code 11 ignition failure due to gas supply issue, dirty burner, or failed igniter after 5 to 8 years at 150 to 300 dollars. Fourth, error code 12 flame failure due to dirty flame rod that needs cleaning with sandpaper. Fifth, insufficient gas supply causing unit not reaching full BTU, tankless needs 199,000 BTU gas line at 3/4 inch, many homes have 1/2 inch causing low performance. Sixth, venting issues causing error code 10 for high efficiency condensing models that need proper PVC venting. Regular maintenance with annual descaling, filter cleaning, and checking venting prevents most problems and extends life to 20 years versus tank water heater at 10 to 12 years.
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