How to perform an annual maintenance cleaning on a Rinnai RUR199 water heater. Learn more about the Rinnai unit in our blog post here: www.waterheate...
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
Just wanted to add to this great video: Upon unplug the submissible pump, take the water filter out again to clean after done vinegar looping, very dirty. Also, to reset the water heater, power on, then press button (on/off) 5 times to reset code 55, annual maintenance reminder. Thank you!
I did the de-scaling procedure and it seemed to work well. Thank you. Last week, the flow sensor in the Navien failed. Do you think running vinegar through using a 25 gal/minute pump (1/6 hp) could damage the flow sensor? And if so, would restricting the heater intake by partially opening the intake valve (vs fully) during the descaling procedure make sense? Please let me know. And thanks.
I have a 1/6hp pump to run a flush, but when I turn it on the vinegar barely trickles out the hot service valve. If I open the cold inlet with city water (60-70psi), water flies out the service valve. Any chance the pump isn’t strong enough or possibly some sort of valve is closed?
What’s the deal with Mike the Rinnai Guy’s extra steps and breaking the filter to get it out? Also he says to inspect the vintori or something like that? Was I watching a video that doesn’t apply to this unit or something? I have an RUR199EN external, so I’m assuming all the steps are the same as you show?
Quick question, what sump pump do you recommend using? I used one that stopped working after being in the vinegar for 20 minutes and it now smells like oil is leaking from the sump pump itself.
I have the same unit. I wonder why I've got chalky, white residue around the thin, silver pipe behind the control panel which goes to the cold intake or the relief valve. I don't think it was there last year. It's not wet, but do I clean it out and replace it with some other caulking or something?
With all due respect, I wouldn't call that a sump pump; but rather a submersible (or skimmer) pump being used to flush the unit. Otherwise, an excellent instructional video.
Hello, I encountered your video as I’m searching a solution for a code 25 beeping on my Rinnai RUC98. Thank you for a clear explanation on how to do annual cleaning of water heater. Since we bought the house last 2018, I never done a cleaning of the boiler and we got a hard water here in northern California, can you advise me the model number of the sump pump you used or do you have a link where you bought it, your response would be highly appreciated, thank you.
Thanks for the detail walk through! With your video, I identified my plumber made a mistake where he had installed the valves up side down. After fixing it, I’ve done my flush successfully!
@@kenlarsen8207 As far as I know, a plumber needs to fix it.. so yes, you need to hire a plumber to do that. My original plumber initially denied to come and fix as a warranty as it’s been two years now. I filed a compliant to the state license board against the plumber and the plumber then was willing to resolve the issue. Good luck!
@@ziwukim I think you're right Z. Taking off the existing valve wouldn't be hard, but a then you'd have to reverse the male and female end of the pipe and that soldering would require a plumber. Thanks for your comment and follow up.
Great video thank you for the information. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself. My only criticism would be. When flushing the cold water for two minutes he didn't show that you must keep emptying the water out lol that's a lot of water coming out there as you're flushing it besides that great video.
Well done. The production on yopur video and the presentation of the material are as good as it gets! Thanks. Now if I can only get the water valves to turn off !!!!!!
Excellent and detailed video and am heading to Lowe’s to get some washing machine hoses and white vinegar. I appreciate your honest comments related to saving money.
I love my Rinnai 199 mine is the little older model but I did get the external re circulating pump with the timer I'm a licensed master plumber in NYC and this brand I recommend
Looks like 1/2” gas pipe? Everything I’ve seen till now says 3/4” needed, and a natural gas pressure regulator adjusted to 8-10.5” WC. Why is “the rinnai guy” the only one doing this?
If i have a sediment filter attached to my Rinnai Rur199in should I replace the filter first and then flush the tank or after flushing the tank. Please advise
Question on my water shut off under tank cold side. The my shut off and flush is on bottom. It looks like the guys hooked it up wrong. Is there a way to send a picture or video. Thanks
You make great videos. I used the one you made for a navian combi and it’s excellent. There is one problem though. Every time my navian was cleaned it got air in the system and since I didn’t know what to do I had to call a pro so it still cost me money. Can you make a video showing how to get the air out of the system?
When you say problematic on the color of the flame 🔥 what does that mean? Mine is a little blue but not 💯 should I be concerned? The flush went very well, you did an amazing job.
Thank you for posting this video. Please let me know why very little water is coming out of the hot water hose when I was flushing my rinnai tankless water heater. I will try flushing it again in a month to see if I will get better outflow.
thanks for the amazing video....my cold water filter looks copper...yours looks nice and clean and clear. My system has been in place for 3 years without maintenance could that be why it looks like that?
Thanks for the great info Ray. Question, I have a 9.2 gallon Navien gas fired unit. I serviced my unit after watching your video, 7 years by the way oopps. I flushed the unit for two hours with vinegar I hope I didn't over do it? Even after 7 years it looked clean when flushing the unit. We do have soft water in Baker City Oregon Eastern Oregon. My wife says I am not allowed to do anything with out watching your video first.
I noticed that the gas line inlet from the water heater has a reducer from 3/4 inch to 1/2 inch pipe. I was under the impression that 3/4 inch gas supply line was needed for the correct pressure for the unit to work
there are 2 filters on this RUR199 unit. one on the cold inlet and the hot inlet. Do I have to clean the hot inlet filter also or just leave it as it it is? Thank you, Sir.
Thank you for the video, I have this same heater and am glad I can do this myself now. However I also have a filter on the supply side in a red container. This seems to be common in my area, from what I am told it is not a replaceable filter. Any ideas?
I had to turn on my Rennai water heater for a few seconds and then turn it off to allow water to flow using the pump. Must be some valve inside the heater that shut when no power is applied.
Great video. Do you recommend this model? I am reading this model is highly recommended. I have a small beach house at the nj shore and think this would be best? Any issues,? Is it very quiet? Where is your company located?
I have it. The one in this video is a RUR199I, I have the RUR199E. The E is for external - mine is mounted on the exterior of my home (Freezing isn't often a major issue in Texas) It is quiet. It works well. I REALLY like the recirculation without a dedicated line using the thermal bypass valve that comes with it. Efficient and effective instant hot water. Only issue is the wifi module and the app. They are terrible, unreliable and poorly designed. Hopefully they can fix it with an update or something. Go look at the Rinnai app on Google play, I'm not alone in this complaint.
Great video. I'm trying to do this for a neighbor, but his water inlet and outlet valves are 'frozen'. Tried penetrating oil to no avail, and scare to put too much more torque on the valve handles with pliers for fear of breaking. Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks.
How old is the unit? You might be able to get new valves in, but the main reason they're probably frozen is because there hasn't been service on it for a while. I worked on a 17 year old Rinnai that was never serviced. They ended up needing to get a new one.
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
excellent presentation
Just wanted to add to this great video: Upon unplug the submissible pump, take the water filter out again to clean after done vinegar looping, very dirty. Also, to reset the water heater, power on, then press button (on/off) 5 times to reset code 55, annual maintenance reminder. Thank you!
Great advice!
Clear and precise instructions and no irritating background music. Thank you!
I cannot thank you enough for this clear and precise video. So lucky to find it (so many out there that are not clear)
I did the de-scaling procedure and it seemed to work well. Thank you.
Last week, the flow sensor in the Navien failed. Do you think running vinegar through using a 25 gal/minute pump (1/6 hp) could damage the flow sensor? And if so, would restricting the heater intake by partially opening the intake valve (vs fully) during the descaling procedure make sense?
Please let me know. And thanks.
No it should be fine, there are other things that can make sensor fail
At 4:42 in the video, behind your left index finger is a black hose heading down. It appears to be connected to a drain connection on the RUR199iN?
I have a 1/6hp pump to run a flush, but when I turn it on the vinegar barely trickles out the hot service valve. If I open the cold inlet with city water (60-70psi), water flies out the service valve. Any chance the pump isn’t strong enough or possibly some sort of valve is closed?
Excellent video very clear precise well photographed ! Thank you from another DIY homeowner 👍
What’s the deal with Mike the Rinnai Guy’s extra steps and breaking the filter to get it out? Also he says to inspect the vintori or something like that? Was I watching a video that doesn’t apply to this unit or something? I have an RUR199EN external, so I’m assuming all the steps are the same as you show?
Quick question, what sump pump do you recommend using? I used one that stopped working after being in the vinegar for 20 minutes and it now smells like oil is leaking from the sump pump itself.
I have the same unit. I wonder why I've got chalky, white residue around the thin, silver pipe behind the control panel which goes to the cold intake or the relief valve. I don't think it was there last year. It's not wet, but do I clean it out and replace it with some other caulking or something?
With all due respect, I wouldn't call that a sump pump; but rather a submersible (or skimmer) pump being used to flush the unit. Otherwise, an excellent instructional video.
Hello, I encountered your video as I’m searching a solution for a code 25 beeping on my Rinnai RUC98. Thank you for a clear explanation on how to do annual cleaning of water heater. Since we bought the house last 2018, I never done a cleaning of the boiler and we got a hard water here in northern California, can you advise me the model number of the sump pump you used or do you have a link where you bought it, your response would be highly appreciated, thank you.
Really appreciate this EXCELLENT video. Very generous and perfectly explained. Good people
Thanks 👍 the only thing usually the unit throws code 55 every year to indicate cleaning. Would have be good to add a reset.
Thanks for the detail walk through! With your video, I identified my plumber made a mistake where he had installed the valves up side down. After fixing it, I’ve done my flush successfully!
I've got the same, "upside down" problem. Is having another plumber come in and turn the valves over the only solution?
@@kenlarsen8207 As far as I know, a plumber needs to fix it.. so yes, you need to hire a plumber to do that.
My original plumber initially denied to come and fix as a warranty as it’s been two years now. I filed a compliant to the state license board against the plumber and the plumber then was willing to resolve the issue. Good luck!
@@ziwukim I think you're right Z. Taking off the existing valve wouldn't be hard, but a then you'd have to reverse the male and female end of the pipe and that soldering would require a plumber. Thanks for your comment and follow up.
Great video thank you for the information. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself. My only criticism would be. When flushing the cold water for two minutes he didn't show that you must keep emptying the water out lol that's a lot of water coming out there as you're flushing it besides that great video.
Best video Ray! Rinnai should pay you for this video.
If you have a model that has a recirculation pump built in could you just run it that way w/o the sump pump?
Other videos say to turn the gas off too. Also run clean water through the pump after use to clean the vinegar out of it.
Excellent video content! Thank you!😊
It looks like you work on all makes of heaters. What make gives the best service?
My inlet filter was so tight and it broke as I tried to get it loose. What do I do?
Well done. The production on yopur video and the presentation of the material are as good as it gets! Thanks. Now if I can only get the water valves to turn off !!!!!!
Why did you turn off commenting on Navien tankless water heaters?
Will these instructions also apply to Rinnai RSC199iN?
Excellent and detailed video and am heading to Lowe’s to get some washing machine hoses and white vinegar. I appreciate your honest comments related to saving money.
So what happens if the flame is orange?
I love my Rinnai 199 mine is the little older model but I did get the external re circulating pump with the timer
I'm a licensed master plumber in NYC and this brand I recommend
Great video Ray! A perfect step-by-step video. I appreciate your help!
Is there a pump that you recommend?
What's easier to maintain, Rinnai or Rheem?
The control app sucks!
Looks like 1/2” gas pipe? Everything I’ve seen till now says 3/4” needed, and a natural gas pressure regulator adjusted to 8-10.5” WC.
Why is “the rinnai guy” the only one doing this?
My flame is orange, wonder what would be wrong about it. Does this mean I need to call in the professionals? 😅
If i have a sediment filter attached to my Rinnai Rur199in should I replace the filter first and then flush the tank or after flushing the tank. Please advise
Question on my water shut off under tank cold side. The my shut off and flush is on bottom. It looks like the guys hooked it up wrong. Is there a way to send a picture or video. Thanks
You make great videos. I used the one you made for a navian combi and it’s excellent. There is one problem though. Every time my navian was cleaned it got air in the system and since I didn’t know what to do I had to call a pro so it still cost me money. Can you make a video showing how to get the air out of the system?
When you say problematic on the color of the flame 🔥 what does that mean? Mine is a little blue but not 💯 should I be concerned? The flush went very well, you did an amazing job.
Thank you for posting this video. Please let me know why very little water is coming out of the hot water hose when I was flushing my rinnai tankless water heater. I will try flushing it again in a month to see if I will get better outflow.
thanks for the amazing video....my cold water filter looks copper...yours looks nice and clean and clear. My system has been in place for 3 years without maintenance could that be why it looks like that?
Thanks for the great info Ray. Question, I have a 9.2 gallon Navien gas fired unit. I serviced my unit after watching your video, 7 years by the way oopps. I flushed the unit for two hours with vinegar I hope I didn't over do it? Even after 7 years it looked clean when flushing the unit. We do have soft water in Baker City Oregon Eastern Oregon. My wife says I am not allowed to do anything with out watching your video first.
I noticed that the gas line inlet from the water heater has a reducer from 3/4 inch to 1/2 inch pipe. I was under the impression that 3/4 inch gas supply line was needed for the correct pressure for the unit to work
there are 2 filters on this RUR199 unit. one on the cold inlet and the hot inlet. Do I have to clean the hot inlet filter also or just leave it as it it is? Thank you, Sir.
Thank you for the video, I have this same heater and am glad I can do this myself now. However I also have a filter on the supply side in a red container. This seems to be common in my area, from what I am told it is not a replaceable filter. Any ideas?
Perfectly explained. Thank you.
I had to turn on my Rennai water heater for a few seconds and then turn it off to allow water to flow using the pump. Must be some valve inside the heater that shut when no power is applied.
You're a Lifesaver!! THANK YOU!! 😀
Can I install a RUR199E in a large heated garage and let it pull fresh air from the garage?
great video ,how do you prevent pump from rusting once not in use?
Which one you like most Navien combo or this one
Great video! Thanks so much for making it!
Excellent video! Thanks.
Awesome video thanks for taking the time and doing this..
Great video. Now I will try this on my tankless water heater. thanks.
Code 10...code 10...what is this
Incredibly useful video!
What do you do if the flame is orange?
Thank you for the valuable info.
This is awesome. Thank you!
Great Job Thank You!
Great video. Do you recommend this model? I am reading this model is highly recommended. I have a small beach house at the nj shore and think this would be best? Any issues,? Is it very quiet? Where is your company located?
I have it. The one in this video is a RUR199I, I have the RUR199E.
The E is for external - mine is mounted on the exterior of my home (Freezing isn't often a major issue in Texas)
It is quiet. It works well. I REALLY like the recirculation without a dedicated line using the thermal bypass valve that comes with it. Efficient and effective instant hot water.
Only issue is the wifi module and the app. They are terrible, unreliable and poorly designed. Hopefully they can fix it with an update or something. Go look at the Rinnai app on Google play, I'm not alone in this complaint.
Great video. I'm trying to do this for a neighbor, but his water inlet and outlet valves are 'frozen'. Tried penetrating oil to no avail, and scare to put too much more torque on the valve handles with pliers for fear of breaking. Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks.
How old is the unit? You might be able to get new valves in, but the main reason they're probably frozen is because there hasn't been service on it for a while. I worked on a 17 year old Rinnai that was never serviced. They ended up needing to get a new one.
Perfect set of directions!
Great video. Tks!
How many HP is your sump pump?
very good ..... thank you.
Great presentation!
Very well done
Thank you!
Thank you 😀
Noice!
Incomplete meintenance
Do you need to shut the gas off to do this?
no
This video is better than the one from Rinnai. Thanks for your guide!
Incomplete maintenance
no, it was complete