Rheem
Improper Combustion / Sooting
Heater produces soot, black staining on vent, or yellow/orange flames
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Restricted air intake, Incorrect gas pressure, Dirty burners, Wrong orifice size for gas type
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Turn off power and gas. Sooting indicates a serious combustion problem and potential carbon monoxide hazard.
- Inspect air openings: Ensure all combustion air openings on the cabinet are clear of debris, leaves, or obstructions.
- Clean burners: Remove burner tray and clean burners with a soft brush and compressed air. Do not enlarge burner ports.
- Verify gas type and orifices: Confirm the heater is configured for the correct gas (natural or propane) and that orifices match Rheem specifications.
- Have gas pressure and combustion checked: A qualified technician should measure gas pressure and perform a combustion analysis, adjusting or repairing as needed.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Burner Assembly
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