Rheem Insufficient Flow or Incorrect Interlock to Heater

Pump runs but Rheem pool heater or heat pump does not fire when it should.

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Possible Causes

Low flow through heater due to pump speed too low, Bypass valve around heater partially open, Incorrect wiring of heater‑pump interlock, Clogged heater filter or internal bypass

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Turn OFF pump and heater before adjusting plumbing or wiring.

  • Increase pump speed: On variable‑speed Rheem pumps, raise RPM during heating cycles to meet the heater's minimum flow requirement.
  • Check heater bypass: Ensure any bypass valve is set per Rheem heater instructions so adequate flow passes through the heater.
  • Verify interlock wiring: Confirm the heater's fireman's switch or flow interlock is correctly wired to the Rheem pump control terminals.
  • Clean heater strainers: Some heaters have internal filters or strainers; clean them to restore flow.
  • Observe heater indicators: Check the heater's own display for flow or pressure faults that may point to inadequate pump output.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Rheem Pump Control Module
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