ECO
Rheem
High Limit Thermostat Trip
Rheem electric or gas tank water heater shows ECO trip (Energy Cut Off) and will not heat
Advertisements
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.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Thermostat set too high, Thermostat stuck closed, Dry-firing due to empty tank, Scale buildup on elements or heat exchanger
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker (electric) or set gas control to OFF (gas) before servicing.
- Check for dry tank: Ensure the tank is completely full of water and all air is purged before restoring power or gas.
- Reset ECO: On electric models, remove the upper access panel and insulation, then press the red reset button on the upper thermostat. On gas models, follow the reset procedure on the control valve label.
- Verify thermostat setting: Set temperature to 120°F–125°F to reduce overheating risk.
- Inspect for scale: If ECO trips repeatedly, drain the tank and inspect for heavy sediment. Flush and descale as needed.
- Replace faulty parts: Replace thermostats or gas control valve if they fail to regulate temperature properly.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
High Limit Thermostat / ECO
Check Price on Amazon
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Advertisements