Rinnai · Tankless water heater
13 Combustion fault
What the control is telling you
On the RH180 hybrid, the unit detects a combustion problem. Look at venting, combustion air, altitude/gas settings, the fan and the burner.
Applies to: RH180 hybrid tank-tankless (non-SENSEI) only
Likely causes
- Vent not 4 in. B-Vent or installed incorrectly
- Not enough combustion air in the room
- Altitude DIP switches set wrong
- Inlet or forced low/high manifold gas pressures out of range
- Restricted fan wheel or housing
- Clogged burner orifices, debris in the burner, or fouled heat exchanger fins
Test and repair steps
- Make sure the vent is 4 in. B-Vent installed per the manufacturer's requirements.
- Inspect the whole vent inside and out clearances, approved materials, sections fully seated, and joints sealed so they cannot pull apart.
- Check that the room has enough combustion air for all gas appliances in it. If the unit runs with a door left open, recalculate combustion air for the space.
- Check the altitude DIP switches (SW2/SW3 per the table on p.22 or the Tech Data Sheet).
- Warning: Only gas-qualified technicians should do the gas pressure steps.
- Inlet gas at full fire NG 4–10.5 in. W.C., LP 8–13.5 in. W.C. Forced low: NG 1.10 / LP 1.23 in. W.C. Forced high: NG 2.8 / LP 3.0 in. W.C.
- Caution: Turn off power, remove the fan motor and check the wheel and housing for restrictions. Refit, restore power and see if the code returns.
- Warning: Turn off electrical, gas and water. Then check the manifold orifices for blockage, clear debris from the burner and air chambers, and check heat exchanger fins for build-up.
Settings for these units
- RSC supply connection sizes · SENSEI
- RSC water quality limits · SENSEI
- RSC clearances to combustibles · SENSEI
- RSC temperature settings available · SENSEI
- RX supply connection sizes · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX water quality limits · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX water treatment and flushing by hardness · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX clearances to combustibles · SENSEI RX/CX
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Source: Rinnai Troubleshooting TWH Diagnostic Codes (100000652), p.22. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.
Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.
For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.