Noisy Rheem water heater

Stanlee · Aug 8, 2020

Hello

'Had a Rheem Pro 40gal installed about four months ago.
From day one the burner has been just a tad noisy. Not
really bad, just enough to make me wonder.

The noise is hard to describe -- something like a too-loud auto stereo
might sound like from a block away. Visually flame looks ok.
I don;t see any provision for flame adjustment.

Normal.?

breplum · Aug 8, 2020

Show good pictures of the front including the drip leg, gas flex/shutoff.

Stanlee · Aug 9, 2020

Thanks for the feedback. There isn't a drip leg, per se, but I reckon the drops in the flex-lines serves the purpose.

Jeff Handy · Aug 9, 2020

Looks like there used to be a drip leg, then someone adapted it for another gas outlet, probably for a gas dryer.

Doesn’t each appliance need its own gas shutoff?

You are feeding two from one valve.

And the silver flex looks to be blocking the water heater drain outlet.

Stanlee · Aug 9, 2020

Jeff Handy said:
Looks like there used to be a drip leg, then someone adapted it for another gas outlet, probably for a gas dryer.

Doesn’t each appliance need its own gas shutoff?

You are feeding two from one valve.

And the silver flex looks to be blocking the water heater drain outlet.

There wouldn't have been a dryer here -- hard to say why it's plumbed like it is.
(cheap 50's subdivision)
Anything's possible but I doubt it violates code since one of the better plumbing companies here did the work.
You are correct on the drain valve clearance. Gonna be tight but I think it's workable.

breplum · Aug 9, 2020

Each applicance MUST have individual shut-offs.
All mfrs now require a drip leg right on the WH gas valve, but that is not a source of you problem.
I am thinking size of the flexible gas line as number one suspect.
Adjust the flex to remove any tight bends as you have a very tight bend that can cause whistling.
Beyond that , my suggestion would be call Rheem service phoneline and describe the issue.