Ruud Water Heater Repeated Gas Valve Failure or Wider Problem?

[chriswarnock]

I have an approximately 8 month old Ruud PROG40 38N RU62 water heater. This replaced a 10 year old water heater that could not maintain water temperature. It worked great for about 6-7 months, then stopped being able to maintain hot water temperature. Plumber replaced gas valve, which includes basically all replaceable parts, including thermostat. Heater then still could not maintain hot water temperature, on A setting (130 degrees) water temp was 110. Plumber again replaced gas valve, immediately after replacement A setting was 130, but next day, no hot water at all. As this point I am trying to figure out if (1) Ruud gas valves are uniformly defective, (2) some other problem exists in the Ruud heater outside the gas valve or (3) outside conditions, like the water or water line or gas or gas line are causing the problem. We had our gas line changed from low pressure to intermediate pressure in the past year, for example. Everyone is mystified any suggestions?

 

[Twowaxhack]

I’d check for a hot water leak, cross connection and the incoming gas pressure.

If those pass you can perform a water heater draw test.

Your plumber should know how to do 4 tests.

The results will give you an answer unless it’s an intermittent problem.

 

[frodo]

I have an approximately 8 month old Ruud PROG40 38N RU62 water heater. This replaced a 10 year old water heater that could not maintain water temperature. It worked great for about 6-7 months, then stopped being able to maintain hot water temperature. Plumber replaced gas valve, which includes basically all replaceable parts, including thermostat. Heater then still could not maintain hot water temperature, on A setting (130 degrees) water temp was 110. Plumber again replaced gas valve, immediately after replacement A setting was 130, but next day, no hot water at all. As this point I am trying to figure out if (1) Ruud gas valves are uniformly defective, (2) some other problem exists in the Ruud heater outside the gas valve or (3) outside conditions, like the water or water line or gas or gas line are causing the problem. We had our gas line changed from low pressure to intermediate pressure in the past year, for example. Everyone is mystified any suggestions?

gas line changed?
and now a problem with a gas appliance?
what is the gas pressure from meter to the device?
what is the regulator on wh rated at?
has new gas line been purged of debri?
gas should not exceed 14'' water column on lp or natural gas check owners manual for minimum