Illustration of an igniter control module with a lit status light, mounted inside a water heater's access panel.

Rheem/Ruud/Richmond Blinking Light Codes

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If your Rheem water heater blinking pattern doesn’t look familiar, it’s using a White-Rodgers gas control valve with its own flash pattern, separate from A.O. Smith’s and Bradford White’s systems. Always match the flash count to the chart printed on your specific unit.

Illustration of an igniter control module with a lit status light, mounted inside a water heater's access panel.
Illustration of an igniter control module with a lit status light, mounted inside a water heater’s access panel.

Likely Causes, Ranked

  1. Manufacturer-specific flash code
    The flash count corresponds to a chart on the unit itself or in Rheem’s documentation — don’t cross-reference a flash count from a different brand’s chart.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

  1. DIY SAFE
    Find the flash-code chart on your unit’s own status light label or manual

    This is the authoritative source — it’s printed right on most units.
  2. DIY SAFE
    Use Rheem’s online “Fix It Tool” if you have the model number handy

    Rheem runs its own diagnostic tool for exactly this purpose.

FAQ

Does a Rheem water heater use the same flash codes as A.O. Smith?

No — the two brands use different gas control valve manufacturers and different flash patterns. Always check your specific unit’s chart.

Written by HotWater Decoded — water heater repair specialists. Technically reviewed by a licensed technician on our team.

Sources

  • Rheem’s own “Fix It Tool” and official blinking-light guidance

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