Rheem Power Vent gas water heater (only 2 years old) had electronic thermostat/gas valve fail. Received warranty replacement today but I can't get the old assembly out. I cannot get it to budge even using 1 foot pipe wrench and tapping on the end with a sledge. Hesitant to put much more torque as I am afraid of damaging the tank. This is natural gas heater so uses right-hand threads (so I am trying to turn counterclockwise). Threads are too far inside the tank wall - can't reach them with penetrating oil. Suggestions for getting this thermostat/gas valve out? Thanks

Error A102 ?
Where does the error code show on your model?
The XG50T appears to have honeywell gas control valve that flashes error code with series of blinks, and not LCD readout.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

If the release of water got electronics wet, then the electronic parts likely will not function.
Release of water from TP valve means temperature of water inside tank exceeded the temperature-pressure rating of TP valve.
This is a safety feature.
Water from TP can indicate thermostat failure, or other less serious issues.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-TP-valve.html

Your water heater appears to have 9 year warranty.
Serial number located on label on side of tank will have numbers- 1st and 2nd digits are week of manufacture, 3rd and 4th digits are year of manufacture,
Call Rheem since they do not post service manuals.
Other companies post service manuals and are much easier for DIYers.

Gene


Water Heater Timers Save Money

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Copy following link to troubleshoot by type of gas control valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

Rheem does not post service manuals ... wonder if that's why huge majority of water heater problem on fixya are about Rheem/Richmond tank and tankless water heaters

Gene
h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Copy following links to identify gas control valve and download service manual:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent
kk
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html
System in lockout: Richmond-Rheem does not post service manuals so they do not have clear repair information for folks:
Look for broken glass on combustion floor... order new TRD... clean arrestor screen...
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-repair-Rheem-FVIR.html
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/
Call a plumber.
Replace gas control valve.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-gas-water-heater.html#replace

Gene
h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You have Honeywell electronic gas control valve, and error code is 7 flashes.
Probably you have power vent model.
One manual from different company says: "Reset gas control using on-off button on front of control, replace flammable vapor sensor, replace gas control thermostat.
But with Rheem you also need specific steps: Remove gas burner and look for broken glass vial, and then blow out arrestor screen air intake using compressed air, clean burner parts, check for unobstructed venting, you will need new glass vial from Rheem depending on year and model number of water heater that appears on label on side of unit, or they may not have a repair kit for that model, and you might need a new gas control valve depending on model and how extensive problem was
You have Rheem water heater.http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-repair-Rheem-FVIR.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermocouple.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Why is it always Rheem problems?
Every water heater problem is Rheem.
And Rheem doesn't post any service manuals, like the other two big manufacturers, AO Smith-American, and Bradford White.

Copy following link for troubleshoot by gas control valve.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Scroll up and find pressure switch heading among links.

You can install gas control valve yourself.
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/How-to-replace-water-heater-gas-valve.pdf

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Error code means that you have electronic gas control valve.

Copy following link to identify gas control valve, read error code meanings for each, and download service manual relevant to each gas control, but not specifically Rheem since rheem does not post service manuals.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

The fact that water heater restarts, means that water heater is getting gas, getting sufficient air for combustion, thermister is ok, gas pressure is good, etc.
The fact that you unplug and replug water heater and it works, shows that you have power vent model.
Since water heater worked correctly before, 2 flashes with Rheem power vent model could mean that pressure switch has failed.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Start-point is to inspect and clean burner parts and combustion chamber, clean air intake, bleed air out of gas line, test gas pressure, test electronic gas control valve, check for venting issues.
As general rule, gas water heater manuals recommend professional service once a year that would cover most items listed above.
To see images, and for more reading and resources, look at your product manual and open following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#clean

Richmond/Rheem sells power vent blower assembly that cost about $300.
Your product manual shows part numbers.
http://www.monstermarketplace.com/heating-supplies/rheem-sp12562-blower-assembly-powervent-2
Replacement gas control valve costs $300

You're probably in for a service call and/or possibly water heater replacement if unit is more that 5-6 years old.
Your water heater plugs into outlet. Check outlet with cheap circuit analyzer to make sure the unit is receiving correct polarity without line interference.
If unit is in the attic, then add more venting to soffit and roof so pilot is not being snuffed out by hot air. If unit is in basement, then open some doors and a window and see if unit needs more air.
Most gas water heaters require yearly cleaning and service.
Clean the combustion parts and tubes.
Clean the air intake.
Have gas company check gas pressure.
Open following link for possible illustrations:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#troubleshoot

The problem can be bad gas control valve, air in gas line, low gas pressure, gas shut off handle not fully parallel with gas line, dirty combustion parts, lack of combustion air, improper venting. Or combination of all things. It's an electronic gizmo, anything can be bad or shorted, and repair may not last long.

Without a trained service technician to ohm-test the parts using correct service manual, then we are guessing at the cause.

Power vent water heater implies that you have side wall venting which must be replaced with another side-wall vented unit -or- it implies rapid reheating of water.

If water heater is more than 6 years old, you might be money ahead by installing a new one from local box store. Avoid the power vent and electronics. Local box store will have passive roof-venting type water heater BUT box store does not sell side-wall power vent. If your power vent goes up through the roof, then box-store variety gas water heater will work. Total cost $350 do-it-yourself for 40 gallon gas.
Or get 40 gallon 240Volt electric for $220 and connect to circuit breaker box. Requires no venting, and is easy to repair for years to come.
Or small 120Volt electric that plugs into outlet to tide you over until gas repairs can be made.
Look for scratch-n-dent models and always offer 10% off.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html
Shower uses 5-9 gallons hot water.

Most gas water heater problems today can be solved with yearly maintenance that includes cleaning burner parts, clean air intake, check venting, check electrical connections, bleed gas line, and check gas pressure.
Gas water heater manuals recommend yearly maintenance by service technician.

In past years, gas water heaters required less maintenance, but they were less energy efficient and more dangerous to operate.

Sounds like you have Intellivent gas control valve thermostat.
Open following link to identify gas valve and see error codes:
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Intelli-vent-gas-valve2.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html#intelli

Error light on vacation + 2 other lights = 3 possible conditions:
1) Wiring error: check outlet with circuit analyzer:
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Typical-circuit-analyzer-15.jpg
2) Pressure switch tubing not connected, air intake obstructed (clean intake), or vent exhaust obstructed (check for proper venting).
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Test-water-heater-vent-400.jpg
3) System in lockout: Low gas pressure, hot surface igniter not positioned correctly.

You can do some of this yourself.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html#clean

1) Rheem does not show that exact model number, since they list current products only.
http://www.rheem.com/products/tank_water_heaters/gas_water_heaters

2) Rheem serial number shows year of manufacture on second 2 digits. So C06 was made in 2006.
Today's manual might not have troubleshoot steps that match older product.

3) 21vp50 is 50 gallon power vent water heater.
Open following link to identify product.
New models have Honeywell electronic gas valve with LCD flashing error codes.
http://www.rheem.com/product.aspx?id=C24E3F52-A6A4-4BC7-AF5B-0DF23A7A0263
http://waterheatertimer.org/gas-water-heater-timers.html#Rheem

4) Sample manual for newer power vent models shows error codes and troubleshoot steps:
http://globalimageserver.com/fetchDocument.aspx?id=a92c7d0e-8a95-48ba-8810-cd714f33d47a

5) Earlier Fixya answer suggests where to buy ignitor for 21vp50:
PART #HSI51409A
http://www.fixya.com/support/t3641891-rheem_21vp50_1_igniter_stopped

6) Your manual should show troubleshoot steps and expanded parts list.
Always save manuals like gold, and save searching later for a manual at Fixya.
If we can't find the manual, then our answers are limited to suggestions and guesses, since we're not on-site and can't perform troubleshoot steps for you.

7) Post your question on professional water heater forum
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

8) Call Rheem and they can possibly suggest which local service technician will work on that model:
2600 Gunter Park Drive East
Montgomery, Alabama 36109-1413
Phone: 1-800-432-8373.

9) Call a local plumber.

10) Install inexpensive home-center brand gas water heater yourself:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.