This condition can be caused by 4 different problems, or combination of these problems.
Good indicator would be to check temperature of water inside tank.
Put bucket under TP overflow tube and release water into bucket, then use cooking thermometer to gauge temperature. Stand back from scalding water that can shoot out of overflow.
If tank temperature is 120-130:
1) Crossover is suspect:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.htmlIf tank temperature is low:
2) Bad gas control valve thermostat is suspect.
I believe Rheem 41VRP50N has Honeywell or White Rodgers electronic gas control valve.
Open following link to identify gas control thermostat and see typical error codes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-adjust-temperature-on-water-heater.html#HoneywellReplacement gas valve can be purchased from Rheem.
3) Combustion parts and tubes need cleaning, and bleed gas line for air and water contaminants.
4) Water heater has sediment build-up coating burner transfer surface and covering thermostat.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.htmlYear of manufacture for Rheem water heater is 2nd two digits of serial number, so XX03.. would be 2003.
Add a comment and say what you did to solve problem.
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