Top Rheem Triton Water Heater Issues (T115, T116, A004, A005) and How Pros Fix Them
***DISCLAIMER: PLEASE REFER TO YOUR MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC MODEL. IF YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE YOUR OWN HEATER, PLEASE DO SO WITH CAUTION; U.S. WATER HEATING SOLUTIONS, LLC. AND ANY OTHER PARTIES MENTIONED ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSOCIATED LIABILITIES. THIS ARTICLE IS MEANT TO PROVIDE AN INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL SUMMARY AND DOES NOT SUPERSEDE OFFICIAL WATER HEATER REPAIRS OR MANUFACTURER-SPECIFIC INFORMATION. ***
Rheem Triton: Common Issues, Repair Tips, and Maintenance Guide
Our Expertise and Experience with Rheem Triton Water Heaters:
The Rheem Triton commercial water heaters (also produced under Rheem's sister brand as Ruud Tritons) are among the commercial water heaters with the highest reported energy-efficiency ratings, reaching up to 98% estimated energy efficiency. However, like all water heaters, they require specialized knowledge to ensure you have a consistent supply of hot water.
When your Chicagoland area apartment complex, medical facility, or restaurant is facing a lack of hot water, error codes, or a leaking water heater, you need a team that truly understands the Rheem Triton series. Here
at U.S. Water Heating Solutions, we don't just fix water heaters—we
specialize
in them. Our technicians are factory trained and certified to perform
warranty service work, and have extensive experience diagnosing and repairing the most common, and most complex, issues affecting Rheem Triton commercial water heater models.
About Our Triton Repair Service Data:
We compiled our Rheem Triton (and Ruud Triton) commercial water heater service history from 2023–2025 to identify the most common error codes and performance issues. By recognizing these recurring patterns, our team is able to deliver faster diagnostics, more accurate repairs, and more cost-effective solutions for businesses in need of reliable hot water.
Over the past several years, we’ve serviced dozens of Rheem Triton units across a wide range of models. This hands-on experience has allowed us to build a data-driven understanding of how these systems perform in real-world commercial environments. A summary of these insights is included in the Table 1. Rheem Triton Service by the Numbers.
For accurate data tracking, we implemented an automation in our computer system that tags each service call with the unit’s model number. While this provides valuable insights into Rheem Triton repair patterns, please note that the data presented here does not include every unit within the Rheem Triton series. We analyzed 83 service calls covering 15 unique models, and 17 unique errors codes and issues.
In the following sections we will highlighting Rheem Triton service trends and repair frequency based on REAL service call data, provide helpful information about Rheem Triton warranties, and share resources for finding Rheem Triton replacement parts in the Chicagoland area.
Table 1. Rheem Triton Service by the Numbers
This table summarizes the Rheem Tritons we serviced from 2023-2025, mostly in the Chicagoland area. However, a limited number of Tritons were serviced by our technicians who live in other states/regions, including Kentucky (Kentuckiana), Michigan (Metro Detroit), and Tennessee (Nashville Metropolitan Area).
| Model Number | Quantity |
|---|---|
| GHE 50SU-100 | 1 |
| GHE 75SU-100 | 2 |
| GHE 80SU-130 | 13 |
| GHE 80SU-150A | 3 |
| GHE 80SU-160 | 2 |
| GHE 80SU-200 | 5 |
| GHE 100-250A | 1 |
| GHE 100ES-200 | 4 |
| GHE 100SS-400A | 1 |
| GHE 100SU-160 | 3 |
| GHE 100SU-200 | 32 |
| GHE 100SU-250A | 4 |
| GHE 100SU-300 | 2 |
| GHE 100SU-400 | 7 |
| GHE 119SU-500 | 3 |
| Total | 83 |
Top 5 Common Issues on Rheem/Ruud Triton Water Heaters
1. Gas Pressure & Gas Regulator Issues
One of the most common problems affecting Rheem Triton systems is improper gas pressure and/or issues with gas regulators (n = 24/83). Improper gas pressure can lead to ignition failure, rough starts, or combustion-related error codes like T115 and T116.
All commercial gas water heaters have specific manufacturer recommendations for incoming gas pressure ranges. Rheem Triton models like the GHE80SU and GHE100SU, for example, expect these gas pressure ranges (Rheem Service & Training Manual):
- Natural Gas Min. 3.5” w.c. Max. 10.5” w.c.
- L.P. Gas Min. 11.0” w.c. Max. 13.0” w.c
It is also common for commercial sites to have a gas regulator to help prevent gas pressure surges from having a negative impact on appliances. In either case, having the appropriate range of gas pressure instead of a pressure below the minimum and above the maximum is crucial for avoiding a number of error codes on the Triton.
In many cases, undersized gas lines, failing regulators, or excessive pressure drops prevent the unit from maintaining stable combustion. This can cause wear on or even damage the spark igniter, flame rod, and gas valve. We’ve also seen improper venting configurations—such as exhaust recirculation or incorrect pipe sizing—cause similar failures. For reliable Rheem Triton repair, ensuring proper gas supply, regulator sizing, and venting design is critical to long-term performance.
Preventive Tip: To avoid gas pressure issues, we recommend replacing gas regulators when you replace other gas appliances and writing the installation dates on the sides of the equipment. If a gas regulator has been reused (i.e., appliances have been replaced, but the same regulator was reused), a plumber should check the regulator during your annual maintenance to ensure it is working properly and meeting the BTU requirement for associated appliances. Additionally, you can request your plumber to assist in performing a load test to determine whether the incoming gas pressure may be too low when all appliances are in use and/or to request that your gas company checks and adjusts your incoming gas pressure.
2. Combustion Problems (T115 & T116: Combustion Health Degraded, Hard Starts)
Closely related to gas pressure issues are combustion problems, which are another leading cause of Rheem Triton repair in Chicago (n = 20/83). These typically appear as error codes such as T115 or T116, indicating degraded combustion quality or outright combustion failure. In real-world service scenarios, these issues often stem from a combination of factors, including poor gas delivery, improper venting, moisture intrusion, or worn ignition components like flame rods and igniters. Units may exhibit hard starts, delayed ignition, or a tendency to ignite briefly before shutting down.
Similarly, improper venting and condensate drainage can be major contributors to Rheem Triton performance issues. Blocked, frozen, or poorly designed condensate lines can lead to system lockouts, ignition failures, and even water accumulation inside the combustion chamber. Additionally, intake and exhaust terminations that are too close together can cause exhaust gases to recirculate, disrupting combustion. These issues highlight the importance of correct installation and routine maintenance when it comes to
Rheem Triton troubleshooting and repair.
Preventive Tip: Over time, unresolved combustion problems can reduce system efficiency, increase wear on internal components, and even pose safety risks. Accurate troubleshooting requires a full combustion analysis, inspection of the venting system, and careful evaluation of ignition components to ensure proper operation. Professional installation coupled with regular inspection/maintenance of your Rheem Triton water heater can help decrease the risk of hot water loss due to combustion problems.
3. Blower Assembly + Blower Prover Switch Failures
Blower-related issues are another leading cause of Rheem Triton repair calls (n = 11/83 in our dataset). Faulty blower motors, damaged interlock systems, or inconsistent RPM performance can prevent the unit from igniting or cause it to shut down unexpectedly. In several cases, moisture entering the intake or exhaust system contributed to premature blower failure.
Another major issue identified in our dataset is failure within the blower assembly and related airflow components. The blower plays a critical role in ensuring proper combustion by regulating airflow, and when it fails, the entire system is compromised. Many Rheem Triton repair calls involve blower motors that are noisy, inconsistent, or completely non-functional. In other cases, the blower prover switch (a part that verifies adequate airflow before ignition) fails due to pressure inconsistencies or improper venting. We have also seen issues caused by moisture intrusion, where condensate or environmental factors allow water to enter intake lines and damage blower components over time. Without proper airflow, the unit cannot safely ignite, and built-in safety systems will shut it down. Addressing these issues requires a thorough inspection of the blower assembly, verification of venting conditions, and replacement of damaged components as needed.
4. Leaking Units, Weld Failures, + Stress Cracks
Water leaks and structural failures are also among the most serious issues affecting Rheem Triton units (n = 8/83 in our dataset). These can range from minor leaks at fittings or sensors to major failures involving tank welds or stress cracks. Our service data includes multiple cases where units required full replacement due to defective welds or internal tank issues. In other situations, leaks were traced back to installation errors such as cross-threaded connections or improperly sealed fittings.
The example photos show a) a leak at the nipple which is installed when the water heater itself was installed (and was not pre-installed by th manufacturer) and b) a leaking exhaust boot.
Early warning signs often include: visible water pooling, moisture around the base of the unit, or leaks near threaded ports and sensors. If left unaddressed, these problems can escalate quickly, leading to extensive property damage and system downtime. Identifying the exact source of a leak and determining whether repair or replacement is the best course of action is a critical part of professional Rheem Triton repair Chicago services.
5. Temperature Probe (Temperature Sensor) Issues
Finally, we noticed a number of temperature probe and sensor issues (n = 6/83). While these components are relatively small, they play a crucial role in maintaining accurate water temperature and overall system performance.
Problems with temperature probes often result in inconsistent heating, system lockouts, or visible leaks around the sensor ports. In many cases, probes were found to be cross-threaded during installation or improperly sealed, leading to both mechanical and operational issues. Some units required thread repair or re-tapping to restore proper function, while others needed full sensor replacement. Because these components directly impact how the system monitors and regulates temperature, even minor issues can lead to significant performance problems if not addressed promptly.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Rheem Triton
Water heater preventative maintenance recommendations will vary based on your installation setting, usage levels, and other factors. However, establishing a consistent maintenance schedule is key to ensuring your Triton lasts as long as possible and performs as optimally as possible. Below we have included a summary chart with some general recommendations for maintenance and maintenance frequency, following guidelines provided in the Rheem Triton Manual and our experience with commercial clients.
The Triton manual recommends establishing a consistent maintenance routine, but does not specify the frequency, as it may vary depending on how you use your water heater. In our experience, most clients prefer to arrange annual or semi-annual (every 6 months) inspections of major components such as the burner assembly, condensate exhaust elbow, temperature and pressure (T&P) valve, and to have their units flushed. Two key highlights of the Rheem Triton features are:
- Built-in maintenance-related error codes/service alerts: Triton water heaters will throw error codes specific to maintenance
- T117: Time to Drain and Inspect Tank
- T118: Time to Check Venting for Debris
- T119: Time to Clean Out the Condensate Drain Trap
- T120: Time to Replace the Neutralizer
- Programmable maintenance reminders: In addition to the pre-existing maintenance service alerts, the UIM (User Interface Module) or touchscreen allows you to adjust their frequency. All four can be adjusted in months and hours, and will show you how many months and hours remain until the next reminder.
The items in the chart below can be found directly in the Rheem Triton Manual (pages: 4 & 39), with recommended frequencies based on our customers' standard preventative maintenance packages.
Note: Most components can be checked annually. But, we may recommend a semi-annual or even quarterly preventative maintenance program for facilities with a heavy reliance on continuous hot water like medical facilities, hospital, hotels, and restaurants to avoid unplanned downtime.
| Task | Minimum Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Inspection | Annual | Reduce risk of sediment build-up, corrosion |
| Burner Inspection/Cleaning | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
| Vent & Combustion Air Inlet | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
| Blower Operation | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
| Pressure Switch Operation, Clean Tubing | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
| T&P Valve Inspection/Test | Annual | To ensure reliable operation |
| Condensate Trap Inspection & Cleaning | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
| Electrical Connections | Annual | To ensure safe and optimal operation |
🔑 TLDR; Key Takeaways About Common Rheem Triton Issues
The Rheem Triton commercial water heaters deliver strong performance when properly serviced. Looking across our dataset, one clear takeaway emerges: most Rheem Triton repair issues are preventable with proper installation, regular maintenance, and early intervention. Routine service—including gas pressure testing, cleanings, venting inspections, and sensor checks—can dramatically reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures. For commercial facilities in Chicago, where hot water is essential to daily operations, investing in routine Triton maintenance such as cleaning or replacing the flame sensor and ignitor, inspecting condensate lines, and checking ignition components can prevent costly downtime. Here are some key takeaways from our research:
- Improper installation and neglect of annual maintenance has been the top causes of Rheem Triton repair calls for our clients.
- Error codes are guides, but they do not always have a simple single solution. Sometimes they encompass an array of different issues happening with your Rheem Triton water heater (or any other water heater brand and model for that matter)... Most of the top issues in this article involved more than seeing one error code and replacing one part.
- Water on the floor doesn’t always mean a leaking water heater tank. Improper nipple installation, faulty temperature probes, cross threaded drains, and other plumbing issues are common culprits. Be sure to regularly inspect your Triton to ensure there is not corrosive build up on the unit itself and nearby pipe/fittings or any leaks.
- Proactive maintenance can reduce your need for repairs and helps extend your Triton's lifespan. Maintenance improves overall equipment reliability and helps avoid unexpected blower assembly and temperature sensor faults.
Rheem Triton Repairs in the Chicagoland Area + Beyond
Don’t let a malfunctioning Rheem Triton water heater disrupt your business operations. For expert Rheem Triton repair in Chicago, trust the professionals at U.S. Water Heating Solutions for fast, reliable, and specialized commercial water heater service.
Whether you're dealing with inconsistent hot water, system error codes, or a leaking unit, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle all aspects of Rheem Triton repair in Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area (and beyond). We focus exclusively on water heating systems—so you get true specialists.
We provide comprehensive Rheem Triton services, including:
- Expert diagnostics and repairs (warranty and non-warranty)
- Preventative maintenance programs
- Full system replacements when needed
Our Illinois-based team is stocked with dedicated service bins containing a wide range of Rheem Triton replacement parts. This allows us to complete most Rheem Triton repairs in Chicago quickly and efficiently—minimizing downtime for your business. While we specialize in Rheem Triton systems, we also service a wide variety of commercial water heater models, ensuring your facility stays up and running no matter the issue.
Call us today at 1-(833)-879-4776 or contact us to schedule your Rheem Triton repair in Chicago and restore reliable hot water fast.
Searching for Rheem Triton Parts
If you’re searching for replacement parts for your
Rheem Triton commercial water heater, the first step is to check whether your unit is still under
warranty. You can do this by locating your unit’s serial number and using
Rheem’s warranty verification tool. This will provide a brief summary of your warranty coverage details and expiration dates.
The Rheem/Ruud Triton warranty includes three components: the labor warranty, the parts warranty, and the tank warranty. Each of these warranties lasts a different duration of time with the labor warranty and parts warranty having the shorter duration and the tank warranty having a longer coverage period. The standard labor warranty lasts 1 year and the standard parts warranty lasts 1 year. The standard Triton tank warranty duration is 3 years for SU (Smart Universal/no flow sensor or shutoff valve) models and 5 years for SS (Smart Shutoff/with flow sensor or shutoff valve) models; this can be extended to 15 years on select Triton SS models, including: GHE100SS-200A, GHE100SS-250A, GHE100SS-300A, GHE100SS-400A, and GHE119SS-500A. This means that Rheem/Ruud will cover the part replacement and labor for a number of issues for 1 year; after the first year, the only active warranty will be the tank warranty. For more general information on water heater warranties, see our blog article.
If you know your unit is no longer under warranty—or if it’s over 10 years old and access to the part listing via Rheem's parts website are limited, the best way to find replacement parts will be to contact Rheem Tech Support directly at
1-(800)-432-8373with your Triton's model and serial numbers.
These are the steps we recommend PRIOR to making a parts purchase for your Rheem Triton or Ruud Triton commercial water heater:
a) Check for possible warranty coverage: Rheem Warranty Page
b) Get Parts List: Rheem Parts (if available)
c) Review your Rheem Triton warranty sheet and service manual
d)
Contact Rheem Tech Support
with questions:
1-(800)-432-8373
How to Verify Potential Warranty Coverage
& Search for Parts
Common Rheem Triton Parts
Commercial systems like the Rheem Triton series are designed with consistency in mind, meaning many models within the same series share common components. This makes sourcing parts for Rheem Triton repair and maintenance more efficient compared to residential units. Below we have included links to PDF documents with part listings followed by on-page lists of parts, including links that will take you to our eBay storefront or our official parts website.
NOTE: Parts and part numbers change over time as parts are revised for a variety of reasons. Over the last few years, Rheem has revised a number of their replacement parts for Triton models. Many of the original versions of these parts are no longer available through Rheem, but you can likely find them on eBay or through service companies like U.S. Water Heating Solutions. Please remember: U.S. Water Heating Solutions is NOT responsible for part number changes and the part numbers listed below may not be the most current and are subject to change without notice.
PRIOR to making a parts purchase for your Rheem Triton or Ruud Triton commercial water heater, we recommend:
a) Checking for possible warranty coverage on the Rheem Warranty Verification page
b) Running your serial number on the Rheem Parts website to get a parts list (if available)
c) Reviewing your Rheem Triton warranty sheet and service manual
d)
Contacting Rheem Tech Support
with any questions:
1-(800)-432-8373
Rheem Triton/Ruud Triton Parts List PDFs
Continue scrolling for parts listings by model
Rheem Triton Common Replacement Parts List (2018)
NOTE: There have been part number updates!
Rheem Triton Common Replacement Parts List (~2020)
NOTE: There have been part number updates!
IMPORTANT: Outside of our Rheem Triton Service Bin, we carry very minimal Rheem Triton parts for sale. Many critical parts like: Combustion Assemblies, Programmed Displays, Programmed Controllers, and several other parts are Model and BTU dependent. Due to the large variation of parts, we do NOT stock a majority of these items. Below we have included a list of the common Triton parts, where those we do stock include a link to purchase; if there is no link, we consider that part a special order item.
PLEASE BE SURE TO CONFIRM PART COMPATIBILITY BEFORE PURCHASE! You can do this on your own at Rheem Parts or contact us for assistance.
Common Rheem Triton Parts List
NOTE: THE PARTS LISTED BELOW ARE NOT UNIVERSAL ACROSS RHEEM TRITON MODELS. PLEASE CONFIRM PART COMPATIBILITY USING THE RHEEM PARTS WEBSITE.
- AP18578 | Side Panel Covers
- AP10778 | On/Off Switch
- AP19239-4 | Replaces: AP19239-3, AP19239 | Top Pan Wiring Harness
- AP14074 | Upper Temperature Probe
- AP18572 | Power Anode
- AP18813 | Lower Temperature Probe
- AP11262B | Handhole Seal Plate
- AP5886 | Handhole Gasket
- AS24346-1 | Replaces: AS24346 | Handhole Yoke
- AP12231C | Drain Valve
- AP17894A | Blocked Exhaust Pressure Switch
- AP14280 | Exhaust Temperature Probe
- AS46847-1 | Replaces AS46847-1 | Exhaust Tee
- AP18971 | 2" Inlet w/ Difusor
- AS46852-1 | Replaces AS46852 | Leak Sensor Assembly
- AP19144-1 | Replaces AP19144 | Water Flow Sensor
- AP18590 | Auto Shut-off
- AS46853-1 | Replaces AS46853 | Flow Sensor Auto Shut-off Assembly
- AP17898 | Low Gas Pressure Switch
- SP21104 | Replaces: SP20716, AP17871 | Igniter
- SP20716 | Triton Igniter (Old Version)
- SP21223 | SP20717 | AP17872 | Flame Sensor
- AP14705-1 | Replaces AP14705 | Sight Glass
- AP18577 | Spark Return Wiring Harness
- AP18576 | Gas Valve Wiring Harness
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