Rheem 92

Rheem code 92: replace neutralizer soon

Short answer

Code 92 appears on high-efficiency (condensing) Rheem and Ruud tankless heaters. It is a warning: the unit keeps operating but will eventually shut down, and Rheem says to replace the neutralizer as soon as possible. The neutralizer rocks are calcium carbonate, and kits are available through Rheem and Ruud suppliers.

In this guide
  1. What it means by model generation
  2. What to do
  3. If you ignore it
  4. Before you call

Condensing heaters produce acidic condensate that runs through a neutralizer before draining. Code 92 is the early warning that the neutralizer media is nearly used up.

This page uses two Rheem sources: the current Rheem and Ruud tankless troubleshooting manual, and Rheem's error code list for earlier tankless models. Codes can differ between generations, so the meaning for each is shown where they differ. Rheem technical support: (800) 432-8373.

What it means by model generation

Rheem generationMeaning
Current modelsWarning on condensing units: replace the neutralizer as soon as possible

What to do

  1. Order a neutralizer kit from a Rheem or Ruud supplier.
  2. Replace the neutralizer following the kit instructions.
  3. Reset the unit: with the remote on and no water running, press MIN and MAX together until CL appears, then press them again for more than 5 seconds until CL disappears.

If you ignore it

The heater moves on to code 93 and will not operate until the neutralizer is replaced. Acidic condensate can also damage drains.

See our tankless water heater condensate drain and neutralizer guide.

Before you call

Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and note whether your unit is a condensing (high-efficiency) or non-condensing model. Tell the technician the exact code, when it appears and any recent work on the gas, water, venting or electrical supply. That often saves a second visit.

See every code on our Rheem error codes page.

Common questions

Can I keep using my Rheem with code 92?

Yes, for now, but replace the neutralizer soon. The unit will eventually shut down with code 93.

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Other Rheem codes

CodeMeaning
00 Continuous combustion for more than one hour
03 Communication failure between units, remote or manifold controller
05 Improper combustion detected by the flame rod (warning)
10 Air supply or exhaust blockage (hard lockout)
11 Ignition failure
12 Flame failure
13 Poor combustion detected by the flame rod (indoor units)
14 Overheat safety tripped
15 Heat exchanger or hot water temperature too high (boiling safety)
16 Outlet water temperature above the set point (over temperature warning)
21 Air intake filter switch fault (earlier models)
24 Remote control buttons held too long, or operational switch fault
29 Condensate not draining (condensing models) or heat exchanger temperature too low
31 Inlet water temperature sensor (thermistor) fault
32 Heat exchanger thermistor fault
33 Outlet (outgoing water) thermistor fault
34 Ambient or combustion air temperature sensor fault
35 Improper thermistor connection
51 Gas valve fault: flame detected after shutdown (current) / gas inlet solenoid valve fault (earlier)
52 Modulating gas valve (PGFR) fault
61 Blower (combustion fan) motor fault
65 Water volume control valve fault
66 Water bypass valve fault
71 Gas inlet solenoid valve fault
72 Flame rod fault: flame sensed before ignition
76 Remote control communication fault
79 Blower (fan) motor current fault
80 Gas cut-off failure: flame detected after the unit turned off
82 Control board program chip fault (current) / gas type data failure (earlier)
90 Vent blockage detected before ignition
92 Neutralizer needs replacing soon (warning, condensing models)
93 Neutralizer must be replaced; unit will not operate (condensing models)
1L Lime (scale) buildup detected in the heat exchanger
99 Vent blockage detected after shutdown / blocked flue (hard lockout)
P1 Not enough water flow to fire the burner (warning)

All Rheem error codes