Rheem 93

Rheem code 93: neutralizer replacement required

Short answer

Code 93 appears on high-efficiency (condensing) Rheem and Ruud tankless heaters. Rheem says the unit will not operate until the neutralizer is replaced, and the unit must be reset afterward. 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.

In this guide
  1. What it means by model generation
  2. What to do
  3. Prevent it next time
  4. Before you call

Code 93 follows code 92. Where 92 is the warning, 93 means the neutralizer is used up and the heater has stopped.

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 modelsUnit will not operate until the neutralizer is replaced

What to do

  1. Replace the neutralizer with a kit from a Rheem or Ruud supplier. The media is calcium carbonate.
  2. Check the condensate drain line for blockage while you are there.
  3. Reset: remote on, no water running, press MIN and MAX together until CL appears, then again for more than 5 seconds until CL disappears.

Prevent it next time

Check the neutralizer at each yearly service, along with the flush and filter cleaning. A condensate drain problem, code 29 on condensing models, can also shut the heater down.

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

Why won't my Rheem run with code 93?

Rheem designed it to stop until the neutralizer is replaced and the unit is reset.

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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