Rinnai 10
Rinnai code 10: air supply, exhaust or condensate blockage
Short answer
Code 10 means the heater detected a problem moving air through the burner or getting rid of exhaust. On condensing SENSEI models it can also mean the condensate drain is clogged or frozen. Start by checking the outside vent terminal and the condensate line.
In this guide
Code 10 tells you the heater cannot move combustion air and exhaust properly. The fix is often outside the house at the vent, or at the condensate drain line.
Look at the intake and exhaust terminals on the outside wall or roof. Clear snow, ice, leaves or debris by hand and keep plants and stored items away from them.
Condensing models: check the condensate drain
On Rinnai SENSEI condensing heaters, a condensate line that is clogged or frozen backs water up into the trap inside the unit. The heater shuts down to prevent spillage and shows code 10. Check that the drain line runs freely, is not kinked and is not frozen.
Non-condensing models: inlet air filter
Some models have an air filter behind the front cover. A dirty filter restricts air. Your manual shows whether your model has one and how to reach it.
If the vent and drain are clear
Disconnected or damaged vent pipe, a vent run longer than the manual allows, a vent pipe crushed where it passes through the wall, a failing combustion fan, or debris between the heat exchanger fins can all trigger code 10. These need a technician.
Common questions
Why does my Rinnai show code 10 in winter?
Snow or ice can block the vent terminal, and on condensing models the condensate drain line can freeze. Check both.
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Other Rinnai codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 02 | No burner operation during freeze protection |
| 03 | Power interruption during bath fill |
| 05 | Bypass flow control device fault |
| 10 | Air supply, exhaust blockage or condensate trap full |
| 11 | No ignition |
| 12 | Flame failure |
| 14 | Thermal fuse or overheat sensor tripped |
| 15 | Venturi control fault |
| 16 | Outgoing water temperature too high (safety shutdown) |
| 17 | Venturi blockage |
| 19 | Electrical grounding fault |
| 21 | Data transfer error after a control board replacement |
| 25 | Condensate drain clogged or condensate pump error |
| 32 | Outgoing water temperature sensor (thermistor) fault |
| 33 | Heat exchanger temperature sensor (thermistor) fault |
| 34 | Combustion air temperature sensor fault |
| 38 | Exhaust gas temperature sensor fault |
| 41 | Freeze protection sensor fault |
| 51 | Inlet water temperature sensor fault |
| 52 | Gas valve or modulating solenoid valve signal fault |
| 54 | High exhaust gas temperature |
| 57 | Burner overheat switch open |
| 58 | Secondary heat exchanger overheat |
| 61 | Combustion fan motor fault |
| 63 | Recirculation low flow |
| 65 | Water flow control device (servo) fault |
| 70 | Control board (PC board) fault |
| 71 | Gas solenoid valve circuit fault |
| 72 | Flame rod (flame sensing) fault |
| 73 | Burner thermocouple fault |
| 79 | Water leak detected inside the unit |
| LC | Scale buildup in the heat exchanger |
| SS | Service soon (maintenance reminder) |
| FF | Maintenance has been performed (service history marker) |