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
  1. Condensing models: check the condensate drain
  2. Non-condensing models: inlet air filter
  3. If the vent and drain are clear

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

CodeMeaning
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)

All Rinnai error codes