Rinnai is the name most Australians associate with reliable hot water, and for good reason. But even the most dependable systems can run into issues. This guide combines real-world experience with technical knowledge to help you troubleshoot common Rinnai hot water problems, reset your system correctly, and know when to call a professional.
Understanding Your Rinnai Hot Water System
Before troubleshooting, get familiar with your system. Rinnai hot water systems provide a continuous supply of hot water and come in gas and electric models across a range of capacities.
The key components are the water heater, the gas supply, and the power supply. Knowing where your gas valve is located and how to read error codes on the control panel will save time when something goes wrong, and help you give a plumber accurate information when you call.
2025/2026 Rinnai Infinity Range: What’s Current
The Rinnai Infinity range is the most widely installed continuous flow gas hot water system in Australia. The current lineup as of 2025/2026 is detailed on Rinnai Australia’s continuous flow page and includes:
- Infinity 16: suited to single bathrooms or light use; 16 litres per minute flow rate
- Infinity 20: ideal for 1-2 bathroom homes; compact design for tight spaces; 6-star energy rating
- Infinity 26: the most popular model for 2-3 bathroom homes; 6.1-star energy rating; LED temperature display
- Infinity 32: for larger homes or properties with high simultaneous demand
- Infinity 28i Internal: indoor installation model for apartments or properties where external mounting isn’t possible
- Infinity B Series (B16, B20, B26): the value-line equivalent with identical internals to the Infinity range, same 6.1-star energy rating, without the LED display
The main practical difference between the Infinity and Infinity B Series is the front-panel LED display on the Infinity models, which shows current water temperature during use. The internal components, energy ratings, and performance are essentially identical. The Infinity carries a 12-year heat exchanger warranty; the B Series carries a 10-year heat exchanger warranty.
All current models support Rinnai’s MC-91-2 wireless temperature controller, which allows different temperature zones throughout the home.
Rinnai Warranty: What’s Covered
Understanding your warranty terms matters, because it affects whether a repair is covered or comes out of pocket.
| Component | Infinity Series | Infinity B Series |
| Heat exchanger | 12 years (standard) | 10 years (standard) |
| Heat exchanger (extended) | Up to 25 years* | Up to 25 years* |
| Parts and labour | 3 years | 3 years |
*The 25-year extended heat exchanger warranty is available when you participate in Rinnai’s scheduled service program. Terms and conditions apply: refer to your warranty booklet for details.
A standard reset does not void your warranty. However, unauthorised repairs carried out by unlicensed tradespeople can void it. Always use a licensed gas plumber for any repair work, and ask them to document the work in case a warranty claim arises later.
Common Rinnai Hot Water Problems and Solutions
1. No Hot Water
If your Rinnai isn’t producing hot water, check:
- Gas supply: Is the gas valve fully open? Are other gas appliances in the home working?
- Ignition: Look for Error Code 11, which signals an ignition failure
- Temperature settings: Have the settings been changed accidentally, particularly if you have a multi-zone controller?
- Power supply: Is the unit properly plugged in or wired?
2. Lukewarm Water
For water that’s not hot enough:
- Check the thermostat settings on the controller
- Confirm the gas valve is fully open
- Check whether scale build-up on the heat exchanger might be reducing efficiency, particularly if you’re in a hard water area
- Confirm the flow of hot water to the taps isn’t restricted, as low flow can affect temperature consistency
3. System Turns Off Suddenly
Sudden shutdowns are usually caused by:
- Overheating (Error Code 16)
- Ventilation issues (Error Code 10)
- Unspecified system faults (Error Codes 70, 71, 72)
4. Water Leaks
Small amounts of condensation from a continuous flow system are normal. Excessive leaking could indicate:
- Faulty valves or loose fittings
- A failing pressure relief valve
- Corrosion on older units
For any persistent leak, our guide on hot water system leaks covers the five steps to take before calling a plumber.
Rinnai Error Code Reference Table
| Error code | Meaning | First step |
| 11 | Ignition failure | Check gas supply and igniter |
| 12 | Flame failure | Check gas pressure; clean flame rod |
| 14 | Overheat | Let unit cool; check ventilation |
| 16 | Over-temperature warning | Check for blocked exhaust or air intake |
| 32 | Outgoing water temp sensor fault | Requires professional diagnosis |
| 61 | Combustion fan failure | Check for obstructions; call a technician |
| 70, 71, 72 | Unspecified system fault | Reset and monitor; call if recurring |
Some error codes will remain after a reset and require further repair. If the same code reappears after resetting, it indicates an underlying issue that needs professional attention rather than another reset.
How to Reset Your Rinnai Gas Heater: Model-Specific Instructions
Resetting your Rinnai heater will often clear minor faults. Here’s how, depending on your model type.
General reset procedure (all models):
- Find the control panel on your Rinnai gas heater
- Switch off the power to the unit
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes
- Switch the power back on
- If your model has a reset button, press and hold for 3 to 5 seconds
Model-specific reset steps:
- Rinnai Infinity models: Press the On/Off button twice
- Rinnai Deluxe models: Hold the Priority button for 5 seconds, then press On/Off
- Rinnai Portable Gas Heaters: Turn the control dial to Off, unplug the unit, wait 10 seconds, then plug back in and turn on
By system type:
Continuous flow systems:
- Switch off at the switchboard
- Wait 5 minutes
- Switch back on
- Press the On button on the temperature controller
Storage tank systems:
- Find the reset button (usually near the thermostat)
- Press and hold for 3 to 5 seconds
- If still not working, switch off power and gas, wait 30 minutes, then switch back on and try again
Pre-Reset Checklist
Before you reset, run through these checks first:
- Gas valve is fully open
- Heater is properly plugged in or wired
- No visible water leaks or blockages
- Error code noted from the control panel
- No unusual noises during operation
- No recent weather events or changes to the gas supply in the area
Taking two minutes to check these things before resetting can save you from repeating the process if the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed.
Safety Precautions for Resetting Your Rinnai Gas Heater
Always treat gas appliances with care:
- Switch off the gas before any reset or maintenance
- Make sure the area around the heater is well ventilated
- Never reset a heater that is damaged or shows signs of a gas leak
- Wait for the unit to cool before touching any components
- Wear gloves when handling the unit
- Keep flammable materials away from the heater area
If you smell gas at any point during the reset process, do not proceed. Move away from the area and call your gas provider or 000.
Repair vs Replacement: Costs and What to Expect
Knowing the likely cost of a repair helps you decide whether to fix or replace.
| Issue | Typical repair cost (Sydney) | Notes |
| Call-out and diagnosis | $100 to $150 | Most plumbers apply this to the total job cost |
| Igniter or flame rod replacement | $200 to $350 | Common on older units |
| Tempering valve replacement | $185 to $280 | Often required by regulation; common repair |
| Fan motor or PCB board | $350 to $600 | More complex; labour-intensive |
| Full unit replacement (Infinity 26) | From $1,500 installed | Like-for-like; conditions apply |
| Full unit replacement (Infinity 32) | From $1,800 installed | Higher capacity; higher cost |
If your Rinnai is under 10 years old and the repair cost is under 40% of replacement, repair is usually the better option. Over 10 to 15 years old with a recurring fault, replacement is worth considering. Our guide on how long hot water systems last covers the key factors.
How Rinnai Compares to Rheem and Bosch
If you’re considering a replacement, here’s how Rinnai sits against the other major brands.
| Rinnai Infinity | Rheem 26 | Bosch 16H | |
| Best for | 2-3 bathroom homes; temperature precision | Reliable all-rounder; wide parts availability | Compact spaces; apartments |
| Energy rating | 6.1 stars | 6.0 stars | 5.4 stars |
| Flow rate | Up to 32 LPM (model dependent) | 26 LPM | 16 LPM |
| Heat exchanger warranty | 12 years (25 with service plan) | 12 years | 10 years |
| Parts availability | Excellent nationwide | Excellent nationwide | Good |
| Typical install cost | From $1,500 | From $1,300 | From $1,100 |
| Temperature controller | Digital; wireless zone control | Digital | Manual/basic |
Rinnai suits households running multiple bathrooms simultaneously. Rheem is a strong all-rounder with wider product range. Bosch suits compact spaces and lower-demand properties. Energy star ratings for all three can be verified on the Energy Rating website, maintained by the Australian Government.
For Rheem-specific fault codes and reset steps, see our Rheem troubleshooting guide.
The Priority Button Explained
The Priority button is useful for managing hot water across multiple zones in your home.
- It sets the water temperature for that specific controller
- Only one controller can hold priority at a time
- To change priority: turn off all hot water taps, then press the Priority button on the desired controller
- The Priority indicator will light up on the active controller
- Use this to manage hot water temperature separately for different areas, such as a bathroom set to 38°C and a laundry set to 50°C
NSW hot water temperature regulations require that stored hot water be kept at 60°C to prevent Legionella, but water delivered to bathrooms must be tempered to a maximum of 50°C. Our NSW hot water temperature guide covers the full requirements.
Gas Supply Troubleshooting
If you suspect the issue is gas supply rather than the unit itself:
- Check the main gas valve is fully open
- Check there are no kinks in the gas lines
- Listen for gas flow when a hot water tap is turned on
- Check other gas appliances to confirm gas is reaching the property
- If you suspect a gas leak, switch off the supply immediately and call your gas provider
Maintenance: How to Reduce Resets and Call-Outs
Most Rinnai problems can be prevented or caught early with regular servicing.
- Annual professional service is the single most effective way to extend the life of your system
- Clean or replace air filters as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep the area around the heater clear of debris, vegetation, and stored items
- Check and clean the exhaust vent periodically, particularly after storms
- Check water hardness and consider a water softener if you’re in a hard water area; scale build-up is a leading cause of efficiency loss in older units
- Inspect visible pipes and connections for corrosion or wear annually
If you haven’t had a service in over 12 months, it’s worth booking one before the cooler months when demand peaks.
When to Call a Professional
Some problems should not be attempted at home. Call a licensed plumber or gas fitter if:
- You smell gas or suspect a leak
- The heater keeps shutting off or displaying the same error code repeatedly
- There is water leaking from the unit itself
- You hear unusual noises or see visible flame irregularities
- You are not comfortable performing any of the steps above
RSP’s gas hot water system service team is available 24/7 across Sydney for Rinnai repairs, servicing, and replacement.
FAQs: Rinnai Gas Heater Reset
How often should I need to reset my Rinnai gas heater?
Rarely. If you need to reset frequently, there is an underlying issue that needs professional attention rather than repeated resets.
Will a reset clear all error codes?
No. Some error codes will remain after a reset and require a repair to resolve. If the same code reappears after resetting, call a plumber.
Can I reset my Rinnai heater if it is still hot?
It is best to wait until the unit has cooled before attempting a reset.
Will a reset void my warranty?
Standard resets do not affect your warranty. Unauthorised repairs by unlicensed trades can void it: always use a licensed gas plumber for any repair work.
Why did my Rinnai gas hot water system suddenly turn off?
The most common cause of a sudden shutdown is overheating, which typically displays as Error Code 16. Check for blocked air intake or exhaust vents as a first step.
Is my Rinnai still under warranty?
The Infinity Series has a 12-year heat exchanger warranty and 3-year parts and labour from the installation date. Check your paperwork or contact Rinnai Australia to confirm.
RSP: Rinnai Hot Water Specialists in Sydney
Rapid Service Plumbing’s licensed team handles Rinnai repairs, servicing, and replacements across Sydney, 24 hours a day. We carry a wide range of Rinnai parts and can often repair on the first visit.
Contact us for a free quote or an urgent same-day inspection.
Key Takeaways
- The current Rinnai Infinity range includes the 16, 20, 26, 32, and 28i Internal; the B Series offers identical performance at a lower price point without the LED display
- Warranty: 12-year heat exchanger (Infinity), 10-year (B Series); 3-year parts and labour on both; up to 25-year extended with a service plan
- Error codes: 11 (ignition), 12 (flame), 14 (overheat), 16 (over-temp), 32 (sensor), 61 (fan): note the code before resetting
- Repair costs in Sydney: $200 to $600 for most common repairs; full replacement from $1,500 installed
- Reset alone rarely fixes recurring problems: if the same code reappears, a repair is needed
- Rinnai vs Rheem vs Bosch: Rinnai leads on temperature precision and heat exchanger warranty; Rheem offers the widest range; Bosch suits compact installs
- Annual servicing is the most reliable way to prevent breakdowns and protect your warranty
Rapid Service Plumbing is a licensed gas hot water specialist available 24/7 across Sydney for Rinnai repairs, servicing, and installation.
