41VRP50N Rheem 50 gal power vent

[PotRoastMan]

Model Number

41VRP50N

Brand

Age

More than 10 years

Water wasn't hot this morning, just warm. I checked the heater and it normally has a red blinking light and that was off. I turned it off, unplugged it, then back on and it fired up. It's the first time this has happened to me. But given it's age (from 2004), i'm wondering if something might be starting to go bad.. it is a power vent, 50 gal, gas.

question is, is it a common symptom?

i plan to wait to see if it happens again before considering replacement. I assume I would basically have to get same type of replacement, power-vent, gas, etc.. otherwise it is harder to replace with needing a larger electric outlet, or different type of chimney. Any thoughts on what to get as far as brand or model? Does a home depot special have same build quality as something that a professional would install?
50 gal has been OK with us, but we do run out if we fill the large bath tub.
i also would like to consider an emergency drain, like a drain pan, seems like a cheap insurance policy there.

Just doing a little homework here...

thanks.

 

[Jake]

Was the pilot OFF when this happened?

My neighbor needed a new GAS water heater, so we went to Lowe's in Buckeye, Arizona on Monday to buy one, we got a A.O. Smith 40 gal. I converted it from NATURAL GAS to LP GAS, and it fired right up.

These have a WHITE light that flashes 3 times in a row when its working normal.

We installed it ourselves, its super easy to do. But you do need 2 people, as water heaters are heavy.

Jake

 

[PotRoastMan]

It has an electric spark lighter. On mine normal operation is a constant blinking red light. I didn't notice the light blinking at all.
Glad to hear it's easy, it seems like it should be. I've never worked with natural gas though, but can't imagine that would be a problem. looks like everything is pressure fittings so it looks DIY-able...

Still working fine this morning, hopefully it was a fluke.
nothing is ever as easy as it should be though!

 

[Jake]

Ok, that spark module could be the problem.

Maybe it was just a fluke, cross your fingers.

Jake