Reliance 6-Year Water Heater Troubleshooting

The Short Answer: Reliance is an A. O. Smith brand. Model numbers start with the warranty years and the gallons, so a “6-40-…” heater is a 6-year, 40-gallon tank. Start by identifying whether yours is gas or electric. Gas models with a status light report faults by flash count; electric models usually come down to the breaker, an element, or a thermostat. Water on the floor needs its source traced.

Reading the model number

The rating plate on the side of the heater shows the full model number. On Reliance heaters the first number is the warranty in years and the next is the capacity in gallons. For example, Reliance lists a 6-30-NOCT 400 (opens in a new tab) as a 30-gallon heater with a 6-year warranty. The letters that follow describe the fuel and configuration, and the trailing number identifies the series. If you are searching for a “606” heater, use the full number from your rating plate to find its manual through Reliance or A. O. Smith support (opens in a new tab).

The serial number tells you its age. See how to tell a water heater’s age.

Gas models

Reliance atmospheric gas heaters use a thermopile-powered gas control with a status light. Many problems announce themselves there:

• No light: the pilot is out or the control is off. See Reliance status light not blinking.
• One flash: normal operation. If water is still cold, look at demand, the temperature setting, or a dip tube problem.
• Two or more flashes: a specific fault (low thermopile voltage, overheat, sensor, flammable vapor, and others). The label on the heater lists the meanings for your model.
• Pilot won’t light: see Reliance water heater won’t light.

Electric models

Standard Reliance electric tanks have two elements, each with its own thermostat, and a high-limit cutoff on the upper thermostat.

For more, see water heater element not working.

Leaks

Trace water to its source before assuming the worst. Dry the area, then watch where fresh water appears.

• Drain valve at the bottom front: often a minor fix.
• Relief valve or its discharge pipe: pressure or temperature problem. See pressure relief valve leaking on a new water heater.
• Top connections: fittings or connectors.
• From the tank body or under the jacket: the tank has failed and needs replacement.

See why water leaks from the bottom of a tank for a fuller guide.

What you can check safely

• Read the rating plate: fuel type, gallons, and model number.
• On gas models, record the status light pattern, confirm the gas supply valve is open, and keep the air intake and area around the heater clear.
• On electric models, check the breaker and reset it once if tripped.
• Check the temperature setting on the outside of the control.
• Note where any water is coming from.

What the technician will check

On gas models a technician reads the status code, measures thermopile output, and inspects the pilot, burner, and flame arrestor. On electric models they isolate power and test the elements and thermostats. For leaks they check house water pressure, the expansion tank, and the relief valve before condemning the tank.

Repair or replace

Most parts on a 6-year Reliance (elements, thermostats, gas controls, thermopiles, drain and relief valves) are replaceable. If the tank leaks, or the heater is past its warranty with heavy corrosion and repeated failures, replacement is usually more sensible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 6 in my Reliance model number mean? A: On Reliance heaters, the leading number is the warranty length in years. The number after it is the tank size in gallons.

Q: Where do I find the manual for my Reliance? A: Use the full model number from the rating plate to look up the manual through Reliance or A. O. Smith support.

Q: My Reliance is 8 years old and leaking from the bottom. Is it worth repairing? A: If the drain valve or a fitting is the source, yes. If water is coming from the tank itself, it needs replacing.