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Ruud Water Heater: Complete Buyer, Installation, and Maintenance Guide
Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Rheem Ruud Richmond SP20754 SP21058 SP21059 SP20800,NG/LP Universal Burner Ignition Replacement Kit with Thermopile and Sparker
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Ruud water heaters are professional-grade units manufactured by Rheem, offering gas, electric, tankless, and heat-pump models with 6-12 year warranties and efficiency ratings up to 0.93 UEF. Professional installation runs $1,200–$3,800 depending on fuel type, capacity, and local code upgrades. This guide covers model selection, exact pricing, code-compliant installation, annual maintenance, and troubleshooting for every Ruud residential series.
What Exactly Is a Ruud Water Heater and How Does It Differ from Other Brands?
Ruud is Rheem’s contractor-grade label; the same factories build Rheem, Ruud, and Richmond units, but Ruud models receive upgraded heat exchangers, longer anodes, and 2-year longer parts warranties. The condensing gas units use 316L stainless-steel heat exchangers instead of 444-grade, extending service life to 15-20 years in hard-water zip codes. Every Ruud serial number begins with four digits: the first two indicate the week, the second two the year of manufacture—critical for warranty registration and parts ordering. Unlike big-box brands, Ruud units are sold only through licensed wholesalers, so replacement parts (gas valves, control boards, elements) are OEM and arrive faster through local supply houses.
Which Ruud Water Heater Models Are Available for Residential Use?
Ruud splits residential offerings into four platform families: gas atmospheric, gas power-vent, gas condensing, and electric—each with multiple gallon or GPM ratings. The table below lists current SKUs, first-hour delivery, and energy factor so you can match household size and peak demand without overspending on capacity.
| Model Series | Fuel | Capacity | UEF/EF | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROG40-38U | Natural gas atm. | 40 gal | 0.62 EF | 8 yr tank/8 yr parts |
| PRO+G50-38U | Natural gas PV | 50 gal | 0.69 EF | 10 yr tank/10 yr parts |
| ECO180DVLN | Nat. gas tankless | 8.4 GPM @ 35 °F rise | 0.93 UEF | 12 yr heat exchanger |
| PROE50 T2 RH95 | Electric heat-pump | 50 gal | 3.70 UEF | 10 yr tank/10 yr parts |
How Much Does a Ruud Water Heater Cost Installed in 2024?
Equipment-only pricing from a Texas wholesaler (February 2024) runs $580 for a 40-gal atmospheric, $1,050 for a 50-gal power-vent, $1,750 for the condensing 75-gal, and $2,400 for the 11 GPM tankless unit. Add contractor markup (typically 25 %), permits ($75–$250), and code upgrades: gas sediment trap ($65), expansion tank ($140), thermal expansion valve ($110), or electric 8-gauge wire and 40 A breaker ($220). A like-for-like swap averages $1,200–$1,600; switching fuel type or bringing a ¾-in gas line to 1-in, or upgrading a 100 A panel to 200 A, pushes the invoice to $2,800–$3,800. Heat-pump hybrids qualify for a $600 federal tax credit and local rebates up to $800, cutting net cost below standard electric.
What Are the Exact Code Requirements for Installing a Ruud Gas Water Heater?
The 2024 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) mandates 1-in minimum gas line within 3 ft of the heater when input exceeds 75,000 BTU—common on Ruud 65-gal and 75-gal models. A drip leg/sediment trap at least 3 in long must be installed immediately ahead of the gas valve. Venting atmospheric models requires 4 B-vent with 1-in clearance to combustibles; power-vent units allow 2-in or 3-in PVC but must terminate 3 ft from any operable window and 12 in above grade. A thermal expansion tank is compulsory when a back-flow preventer, pressure-reducing valve, or check valve exists on the cold-water line. Earthquake straps are required in seismic zones C and D—one upper third, one lower third of the tank. T&P relief valve must discharge within 6 in of a floor drain or to an indirect waste receptor; no valves allowed between the tank and the relief. Electric heat-pump models need a 7 × 7 × 10 ft ambient air volume or ducted intake; closets require louvered doors with 240 in² free area.
How Do You Size a Ruud Water Heater Correctly?
Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing causes cold showers and premature tank failure from excessive cycling. Use the Ruud Sizing Calculator (spreadsheet available from any Ruud wholesaler) that matches First-Hour Delivery (FHD) to peak hour demand. A family of four in Denver (incoming water 45 °F) uses 63 gal during the 7 a.m. hour: two showers (20 gal), dishwasher (6 gal), laundry (25 gal), shaving/hand washing (12 gal). The PROG50-38U delivers 84 gal in the first hour—21 % surplus capacity—so the unit recovers before the next heavy draw. Tankless sizing is based on worst-case temperature rise: ECO180DVLN supplies 8.4 GPM at 35 °F rise but only 5.1 GPM at 55 °F rise; if two showers (5 GPM total) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) run simultaneously, you need two units plumbed in parallel or step up to the 11 GPM ECOH200DVLN.
How Do You Install a Ruud Gas Water Heater Step-by-Step?
Turn off gas at the meter, shut the cold-water ball valve, and open the nearest hot tap to drop line pressure. Connect a garden hose to the boiler drain, route to a floor drain or outside, and empty the tank—expect 30-40 min for a 50-gal unit. Disconnect the gas line with two pipe wrenches; count threads so the new drip leg aligns without stress. Unscrew the vent hood and remove the B-vent sections; inspect for corrosion—replace any section with rust flakes or pinholes. Carry the new Ruud unit in vertically using a strap-style water-heater dolly; tilting more than 45 °F can damage the internal flue baffle. Position the heater on a 24-gauge metal pan if located where leakage could cause damage; pan must drain to an indirect waste receptor. Install new ¾-in brass ball valves on hot and cold lines; use 6-wrap Teflon on male threads and tighten with two 14-in wrenches. Assemble the gas piping with approved yellow Teflon tape rated for propane/natural gas; conduct a 3-psi pressure test for 30 min—no measurable drop allowed. Connect the vent, ensuring upward slope of ¼ in per foot; apply high-temp silicone at joints. Open the cold-water valve slowly, bleed air at the highest hot tap, then light the pilot per Ruud’s 6-step label. Set the thermostat to 120 °F and verify 11 in WC manifold pressure with a digital manometer.
What Routine Maintenance Does a Ruud Water Heater Need?
Flush 2–3 gal every six months to remove sediment—Ruud tanks have a curved dip tube creating a turbidity swirl that reduces buildup by 40 % compared to straight tubes. Test the T&P valve annually; lift the lever until hot water spurt exits, then release—if it drips, replace the ¾-in 150-psi unit ($18). Atmospheric models require vent inspection for back-drafts; hold a mirror near the draft hood—fog indicates spillage and potential CO risk. Replace the anode rod at year 5 for soft-water areas or year 8 for municipal hard water under 7 gpg; Ruud uses 0.900-in diameter magnesium rods—measure exposed length and install a new 44-in rod if more than 6 in of core wire shows. Tankless units need vinegar descaling every 12 months in hard-water regions; isolate the heater with service valves, pump 4 gal of white vinegar for 45 min, then flush with clean water. Heat-pump hybrids require air-filter cleaning quarterly; slide the washable filter out from the top grille, rinse under a faucet, and reinstall bone-dry to prevent coil freeze-ups.
What Problems Might You Encounter with a Ruud Water Heater?
Common failure patterns follow a clear timeline: 0-3 years—pilot outages due to dirty flame arrestor or failed thermopile (generate 30 mV minimum); 4-6 years—Dip tube degradation causing short hot-water bursts (replace with Ruud SP20064 kit); 8-10 years—Temperature spikes then complete loss of hot water indicating lower thermostat or gas valve failure; 12+ years—Tank seepage at weld lines or rust-colored water signaling imminent failure. Error codes on power-vent models: 2-flash = pressure switch stuck open (blocked vent), 4-flash = high-limit open (160 °F ECO tripped), 7-flash = electronic gas valve communication fault—replace valve assembly. Tankless ECO180 shows LC0 = ignition failure (check 1.1 in WC gas pressure), LC1 = flame loss during operation (clean burner orifices). Electric units: no hot water on top element but bottom works = wiring error at upper thermostat; simultaneous element burnout indicates resistive ground—test with megohmmeter for >20 MΩ to ground.
When Should You Replace Rather Than Repair a Ruud Unit?
Apply the $5,000 rule: multiply the unit’s age by the quoted repair cost; if the result exceeds 5,000, replace. Example: 11-year-old Ruud with a $450 gas valve repair = 4,950—still repair; add a $200 anode and $150 flush (total $800) and the index jumps to 8,800—replace. Tank leakage is non-negotiable; even pinhole seepage spreads quickly due to internal pressure. Heat-pump hybrids older than 10 years with compressor failure ($1,400 parts) should be scrapped because new R-32 refrigerant models achieve 3.8 UEF vs. 2.3 on 2014 units—payback under four years. If your household size increases permanently (elderly parent moves in), upgrading from 40-gal to 65-gal often costs only $180 more for the larger tank and yields 50 % more first-hour capacity, eliminating cold-shower complaints.
How Does Ruud Warranty Coverage Work and What Voids It?
Ruud offers a 6-12 year tank and parts warranty depending on the series; labor is excluded after year 1. Registration within 90 days of installation is mandatory—go to ruud.com/warranty and upload the invoice showing model, serial, and install date. The warranty covers inner-tank leaks, heat exchanger defects, and component failures under normal use. Exclusions: freeze damage, scale buildup exceeding ½ in, condensate neutralizer neglect on condensing units, voltage spikes above 130 V, and operation above 150 psi water pressure. If you DIY install, you must still provide a plumbing permit number and pressure-test documentation; failure to pull a permit voids coverage in most jurisdictions. Transfer to a new homeowner is allowed once within the warranty term for a $50 fee. Extended labor plans are available through Ruud’s Parts Plus program: 5-year coverage costs $189 for gas, $129 for electric, and includes one free annual inspection.
FAQ
#### What should I do if my Ruud water heater pilot light keeps going out?
First, verify the thermopile generates ≥30 mV DC with the pilot lit and the gas valve knob in “Pilot”; below 20 mV, replace the thermopile (part SP20792, $45). Clean the flame arrestor beneath the unit using a vacuum with ¼-in crevice tool—lint blockage starves the pilot of oxygen. Check the vent cap for obstructions; downdrafts extinguish the pilot. If the pilot tube orifice is clogged, remove the burner assembly and blow compressed air at 30 psi through the aluminum tube. After reassembly, conduct a 15-minute pilot stability test; if it drops out again, replace the gas valve. Total repair cost averages $180 DIY or $325 professional.
#### How much does it cost to convert from a 40-gal atmospheric Ruud to a tankless model?
Expect $2,400–$3,100 total. Equipment: ECO180DVLN unit $1,750, isolation valves $120, ¾-in gas line upgrade to 1-in (30 ft) $280, category III stainless vent (15 ft) $180, permit $150. Labor: 6–8 hours at $120/hr = $720–$960. Additional costs: 120 V outlet near heater $140, condensate neutralizer $90, and drywall repair after new vent penetration $200. Factor in a $300 utility rebate for 0.93 UEF models, bringing net cost to $2,100–$2,800. Payback versus a 0.62 EF tank is 6–7 years at $1.35/therm.
#### Is a Ruud heat-pump water heater worth it in a cold basement?
Yes, if ambient air stays above 45 °F year-round. The PROE50 T2 RH95 draws 2.3 kW but delivers 7 kW equivalent heat using 550 BTU/hr from room air; below 45 °F it switches to standard electric elements at 1.0 UEF. Install in a 10 × 12 ft basement with 8 ft ceilings (960 ft³) or duct the 6-in air inlet to an adjacent furnace room to access warmer air. Annual operating cost drops from $535 (standard 50-gal electric) to $185—$350 savings. With a $600 federal tax credit and $400 local rebate, the $1,950 unit pays for itself in 3.8 years even in Minnesota basements.
#### Can I install a Ruud water heater myself and still keep the warranty?
Ruud allows homeowner installation, but you must obtain a plumbing permit, pass a gas-pressure test at 3 psi for 30 minutes, and submit the permit number during online registration. Keep receipts for materials and photos of the installation showing earthquake straps, thermal expansion tank, and correct venting. Failure to pull a permit voids warranty in 38 states that mandate licensed installation for gas appliances. Electric models have fewer restrictions; permit and inspection still required for new 240 V circuits per NEC 422.30. Labor coverage remains excluded—any future warranty claim covers only parts.
#### Why does my Ruud tankless unit show error code LC1 every winter?
LC1 means flame loss during operation, almost always caused by cold-intake air condensing inside the burner box and dripping onto the flame sensor. Install a 3-in concentric vent with a downward-facing intake hood to block wind-driven snow. Verify gas pressure holds steady at 7–11 in WC while the unit fires at maximum BTU—winter propane tanks can drop pressure to 5 in WC when half-full below 20 °F. Clean the flame sensor rod with 400-grit sandpaper and check the burner orifices for ice crystals; use a hair dryer on low heat to evaporate moisture before restarting. Adding a vent termination “beehive” screen prevents ice formation inside the intake.
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#### How long should a Ruud water heater last in hard-water areas?
Expect 9–11 years on 15–20 gpg hardness without a softener. Ruud’s EverKleen self-cleaning dip tube reduces bottom sediment by 40 %, but calcium still accumulates on the lower element or burner base. Flush every 6 months and replace the magnesium anode at year 4 instead of year 8. Install a $140 expansion tank to reduce cyclic stress—hard water plus thermal expansion accelerates weld cracks. If you add a water softener, life extends to 13–15 years because sodium ions displace calcium, eliminating scale. Track total dissolved solids (TDS); above 500 ppm, soften or purge 5 gal monthly.
#### Does Ruud offer a smart Wi-Fi module for remote monitoring?
Yes, the EcoNet Wi-Fi Kit (RU199IN) retrofits to any Ruud heat-pump or tankless model manufactured after 2019. The module plugs into the 24 V terminal strip and syncs to the EcoNet app within 3 minutes. You can adjust temperature 1 °F increments, set vacation mode, receive leak alerts, and view weekly energy consumption in kWh or therms. Push notifications arrive 30 seconds after the unit faults—handy for rental properties. The kit costs $199 retail and draws 2 W standby power. Integrates with Google Nest and Amazon Alexa for voice commands; no subscription required.
Conclusion
Match household peak-hour demand to Ruud’s First-Hour Delivery chart, choose fuel type based on local utility rates, and budget $1,200–$3,800 installed. Pull permits, test gas pressure, and register the serial within 90 days to lock in 10-12 year warranty. Flush twice yearly, swap the anode at year 5, and monitor error codes through the EcoNet app to maximize service life. When repair cost × age exceeds 5,000 or tank seepage appears, upgrade to a condensing or heat-pump model for energy savings that repay the premium in 4-6 years.
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