Hi,
I have a 50 gal Rheem PwerVent gas water heater (Model # 21VP50-1) which has started to act up.
In past two months, I had to switch hot water heater off and on every few days in order for the main
burner to ignite and have hot water. Since yesterday, however, that does no longer work - The hot
surface ignitor glows and little bit later I hear the click for the gas value, but nothing happens (burner
does not ignite). I removed burner supply line, cleaned, and replaced but that didn't help either. What
is the most likely problem? Do I need to replace the gas valve?
By the way, the powervent fan keeps running even when burner is out.

Thanks in advace for any assitance,
Ed

Ed,
Having the same problem with the same unit. Were you able to find out what the problem was. Yours is the most recent post that I was able to find in a search and I figured you might know what the problem was. I just replaced my ignition control and it did not fix the problem. Vacuum switch and ignitor see to be working fine. I think it might be the gas valve, but don't want to spend more money if it isn't the problem. Thanks.
Pete

Hi Pete,

I replaced the gas valve but that didn't really work. Had the same problem first 24 hours. The following day I restart it again
And it came on and worked fine for rest of that day but stopped working again. I ended up replacing the heater. I spent
Over $200 for the new valve and extras and didn't want to waste any more money on a 15 years old unit. I saved both
Gas valves (new and the old) and if you still want to replace yours and don't have one yet, I let you have them both for $100.

Good luck,
Ed

Do you still have the gas valves? My heater is the 21VP50 rheem power vent. The Ignighter is new the ignition control is new. The ignighter comes on and then you hear the click for the gas and it starts to burn and then shuts off. I do not have the money for a new unit.