Skip to content
Appliance Error Codes

C13 Error on Rheem XE80T12ES45U0 Electric Water Heater — Fix Guide

Error C13 on Rheem : High-limit (ECO) safety switch tripped. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this electric-water-heater issue. ## What Error Code C13 Means on a Rheem XE80T12ES45U0 Error C13 on the XE80T12ES45U0 indicates the Energy Cut-Off (ECO) high-limit safety device has tripped, cutting off power to the heating elements or gas valve. This occurs when water temperature exceeds approximately 180°F (82°C). When C13 appears, the Rheem electric water heater pauses normal operation to protect internal components from potential damage. Not every C13 fault requires a professional engineer — many are resolved through careful inspection and routine maintenance. Work through each diagnostic step below in sequence, starting with the simplest check, to identify the root cause efficiently before considering part replacement or arranging a service call. ## Symptoms - No hot water; C13 or ECO fault code

  • Reset button visible on upper thermostat (electric models)
  • Control board shows high-limit fault LED
  • Tank may have been extremely hot before shutdown ## Common Causes - High-limit (ECO) safety switch tripped ## Tools You May Need - Flathead screwdriver (for ECO reset)
  • Multimeter ## Step-by-Step Repair Guide | Step | Action | Result | |------|--------|--------| | 1 | Turn off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. | Done — continue to step 2 if the issue persists. | | 2 | Allow the tank to cool for at least 30 minutes. | Done — continue to step 3 if the issue persists. | | 3 | Remove the upper thermostat access panel and locate the ECO reset button (red button). | Done — continue to step 4 if the issue persists. | | 4 | Press the reset button firmly until you hear a click. | Done — continue to step 5 if the issue persists. | | 5 | Restore power and test for hot water. If C13 trips again quickly, the thermostat or heating element is faulty and requires replacement. | Done — if the fault remains, contact a qualified technician. | ## Safety Precautions Risk of scalding — water above 120°F (49°C) can cause burns in seconds. Allow the tank to cool before working on it. ## Estimated Repair Time and Difficulty Most electric water heater error code C13 faults can be assessed and addressed in 30–90 minutes using the steps above. The diagnostic process requires only basic tools: a multimeter and standard screwdrivers cover the majority of checks described here. If a replacement part is required, allow 1–5 working days for delivery. A trained technician with access to the correct diagnostic equipment will typically resolve this type of fault within a single service visit. ## When to Call a Technician Contact a Rheem authorised service technician if: the fault persists after following all the steps above; if PCB-level or refrigerant-circuit work is required; or if you are not comfortable working with electrical or mechanical components. When calling, have the full model number, the error code displayed, and a brief description of any sounds or symptoms you noticed before the fault appeared — this helps the technician prepare the correct parts and tools. ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why does the ECO trip? The ECO trips when tank water exceeds ~180°F. Common causes: stuck open heating element (always on), faulty thermostat that doesn’t cycle off, or a thermostat set to the maximum position. Q: How many times can I reset the ECO? The ECO is a one-time thermal fuse on some models (requires replacement after tripping). On other models it is a resettable switch. Repeated tripping indicates an underlying fault that must be repaired. ### Is it safe to keep using my Rheem with error C13? If error C13 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the electric-water-heater with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error C13 on a Rheem ? Repair costs for error C13 on the Rheem electric-water-heater depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Rheem-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code C13 mean on a Rheem electric-water-heater? Error code C13 on Rheem electric-water-heater models indicates High-limit (ECO) safety switch tripped. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue. ### Is it safe to keep using my Rheem with error C13? If error C13 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the electric-water-heater with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error C13 on a Rheem ? Repair costs for error C13 on the Rheem electric-water-heater depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Rheem-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code C13 mean on a Rheem electric-water-heater? Error code C13 on Rheem electric-water-heater models indicates High-limit (ECO) safety switch tripped. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.