Rheem Metro
Verified17 reviews
Don't install a Rheem! – My wife was conned into getting one of these by a plumber and I agreed by SMS because I was working remotely and couldn't talk turkey with the people myself. The unit takes way too long to wake up. Hence the money you save on gas storage costs will be spent on water wastage bills. Ridiculous cost for what it is, obviously marked up according to… Read more
the "savings" that you are supposed to be banking on gas. Well, let's see how long the thing lasts - it will need to see out the warranty and then some to get the dollars back.
Needs a powerpoint installed - extra $$$...
The biggest gripe is that the unit is simply not fit for purpose. Their claim is that the unit complies with the Australian standard, not exceeding 50 degrees so they set it to 48! I understand this is possibly to allow for ambient variation, but you have got to be kidding me. 48 degrees gives me 47 at the first outlet, about 43 at the last outlet. Our last storage heater gave very nice (50 degree tempered) water at the first outlet and believe me that 3 degrees makes a big difference...
Three year life span - that's it - buy something else - indifferent customer service – Long story short, this unit (or I assume any other Rheem system) cannot go the distance and Rheem won't own its weaknesses. Plus, Rheem refused to touch our unit when it did break, even though we would have paid for the repair. They left us without hot water for at least four business days following a site visit before we just replaced the unit… Read more
after one whole week without hot water (we have two young children). Story: We bought this hot water system on 13/12/2018. It broke on 13/02/2022 - two months out of the parts warranty. We ran our unit as part of a circulated ring main system and used a timer so that the unit did not run 24 hours a day, as per the manual. The turbine in the water body died on 13/02/2022. I'll give Rheem credit here. I called them at 7:00pm on 13/02 and a very professional technician attended our property the following day (14/02). On 14/02, the technician could not find the source of our fault. He called his supervisor and the supervisor used the manual for a more current unit to argue that the circulated ring main system was 'out of spec' for our system. As such, Rheem refused to touch the unit further. We were left out of pocket $143 for the call out, and still with no hot water. Here's the thing. The manual for our unit mentions nothing about our unit not being suitable for a circulated ring main system. Manuals for more current units may well specify this, but no such caveats are offered for our unit. Also, how weak is that? Ring main systems reduce water usage and are installed in many new homes. Rheem is not designing products that suit this modern application. I emailed Rheem on the evening of 14/02 to appeal this treatment. I made it clear we still had no hot water. They replied the following day (15/02) stating that the matter had been escalated to management. No response as of 20/02/2022. To get us out of our bind, we bought a used Chromagen instant hot water system from Facebook Marketplace for $60 (maybe 6-7 years old) and a plumber/gasfitter friend installed it today (20/02). Works beautifully. We feel let down by Rheem because they wouldn't cover our 2 months out of warranty unit. Plus, they charged us $143 to come to our house and assert false claims about our unit, and then left us without hot water. Other than their efficient call out service, Rheem should be avoided. A 7 year old second hand unit from a budget brand performs better than what was at the time one of Rheem's flagship products.
Stopped working within 3 years after installation – Rheem Metro 26 Max was installed by builder as a new home and land package. Currently there system has completely stopped working . No water flow, no power display on unit. Show details
Not Recommended, poor quality, poor after sales – Had our Rheem metro max 26 fitted when we built our new home and moved in July 2017. Initially was good keeping up with demand with only one minor gripe it would take a fair bit of time to get the water hot. Recently the system failed, leaking water inside the unit causing electrical issues and requiring the complete unit to be replaced. After… Read more
contacting Rheem and them confirming it's the unit that failed and had to be replaced under warranty we were informed we have to pay the labour of $350 to have the unit replaced. I feel this is pretty poor considering I am now out of pocket for a system Rheem essentially agree has failed due to their poor build / manufacturing quality.
I would not recommend these units as it seems they're built to fail to make Rheem some extra money. After this "new one" fails it will be replaced with another Brand.
We didnt have a choice as it was fitted with the new house build, but If your in the market for a new hot water system do your homework, you can do better then the Rheem.
Dear Brian We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more
Repeated error codes after three months – After two months of use, the unit started repeatedly showing error code 76 and not producing hot water. It could be cleared by turning the unit off but the problem would return within a day. The plumber who installed it advised that he also had this problem on his own unit and on others. Rheem technician came out promptly and added a ?chip to… Read more
hopefully fix the problem which was good. However, my issue is that Rheem should not be selling a product with what would seem to be a known issue. This unit is being sold widely including at Bunnings. Not really fair for the unsuspecting buyer.
Buyer beware – This commentary has been previously shared with the CHOICE community, and I have not amended the item for this website. "In November 2019, I had occasion to contribute to the topic “Replacing Gas Hot Water and Heating”. My observation was” I changed from a gas continuous (?) hot water system to a gas instantaneous hot water system for a cost of… Read more
$1320. Massive reduction in gas cost! Only downside is the 10-15 sec delay for the hot water to arrive.” Fast forward to January 2021, or as Rheem Australia would say, 10 months outside warranty period. (except for heat exchanger). No hot water, indeed no water from hot water tap on three occasions in seven days. I have my local, and trusted, plumber come on two occasions (at $121 per occasion) who flushes system and cleans filter. Eventually decide to contact Rheem Australia regarding possible warranty issues and Rheem arrange to get their only accredited Rheem Plumber in Wagga Wagga to investigate. On 18 Jan 2021 Plumber is able to diagnose issue over the phone without inspecting unit and advises replacement of a certain part. (Even did not need a video stream). Quoted $385. I ask how long before replacement part will be available and here, I’m truly blessed because he has the part available and can be at my place in 30 minutes. I do admit to some hesitation at this point, as sight unseen a remedy is available and an expensive part is on hand. However, he advises it is not an uncommon issue with Wagga Wagga’s hard water and even though the suggestion of known issue and fit for purpose considerations flash through my mind I agree for the Rheem authorised plumber to replace part. Price quoted is exclusive of GST so total bill is $423.50. Add $242 for my previous own Plumber’s visits and I have just outlaid a further 50.4% of original purchase price for a gas instantaneous hot water system not yet four years old. I did keep the part replaced, being, in my eyes, pristine. To my question to the Rheem Plumber about how good are Rheem I am advised that the Rheem authorised Plumber was once one employed by Rheem, and yes, they did have issues with a batch of 2016 manufactured units. How good does this get? My unit was manufactured in (drum roll) 2016 but installed on 1 March 2017. After two days of discomfort, I ring Rheem warranty people on 20 Jan 2021 and I am put through to their customer service representative for the day, [Name Removed], as [Name Removed] is away. At [Name Removed] request, I email copies of the authorised Rheem plumbers’ invoice and proof of payment of same. Over phone service was excellent and the requests made to provide documentation encouraging. Foolishly I anticipated a reply phone call on the following day. Today, 4 working days later I attempt to ring [Name Removed] but can only leave a message. You guessed it, no subsequent phone call. So, what does one do, having previously advised fellow Choice members of the benefit of a continuous flow gas water heater system. The unit I bought was a 26 litre Rheem."
PS Water temperature is inconsistent, and takes 15 secs. plus to deliver heated water.
Dear Rabbit We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more (+3 replies)
Not happy with this product – It broke down under 5 years. I emailed Rheem. No warranty cover at all. They sent me a service man to check. There is nothing he can do. I was asked to get a new HWU. Show details
Dear Wun, We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more
A faultless system – It comes with the house and land packaging. We have a little worry about it at first after seeing too many negative comments here, but to be honest the system runs so fine, hot water run so smooth when activated. The only issue is we have to wait more than 20s to get the first hot water in the bathroom’s sink in the morning, we don’t have to wait… Read more · 1
that much after that but we wish to change it to a little sooner. Anyone knows how please let us know. Otherwise, it’s a good system to go.
Brilliant Gas Hot Water Systems – These Gas Instantaneous Hot Water Systems from Rheem are really great and I can highly recommend them - no lie! I have been a Gas Installer for 30 years and I can honestly say that these systems are super reliable and great value for money. I see some negative comments posted about these units, but I can promise you that we have never had any… Read more
problems with them and have found them to provide reliable hot water - but only if installed correctly!!
There are too many so-called 'Gas Fitters' out there that take short cuts and therefore undercutting other companies in order to win jobs, often the way they do this is to ignore the fact that Gas Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems MUST be installed with the correct pipe size - otherwise they simply will cause you trouble (regardless of the brand).
Often we come across installations where the previous 'Gas Fitter' has removed an old system that can be operated on a smaller sized pipe, this can lead to issues with the undersupply of gas with newer or completely different models altogether.
e.g. Typically, Gas Storage Hot Water Systems cannot simply be swapped over for a Continuous Flow system without upgrading the Gas Supply piping. This is a common scenario where the customer would not know that the previous so called Gas Fitter has not done his job properly as there is hot water at the 'test tap' (often the kitchen tap) when the system has just been installed.
The minute there is more than one hot water tap run simultaneously is often when problems arise, but by then the Gas Fitter has been paid and often won't come back to fix this issue.
Don't be fooled by the negative Reviews, just make sure that the installer can prove that they have calculated the Gas Supply correctly (we do this) - it is not difficult!
Are we just lucky?? – We have 2 of the Metro Max 16 litres/ min continuous flow water heaters installed on our 3 year old home and to be honest we were nervous (after looking at the bad reviews) when the builder told us this was their standard heater and have had good results. Well after 3 years I am pleasantly surprised at the performance of these units. (1 for the… Read more
ensuite and 1 for the kitchen, laundry and main bathroom) We have plenty of water pressure in the shower (rainwater and pressure pump) and its too hot to just have it on full hot so need to add cold to make it comfortable. We have full flow shower heads but surprisingly the shower can be run on half flow without the hot water turning off from lack of water flow which is great as our only supply of water is rainwater (90 000 litres has to last 6-8 months). The only annoying thing is if there is a power outage the wall controllers need to be reset to be able to get hot water (bit of a pain if you dont notice before getting into the shower and waiting for the hot water to come and then realize the controller is off). Im needing a replacement for a rental property and would go this one again if it wasn't discontinued. (currently has a Bosch Hydro which has been pretty good.....also has bad reviews??) Maybe im just lucky???
Sold a pup! – Similar experience to prior reviews. Since installing this unit the water pressure drops to nearly nothing for 20-30 seconds then dribbles at Luke warm and eventually gets hot. The plumber who sold it was pushy. The next plumber who came in said it had an issue. I called Rheem and the guy came and said that was normal!! It is not normal to spend… Read more
$1500 on a heater that doesn’t heat and reduces water pressure. Want to return this for a refund please Raheem!
Hi James, Our customer service team would like to… Read more (+5 replies)
Unable to contact a representative – Firstly, the response received does not have an email address to make contact with Rheem. Secondly, for what reason do I require Facebook. Here’s my phone number to ensure a simpler response from a Rheem customer representative- 0414136333- My email- seanmould.yahoo.com.au This is a disgrace at the highest level.. The description of this… Read more
product is nothing but LIES, there has been deliberately no disclosure on the products limitations..
I’m in the process of accumulating enough signatures, written complaints and testimonies from disgruntled customers all of whom have experienced same and similar..
I will be posting negativities regard this product to social media.
Hi Sean, We are sorry to hear about your situation. We… Read more
Not happy – Very disappointed with this unit Just ran out of warranty. Called Rheem service they charged me call out fee and and still problem wasn’t fixed . Called Rheem again to check they never got back to me. Being a builder not buying this product and recommending it to anyone. Says 10 years warranty Show details
Hi Duran, Our customer service team would like to… Read more
Find out how Rheem Metro compares to other Gas Continuous Hot Water Systems
Know better, choose better.
This should not have been allowed to be sold!!! – Purchased on recommendation from a plumber, huge mistake. In hindsight I believe he may have got kick backs from selling this rubbish.. When first used it was immediately noticeable the low temperature and the long long time before it was heated, called the installer who said he'll be back the following day, never heard from him again.. It is a… Read more
disgrace that such a product could be sold. I'm able to tolerate the low temperature, but the low pressure and length of time to heat is wholly unacceptable.. I will endeavour to inform everyone and anyone NOT to purchase a Rheem brand hot water system..Rheem should attempt everything at it's disposal to fix this issue.. My buyers of new blocks of land should be glad when I suggest anything else but a Rheem... NOT HAPPY AT ALL!!
Dear Sean, We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more
Not happy about not having any hot water during power outage – We recently had a Power Outage and had no Hot Water. These new Systems are not good at these times. As the system runs off an electric Pilot system it stops Gas being provided for Appliances. I couldn't even use the Stove as all gas seems to run through this.Is there another way it works when Power goes out. Show details
Hi Digger, We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more
Rheem Metro 26 Max DO NOT BUY THIS HOT WATER SYSTEM – Week 1: We got Metro 26 Max for a week now. Totally disappointed in the kitchen mixer tap. Supposedly hot water cannot even move the roasted lamb fat off the dinner plates. It is just lukewarm without mixing cold water from tap. Contacted Rheem and they advised to speak to the plumber who put it in. Rheem don't care. They only care if all taps in… Read more
house arent getting enough hot temperature water.
Week 2: The plumber installed the Rheem Metro 26 Max has tested the temperature at our kitchen tap this week and it was 47deg. But I tell ya! it is bloody luke warm. It's only just okay to wash cups & mugs after your tea & coffee. Forget about pushing greasy stuff off your plates/fry pans. If I had known this would happen I would never consider this hot water system. It is 5 or 6 Stars Energy Saving unit but bloody oath you wasted so much water going to into the drain hole to wait for warm water to come thru. Plus, boiling the kettles to get hot water to wash - I cannot see the real benefit of this Continuous Flow by Rheem. This unit definitely does not meet my family needs in the past two weeks and needing to sort this problem out now before next winter. We regretted the purchase of this Rheem Metro Max 26 very much and thinking of going back to the gas hot water tank.
Hi Victor, We are sorry to hear about your experience and… Read more
Wasted money. usless . False advertising – Unit advertised 26 lpm. What it really is is 16lpm at a rise of 45c. If you want 60c water, it puts out 11 lpm which rheem states is ok for 3 bathrooms. 1 shower uses 9 litres so what are the other 2 rooms using. False advertising. Still waiting for rheem to reply which they told me was 1 day . Didnt happen Show details
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Dear Walter We are sorry to hear about your experience… Read more