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Rinnai Sunmaster Range
Flat Plate System, Evacuated Tube System, Close Coupled SystemReviewer Photos & Videos
Bruce D.Wimmera, VIC
Terrible noise when using hot water
We’ve had the solar unit in for 8 months and the sacrificial anode has been replaced 3 times in the tank to try and combat the build up of pressure in the tank. To date this has not fixed the issue. We were told that we weren’t using enough hot water, so what happens when you go away for the weekend? The copper water pipes have changed colour due to the excessive heat and plastic around the solar return pipe has melted.
It seems that not enough research and development has gone into this product and we a paying the price for it.
Purchased at Tradelink .
2 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Bruce D.,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
JonoCanberra
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Unreliable product with a guarantee to fail multiple times
Having reliable Rinnai products in the past I thought I would fork out the money for the best efficient hot water system Rinnai offered. I purchased the Sunmaster with the evacuated tubes and instant gas booster. Boy was this a mistake..
The Bad - The system had issues from the day it was installed. Day 1- The first issue was the temperature sensor on the evacuated tube manifold was faulty. The sensor was indicating a high temperature all the time causing the circulating pump to run 24 hours a day. Day 35 - circulating pump started making...Read more
a whining noise so Rinnai replaced the pump. Day 89 - noticed the gas booster was running all the time. This would normally happen if there has been no sun for a few days however we have had sunny days for the past week. Discovered the pump to not be turning on during the day. The controller board was not turning on the circulating pump when the temperature sensor on the manifold reached a set temperature. Rinnai replaced controller board. 8 Months after install - another faulty temperature sensor on the evacuated tube causing the pump to run 24 hours a day. Approx 1 year 3 months after install - Gas booster running all the time again and no hot water in the tank. Another faulty controller. This time Rinnai replaced it with a completely different controller. 1 year 9 months - over pressure / temperature valve constantly flowing out scaling hot water..... The circulating pump was not turning off the the tank reached 70 degrees. Rinnai found the sensor in the tank to be faulty which they replaced. It's now been 2 years and 6 months and I'm dreading the day when it fails again. I have connected the instant gas booster to a remote switch so I can remotely turn on the booster if there is no hot water in the tank. This is the only way anyone can tell if the solar system is operational or not. Most people will have no idea their solar system is not operating as the gas or electric booster will completely mask these issues. Rinnai has a lot of quality issues with this system. The use of poor quality, not fit for purpose parts has ultimately lead to the multiple failures I have encountered. To date every component of the solar system has been replaced apart from the evacuated tubes. A thermal camera will quickly identify any issues there. The good- To be fair Rinnai has replaced all these items under warranty. My concern is once the warranty runs out will Rinnai come to the party? If you are reading this chances are you either have issues with your system and are looking for a solution or, you are in the market for a new efficient port quality solar hot water system or, you are Rinnai. I hope this review can assist you with repairing your system or, providing information to assist you into making a informed decision or, providing you with valuable product feedback. The issues I have encountered could be an isolated case however, reading other reviews I doubt this is the case. The review provided is factual and based on actual issues encountered and solutions to those issues.Purchased at ActewAGL for A$5,200.00.
2 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Jono,
Thank you for your review, as a trusted brand for over 50 years, Rinnai place a strong emphasis on the quality of our products and are always striving to improve our customer experience.... Read more
We have sent you a private message to discuss further. Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaHi Rinnai Australia,
Thank you for your prompt response to my review. Don't get me wrong, I've been a Rinnai customer for many many years and have had a great "customer experience" in the past but i... Read more
t seems someone really stuffed things up with this product. Rinnai's strong emphasis on the quality of the Sunmaster System must have been lost lost in translation between the design engineer and the manufacturing plant. Clearly I was not lucky enough to receive the 'quality' in my purchase. Most of your customers probably don't even know their solar hot water systems are not performing to the design specifications.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Rusty4Melbourne
- 6 reviews
Rubbish
We built a house and moved in November 2016 with this unit being installed brand new shortly after. Since then the Rinnai Sunmaster (Model: REU-VR1620WS-AK) has been in gradual decline. We first noticed the water starting to take longer and longer to heat up, then the water temperature started to decrease. Next we had an issue with an overflow valve which resulted in the constant flow of water. This was eventually fixed as it is a known fault but it took a couple of calls for them to acknowledge this and more wasted water which resulted in a ri...Read more
diculously high water bill. We then had to call Rinnai out again to get out another repair man to look at the issue with the water not heating up and the decline in temperature. By this stage the water was lukewarm and we had resorted to using a kettle for hot water. Turns out it was a problem with two filters that were dirty and needed to be replaced. The repairman said the unit is like a car and needs to be serviced regularly. So $225.00 later and now being advised that we need to have it serviced regularly with 2 people in the house and less than 4 years old...what a joke. We have had other HWS for years (one was over 10 years old) and never had to have it serviced. Stay clear of this model and Rinnai in general if this is their standard.Purchased in November 2016.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Rusty4,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai Sunmaster Range compares to other Solar Water Heaters
Know better, choose better.
Richard LSouth-Eastern Region, NSW
- 2 reviews
Still not working five years later
Five years on the unit still does not work and Rinnai seem to have their heads in the sand. The problem appears to be in the sensors, and the PCB. Don’t waste your money!!
Purchased in September 2015 for A$4,918.00.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Richard L,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
CameronGoulburn Valley, VIC
Very angry
Built new house in 2013 and installed rinnai evacuated tube solar hot water system, the system is 6.5 years old and the hot water cylinder has let go, it is leaking and has massive calcium build up inside, my plumber says don't worry warranty will cover, rinnai informs us it's not under warranty as older than 5 years, they basically said bad luck buy a new one, they have longer warrantys now, i got no where with them, they tried to blame our tank water which is not right, we previously lived 2 k's away in same street and had rheem cylinder in...Read more
stalled when we built, that lasted 14 years. Never rennai again, no support or help.photos of our 6.5 year old cylinder. People please use rheem or someone else, rennai is rubbish, they contacted 're my review today 2/3/20 and have said they can't help as 6.5 years is outside warranty and blamed our tank water which is a weak excuse, they don't help steer clear from rennai.Purchased in August 2013.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Cameron
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Rachael E.Southwest, VIC
2 Units failed within 4.5 years each. Rinnai not interested. Do not recommend.
Failed after 4.5yrs. Rusted at outlet. Replaced under warranty at cost of >$400. Second unit rusted at inlet &failed 4.5yrs later. Rinnai contacted on 3 occasions but totally unhelpful - not interested. Not a water supply issue. Awful & expensive experience.
Purchased in March 2010.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Rachael E,
We have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
BillCentral, SA
don't even consider buying this waste of money
initial unit,off peak electric boosted floor mounted 315 L tank with 25 evacuated tube solar collector installed before Christmas 2016,
Household of 4 adults,Port Pirie SA ,where the sun signs almost everyday,most days with careful shower timing can get 4 showers but add a visitor to stay or for lunch and usually run out of hot water and need to turn daylight electric boost on
never performed very well and had continuing list of problems,pumps,sensors,etc and eventually tank and some tubes replaced March 2019,
since then have complained about ...Read more
Purchased in November 2016 at McComb Plumbing for A$6,900.00.
3 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Bill,
Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. We would like to know more information about this. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along with y... Read more
our contact details and copy of this review to enquiry@rinnai.com.au, so we can endeavor to look into this further.just sent a message to the enquiry address
have sent 2 previous messages with no response
maybe I'll get a reply this time
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Bill,
We apologise that you are yet to receive a response. We have sent a private message with an alternative contact. ... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Worst service ever
My hot water woke up the neighborhood by making a high pitched whine / scream at 4 am. I used the pressure relief valve. The noise stopped. I let go and it returned. So i turned off the whole unit.
I ring rinnai. The first person will not accept my word that i have been in my house a bit over 12 months and the serial number first 4 digits of the serial number mean the unit was now over 2 years old. I needed the certificate of occupancy to show when i got the new house.
I rang back with certificate in hand. After 18 minutes on hold the woman sai...Read more
Purchased in April 2018.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Gerard,
Thank you for your review, we're sorry to hear about your experience. Rinnai place a strong emphasis on the quality of both our products and service. We are always striving to improve our ... Read more
customer experience and will pass your comments onto our Management team.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Richard LSouth-Eastern Region, NSW
- 2 reviews
- Sunmaster Range
- Verified purchase
Nothing but trouble
I purchased this system in September 2017. Since then I have had one tube failure and multiple problems with the pump and control system. The pump is supposed to circulate water from the storage tank through the roof evacuated tube collector when the water in the collector is warmer than the storage tank. Unfortunately the pump often runs all night cooling the hot water in the storage tank.
The controller has been replaced a number of times but the problem keeps recurring. Rinnai have been of no significant help other than in the early days of ...Read more
2 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Richard L,
Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear about your experience. If you would like us to look into this further, please contact us at enquiry@rinnai.com.au.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai AustraliaThank you for responding. I can be contacted on 0404047510 or lamacraft@bigpond.com
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai Sunmaster Range compares to other Solar Water Heaters
Know better, choose better.
Ken GrayFar North Queensland, QLD
Rinnai Equinox Hot Water SS330H2EXT
This is merely six years old and the tank is bulging and the external plastic has completely broken away. After 2 and a half weeks I cannot even get someone to look at it. Four calls to Rinnai "service" did not get thru. This company is extremely low on customer focus so we would not recommend anything with a Rinnai brand at all based on what happens when you call for help.
Purchased in August 2013 for A$6,000.00.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Ken,
Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. We would like to know more information about this. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along with yo... Read more
ur contact details and copy of this review to enquiry@rinnai.com.au, so we can endeavor to look into this further.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
RichardSouth-Eastern Region, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
- Sunmaster Evacuated Tube System
- Verified purchase
Unreliable not fit for purpose
My unit has now failed for the 9th time in 3 1/2 years. The problem seems to be in the design or manufacture of the pump control system. As a result at night the pumps moves the hot water from the tank and cools it down on the roof. Rinnai are totally unhelpful. The ad hoc solution has been to put a timer in the power supply to the pump so it cannot run at night. To make matters worse the problem is intermittent.
Purchased in September 2015 for A$4,918.00.
5 comments
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Richard,
Thanks for getting in touch, we're sorry to hear of your experience. We would like to know more information about this. Could you please send your unit model and serial number, along wit... Read more
h your contact details and copy of this review to enquiry@rinnai.com.au, so we can endeavor to look into this further.As usual no useful response from Rinnai
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your update. We have answered your email and have escalated this matter with our Senior technician.... Read more
Thanks, Rinnai Australia.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
ASMNortheast, VIC
- 3 reviews
- 7 likes
Don't Buy... Will not buy again. Pump Failure, Frost Valves Constantly leaking
18 Month old system was installed on new home and is on 3rd warranty call out. Frost valves leak & have been replaced twice, last set have not lasted 8 months. Pump failed tripping the circuit breaker shutting down all hot water supply in a drizzly cold Victorian evening in July and required our 6 month old daughter to be driven to friends house for several days for bathing until Rinnai sent out a technician to replace.
Requested support from Rinnai on full replacement system however pushed back onto technician suggesting they will provide a solution. Next step ACCC to request full replacement.
Purchased in April 2017.
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi ASM, we're sorry to hear about this and have sent a private message to discuss the matter further.
Thanks,
Rinnai Australia
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
RaviMelbourne
Worst product and very unfriendly customer service
It seems the company RINNAI has the policy of pushing their products hook and crook through the builders rather than delivering quality product that withstand changing weather conditions. More worse is their attitude on customer service. My solar hot water flat panel has burst this morning and despite several calls to 1300555545 the person is not registering the fault and does not provide reference number, simply saying that some would call me back. I am stuck now without hot water. It was a similar problem last year, ten days after booking...Read more
fault their personnel attended and said they have replaced one of the burst valves. If it is a quality product how does it become faulty in less than a year. If the company is doing thousands of installations in Melbourne suburbs as heard from their personnel why can't the company expand the service level at least during these worst weather events. Do not recommend RINNAI products to anyone.1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thank you for the review Ravi, we are sorry to hear of the issues you have faced with your solar hot water. We have introduced a call back service this year so our customer do not have to wait on hol... Read more
d to keep their position in the queue, it is this message you have heard on the 1300 555 545 number.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Bingo2676Kiewa
- Sunmaster Flat Plate System
- Verified purchase
Not designed for the intended purpose - Split Solar Hot Water Pannel
Well our second Solar Hot water panel has now started leaking just out of the 7 years warrant by 5 months, the first one started leaking in 2015 and was replaced under warranty. Now just after 3 years the replacement panel is now leaking water from the inside again onto the roof.
The system is a Sunmaster by Rinnai with two solar hot water panels on the roof with the Rinnai continuous flow gas boost, the system is not designed for the intended purpose.
A very poor product that should last more than 3 years without fail, I have been quoted $930 for a replacement panel without any labour. This should be still covered under warranty.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
I.JunarsaGreater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
Bad Product and Worst Service Support
I have a Rinnai Solar Hot Water Panel unit installed for less than 2 years by my builder on my newly built home. Recently I found out that the Flat Plat on the roof has a small leak that causes my water bill to soar. Since the unit is supposedly still under warranty, I called up the service center to book a service and had one of the worst customer service call response I've ever had:
1. Waiting period of around 45 minutes
2. The customer service personnel can't really advise on whether the unit is still under warranty or not even when I offe...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Rinnai Sunmaster Range compares to other Solar Water Heaters
Know better, choose better.
Terrible
Panel exploded first time with frost. Could not get through to Rinnai for 4 days as their phones ring out. Then Rinnai tell me it is my fault for calling an independent plumber and paid the plumber. I am very ill and could not wait nearly a week just to get through to Rinnai and ask them to send a plumber to bypass the solar panel. 3 months later am s waiting for a panel Rinnai. Have asked Rinnai to upgrade me to evac tubes but again they are not talking to me. Perhaps I am too polite to them. Do not buy Rinnai
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Leaking solar Panels
Our Rinnai Hot water units with solar panels have major water leaks from the solar panels after being installed a few months ago in our new house. There is no hot water until the problem can be fixed. The problem started with just condensation inside the panel. The Rinnai technician investigated this about 3 weeks ago and said we should wait until the summer to see if the condensation goes away. Today the panels started gushing water onto the roof on 2 of the new houses just build and occupied only 3 weeks ago. When I read the reviews today, i...Read more
t seems this problem is a know issue for many years and is known by Rinnai. It is very disappointing that a company like Rinnai has not implemented a robust fix for a problem they have been aware of for many years. For this reason I have given a very low rating as it is not acceptable to have such a major failure in a new house for a problem that has been known for many years. .1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for your review Eddy, we are sorry to hear of the issues you have faced with your solar.
Condensation inside the collector will not cause it to burst, in some cases the collectors can be affec... Read more
ted by heavy frost depending on the collectors installed.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
disrespected_dreamVictoria, 3027
- 2 reviews
- 9 likes
- Sunmaster Flat Plate System
- Verified purchase
Terrible service
System has a frost protection value that has been leaking at ~12 deg. Service call placed, technician visited, said they needed to order a replacement part. Technician assistant then called afterwards to say Rinnai rejected the change and that we were liable for the visit. Called Rinnai to understand technical operating limits for the frost valve, told they could not help me due to computer issues, got put through to their technical department and asked where I could reference the information, was told it should start operating a 4deg and th...Read more
en stop at 6deg. Asked for owner reference information and I was told it was internal knowledge only. Went back to customer service, computers still down, no offer to call back, I was told to email to escalate. Customer service people were rude. Simply not good enough. Date purchased is when new house was first occupied.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Wardie3Byron Bay
- 8 reviews
- 11 likes
Pump runs nearly continuously
Too scared to call in a technician because of all the complaints and horror stories about the Rinnai Sunmaster tank system. Neighbor just replaced a Solahart rooftop system after 20 years uninterrupted service. Wishing we had done the same. Considering replacing the rattling pump and setting up a timer, but it sounds from another review like the tank may rust out prematurely too.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Solar hot water
Never buy one these stay away from rinnai ... during winter no hot water .. summer hot during day then cold in morning old solar hart had no problems for 25 years ... got bigger one for bigger family ... now been through 6 heater elements over 3 winters ... just blew another one then would like find the guys house who sold us this so i can go dump it on his lawn
1 comment
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Thanks for the review Jezza, we are sorry to hear the issues you have faced with your unit and would like to investigate this matter further for you. Can you please email enquiry@rinnai.com.au with your details and we can follow this up for you.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Peter L.asked
how to turn of water to taps need to change tap washer regards Peter
1 answer
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Peter L,
Thank you for your question. Please contact our Technical team on 1300 555 545 and they can assist you further.
Thanks
Rinnai Australia
Dirk Aasked
We have a brand new unit and we run out of hot water after 1 shower - how do we turn the thermostat up??
3 answers
Hi Dirk, firstly, contact your plumber because he will know how to sort this out.
We have a tempering valve on the side of the hot water tank that allows you to adjust the temperature going into the house but that’s not going to sort out your problem.
Do you have solar panels or evacuated tubes connected to you hot water system?
solar panels
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Dirk A,
Thank you for your question.
Please contact our Technical team on 1300 555 545 Option 3 to discuss this further.
Thanks
Rinnai Australia.
Alex J.asked
I have a Rinnai Sunmaster 175 solar hot water system installed at my property. The pump began making noises and when I contacted Rinnai a sub contractor come out, checked it and advised that that pump needs to be replaced and is not under warranty. The pump is only under warranty for 1 year! I was also charge for the subbie to come out even though the issue wasn't fixed. The entire unit is only 2.5 years old from new! I contacted Rinnai to enquire about the statutory warranty for all products and the customer service person was not sure what I was talking about. I have checked the Consumer affairs website and in general terms it should be covered under the statutory warranty but I cannot find an exact timeframe. Can anyone here assist? It takes Rinnai days to get back to me and I do not feel I should be paying this bill!
1 answer
Rinnai A.Rinnai
Hi Alex J,
We have sent you a private message to discuss further.
Thanks
Rinnai Australia
Details
Category | Solar Water Heaters | Solar Water Heaters | Solar Water Heaters |
---|---|---|---|
Release date | Apr 2010 | Apr 2010 | Apr 2010 |
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Bruce D.
And the water pump has failed now.