#1 Home Improvement Retailer

Customer Reviews for Rheem Performance 27 kw Self-Modulating 5.27 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater

Internet #300800755

Model #RETEX-27

Store SKU #1002624320

  • Electric tankless water heater provides consistent hot water
  • Energy and cost savings of up to 34% in whole-home installations
  • Tankless water heater requires 3 x 40 amp double pole breakers

Customer Reviews

  • 3.9
    out of 2,326 reviews
  • 62% recommend this product
Filter by:
Showing 1-30 of 2,326 reviews
Did not heat the water to set temperature. Not impressed. Looking for other options. Box was damaged on arrival.
by
Response from RheemApr 18, 2024
Gene,

We are sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your water heater. It’s definitely frustrating when a product doesn’t meet your expectations, especially when it arrives in a damaged box.

If you haven’t done so already, we would recommend contacting The Home Depot’s customer service about the damaged packaging and the performance of the water heater. They may be able to provide a replacement or refund or offer a solution to the heating issue.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for other options, there are many different types and brands of water heaters available on the market. Factors to consider when choosing a new water heater include the size of your household, your hot water usage, energy efficiency, and your budget. A professional plumber or a representative at a home improvement store can help guide you to the best option for your needs.

We hope this helps, and we hope your issue gets resolved soon! For assistance please call, 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

Derius rheem
  • Verified Purchase
This water heater lasted 1 year and 2 weeks!
Our first electric tankless was an ECO-18 and it lasted 3 years. I bought this one from Home Depot on 3/28/3024 and installed the same day. It worked great for 1 year. It has a 1 year warranty on parts. It was 2 weeks out of warranty when it died yesterday.
by
Response from RheemApr 16, 2024
Hello James,

We are sorry to hear about the issue with your water heater. It’s unfortunate that it stopped working just after the warranty period.

You might want to contact the technical support team to see if they can provide any assistance. Our Technical Support team may be willing to help even if the warranty has just expired.

In the future, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty for such appliances.

Also, regular maintenance and proper use can extend the life of such appliances. Make sure to follow the use and care instructions for proper use and maintenance.

We hope this helps and you get your water heater issue resolved soon.

For additional assistance, please call 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

Derius rheem
    • Recommended
    2 found this review helpful
    The first product I received was refurbish. And that was mailed to my home the second time. I got it. I had it shipped straight to home depot and it was a brand new one, home depot online helped with it. And gave me a refund. The sandusky home depot was very unhelpful, So the reason for the bad rating and customer service is due to home depot in sandusky
    by
    Response from RheemApr 4, 2024
    Richard,

    We are sorry to hear about the issues you faced with the delivery and customer service at your local Home Depot in Sandusky. It’s unfortunate that the first Performance 27 kw Self-Modulating 5.27 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater you received was refurbished. However, we are glad to hear that Home Depot online was able to assist you and provide a refund. Your feedback is important and can help improve the overall service.

    Derius rheem
    • Verified Purchase
    E5 code error
    I was soo happy on getting this install, ran my wires, panel update, all good, love the feeling of having this mount taking no space, too good to be true, but seem that my small house isn’t small enough for it I have to keep for now the hot water line half open to avoid trigger the E5 code error ( too much water flow) been that the tank is literally no even 8’ from shower to trigger that, now I have to figure how to fix this, I have 3 faucets, 1 shower and wash machine and is water well system
    by
    Response from RheemApr 4, 2024
    Hi,

    Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your water heater. It’s unfortunate that you’re having to deal with the E5 code error due to too much water flow. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially when you’ve put in the effort to install the unit and update your panel. If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, feel free to call 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

    Derius rheem
      Rheem performance 36kw insta hot
      I purchased this whole house insta hot system to replace my old hot water heater. Had a professional electrician install it. It takes four 40 amp breakers to power it. My first unit would not power on. Entire weekend with no hot water. Purchased the same unit and it works. But, the hot water pressure is very poor. The water is hot but not much flow. Had plenty of flow with the 21 year old hot water tank but the new Rheem insta hot not so much. Did I tell you I purchased the largest insta hot Rheem makes! I should have got a new hot water tank. Buyer beware.
      by
      Response from RheemMar 22, 2024
      Jimmie,

      We are sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your water heater. It’s indeed frustrating when a new product doesn’t meet our expectations.

      Low water pressure can be due to several reasons. It could be related to the plumbing in your house, or it could be an issue with the unit itself. A few things you might want to check are for any blockages in your plumbing, the flow rate settings on your unit itself, review the installation itself, and you can always contact the Technical Support team for additional assistance. Please contact, 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

      We hope this helps, and your issue gets resolved soon!

      Derius rheem
        Buyer beware
        We purchased and installed one of these about two and a half years ago. Had no issue until this week. One of the heating elements disintegrated. Once the heating element broke apart, the small pieces and parts ran through all of the hot water system. Thankfully the filters for the washing machine and dishwasher prevented the debris from destroying the inlet valves. But the pieces and parts did destroy two faucets. Damage costed a couple thousand. I do not recommend this product at all.
        by
        Response from RheemApr 2, 2024
        Hi,

        We are really sorry to hear about your experience with the water heater you have reviewed. It’s unfortunate that the heating element disintegrated and caused damage to your faucets. Your feedback is valuable and it’s important to help us be aware of these potential issues. If you haven’t already, we would recommend reaching out to our Technical Support team at 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.m. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday for possible solutions or compensation for the damage caused. If you need any assistance with this process or have any other questions, feel free to ask our experienced technicians.

        Derius rheem
          4 found this review helpful
          Defective
          We bought this and had it installed by our contractor. When it came time to test it out, it would not work at all. Our contractor did the runaround with customer service to figure out what the problem was and they determined that the unit was just defective when we received it. Waste of time.
          by
          Response from RheemApr 2, 2024
          Taylor,

          Thank you for this review. We are sorry to hear about your experience. It’s unfortunate that the unit you received was defective. The water heater you have reviewed is generally known for its energy efficiency and consistent hot water supply. It’s designed with self-modulating technology that adjusts energy based on your hot water needs. However, like any product, there can be instances where a unit may have issues.

          We would recommend reaching out to the Home Depot or our Technical Support team for a replacement or refund, especially if the product recently purchased. They should be able to assist you with the next steps. We hope your issue gets resolved soon. Please contact 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST.

          Derius rheem
            1 found this review helpful
            DO NOT BUY - BOUGHT MARCH 2023 DIED IN 11 MONTHS
            Bought March 2023 - Rheem will give you the run around if you call them for the warranty. Have you test the unit, open it up. Test the voltage and do all kinds of things. When it still does not work they will say that a supervisor has to call you in 24 hours to see if they can exchange or repair the unit. In additions they say you have to service the unit every 3 months?!?!? Garbage. Never again will I buy a Rheem product.
            by
            Response from RheemApr 2, 2024
            Hi,

            We are sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with the water heater you have reviewed. It’s essential to have reliable appliances, especially when it comes to something as crucial as hot water.

            A reliable water heater should perform consistently and efficiently.
            Remember that individual experiences can vary, but it’s essential to consider both installation and usage needs when making purchasing decisions. If you need further assistance, or have additional questions, please contact 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

            Derius rheem
              3 found this review helpful
              FAULTY + DANGEROUS
              Purchased and installed one, it was faulty upon installation. Purchased a second (space to install was limited and had to get something off the shelf to give tenants a quick fix). Tenant constantly complained about insufficient hot water, then it caught fire within 4 months. In summary, it won’t work and/or it’ll catch fire.
              by
              Response from RheemApr 4, 2024
              Makenzi,

              Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are really sorry to hear about your experience. It’s concerning to hear about the issues you’ve faced, especially the fire incident. We hope everyone is safe. Your feedback is important and can help correct issues. If you need any further assistance, please call 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

              Derius rheem
                3 found this review helpful
                Copied ecosmart at higher price
                This Rheem 13kw is $100 more than the Ecosmart 13kw. But it’s exactly the same behind the grey cover! I know because I had to remove the electric cord from the Ecosmart and reuse on the Rheem. The power cord came with the Ecosmart too as the “void” sticker wasn’t broke on the cover as it wasn’t removed to install new. So for $100 more you don’t even get a power cord! The Ecosmart lasted 5+ years so at least the rheem selling a good copy.
                by
                Response from RheemApr 1, 2024
                Dale,

                Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s interesting to hear that the Rheem 13 kW Self-Modulating 2.54 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater and the Ecosmart 13 kW model appear to be similar in design.

                Both brands have their own strengths. Rheem is known for its energy efficiency and consistent temperature control, while Ecosmart is praised for its patented self-modulating technology and energy savings.

                It’s always important to consider various factors such as price, included accessories, energy efficiency, and longevity when choosing a water heater. Your feedback will be helpful for others who are considering these products. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

                Derius rheem
                  4 found this review helpful
                  Failed after 22 months
                  I purchased the Rheem RETEX-27 tankless electric water heater for my residence in February 2022. I chose a tankless water due to the endless hot water feature, supposed cost savings and according to my research, are supposed to last 10 to 20 years. Ours failed in 22 months, December 14, 2023 specifically. This was under normal use, maybe even less than normal use for a 2 person townhouse as I travel a lot for my job. The first of three heating elements failed as well as the FET, Field Effect Transistor, linked to that heating element. VERY POOR SERVICE, LOUSY PRODUCT AND WARRANTY.
                  by
                    11 found this review helpful
                    Very mixed feeling over this unit. Overall it's great and does the job. However, I had to lower the water flow so much that hot water takes forever to get around the house. If 2 sinks are on or if someone is in the shower and the washer opens for water, it will thrown an error. E5, too much water flow. Poor planning in my opinion. We've decided to go ride it out through winter, but will upgrade to an LP water heater. Also, makes all the LED fixtures flicker when it's running, assuming its sudden amp draw. Bottom line: Was very easy to wire and install ( you have to have 2 double 40amp breakers, that's technically 4 40amp breakers).
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    8 found this review helpful
                    Buyer Beware!!
                    Stay AWAY from these units. I have had TWO of these units fail in less than two years. Customer Service/Warranty is a joke. You must be on the phone with a "Warranty Agent" from 8:00 - 5:00 Eastern. Missed a day of work to Troubleshoot" and told I have to wait up to two weeks, to receive parts to attempt to repair. Home Depot does not stock the Heating Elements. I will never purchase another Rheem product again highly disappointed in their not standing behind their products that is only 11 months old and has been maintained above and beyond what they recommend.
                    by
                      23 found this review helpful
                      Failed after 10 months
                      Haven’t even had it more than a year and was getting ready to do a flush on it, I have it hooked up with a softener already and when I want to turn it off I noticed some charring on the top and so I took the panel off and nothing some more black corrosion and checked my breakers and two were tripped. So I tried to turn those back on and it started smoking and sparking so I turned them back off. Pretty sure the unit is fried. Brand new construction, brand new installation would not recommend.
                      by
                      Response from RheemMar 22, 2024
                      Travis,

                      We apologize that this experience has been yours with your water heater. This is indeed frustrating especially when it is a relatively new unit and part of a brand-new construction. Your feedback is valuable and helps us review issues that may be occurring. To better assist you with this issue, please contact 800-374-8806 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST Monday through Friday. Our dedicated technicians will be happy to assist you issues you have experienced.

                      Derius rheem
                        18 found this review helpful
                        Excellent product I never run out of hot water and it lowered my water bill
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        3 found this review helpful
                        Works great! Using this to supply our cabin kitchen and bath with hot water.
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        2 found this review helpful
                        replace a replacement
                        If you are looking at buying this tankless water heater better get ready to buy a back up. I purchased one in Feb 2023. This exact model stopped working June 2023. Didnt even make it 5 months. I called RHEEM warranty they told me that they cannot warranty this out because its my "waters" fault. I recommend do not purchase this garbage. Go buy an Electric tank water heater. Dont waste your time or money. Rheem customer service doesnt care that they provide a faulty product.
                        by
                          31 found this review helpful
                          Lights flickering when water heater goes on
                          Most homes have 2 lines supplying 100 amps each - that's 200 amps total. In a typical home you may have some bigger appliances like: dryer ( 60 amps ), oven ( 60 amps ) or air conditioner ( 60 amps ). For us, that's 120 amps not including 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room and garage full of other electronic stuff. The RETX-27 may draw up to 120 amps which may not pop your main 200 amp breaker but the lights dim and flicker when the unit goes on. You may need to add new power lines.
                          by
                            16 found this review helpful
                            Easy install great for remodeling homes
                            The product works amazing we use these in all of our remodels and nobody ever complains about them. The only issue is that it is the smallest you can to barely cut it for a whole house. The installation is very straightforward and easy if you know what you are doing.
                            by
                              • Recommended
                              3 found this review helpful
                              Will leak
                              Bought unit back in 3/2021, have maintenance every 6 month. I also have a water softener so mo hard water, and it has now leaked , was denied a warranty claim, because they said it had build up from a slow leak from a weld, i guess it only cover large flooding leak, horrible warranty department, Lady told me that I failed to service it every 4 months. Will be going back to a tanked water heater to much maintenance.
                              by
                                22 found this review helpful
                                On-demand hot water heater.
                                This hot water heater is excellent. We can take one shower after another all day long and never run out of hot water.
                                by
                                • Verified Purchase
                                • Recommended
                                2 found this review helpful
                                Worth every penny so far. 2 yrs and love it!
                                We have the 36kw model. I did zero research before buying and had no idea it would need more power than the Griswalds Christmas lights. We live in south east Indiana. First make sure your home can supply the power needed for the unit. 4 40 amp breakers and a bunch of 8 gauge wire. Also recommend installing service valves for routine maintenance every six months. We’ve had ours for 2 yrs now and couldn’t be happier. Our electric bill hasn’t gone up because it only comes on when you need hot water
                                by
                                Response from RheemMar 22, 2024
                                Nate,

                                it sounds like you’ve had quite a positive experience with your 36kw Self-Modulating 7.03 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater. It’s great to hear that you’re happy with its performance and that it’s been cost-effective for you.

                                Your advice about ensuring the home can supply the necessary power for the unit is very important. The need for 4- 40-amp double breakers and 8-gauge wire is a significant requirement that potential buyers should be aware of.

                                Also, your recommendation to install service valves for routine maintenance every six months is a valuable tip. Regular maintenance can help ensure the longevity and efficiency of the unit.

                                Thank you for sharing your 5-star experience and insights.

                                Derius rheem
                                  • Recommended
                                  12 found this review helpful
                                  Terrible do not buy
                                  Rheem only provides a 1 year warranty. 5 years if it is a leak. They do not tell you that YOU have to take apart your water heater to soak and flush the heating elements every 6 months to prevent calcium buildup. I am on city water and was told to flush mine every year, which we did and we still ended up with a broken unit and they denied the claim because the leak was from calcium buildup. We are not on well water we should not have to spend 350$ to have this flushed every 6 months. Trash.
                                  by
                                    33 found this review helpful
                                    Do not try to file a warranty claim
                                    Unit is 8 months old and started leaking from a solder joint. When I filed a claim I was told due to excessive amounts of build up on the heating elements that the warranty was voided. Once again, 8 months use in a non hard water area. Look at the pictures of the element and determine for yourselves if this is considered excessive build up. Install was easy, performance was good. Value was terrible, the math adds up to $75/month for a 8 month lifespan. Use filtered water only I guess?
                                    by
                                      38 found this review helpful
                                      Well worth the cost.
                                      Well worth the cost. Removed tank water heater for this tankless. Could have gone with the 3 element one but went with the 4. Installation took a full day (atleast for me). Now I dont have to worry about the kids using up all the hot water. Love being able to adjust the temp easily. Used during "winter" here in north FL when temps were in the 30's and 40's and didnt notice any drop in temp. This unit requires 200 amp service and 4- 40 amp breakers. I do not recommend an average DIYer to do this, someone in a skilled trade should have no problem with install and making install look nice.
                                      by
                                      Response from RheemMar 22, 2024
                                      Christopher,

                                      Thank you for sharing. We are glad that you’re satisfied with the Rheem Performance 36 kw Self-Modulating 7.03 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater! It’s great that it’s meeting your needs and you found it worth the cost. Your detailed feedback about the installation process and performance during winter can be very helpful for others considering a similar purchase. Thank you for the 5-stars.

                                      Derius rheem
                                      • Verified Purchase
                                      • Recommended
                                      3 found this review helpful
                                      Hot water
                                      Works great good price for the unit But spent allot wire it up ..
                                      by
                                        • Recommended
                                        3 found this review helpful
                                        lasts about a year
                                        we are very space conscious so bought a 13 Kw rheem tankless. we only get about a year out of the first one before it's overheating and fails. buy another one which manages to get to a year and a half before popping the circuit breaker. Turns out the copper lined heating element inside is corroding and bursting. not recommended if you have hard water I suppose.
                                        by
                                          14 found this review helpful
                                          Very Happy
                                          I bought this unit because are hot water tank was over 50 feet from the kitchen and one of our bath rooms and it took for ever to get hot water to that end of the house. I did the installation my self. The water hook ups were easy. I used Pex flush valves that I got at Home Depot and had no problems. The thermostat on the unit goes to 140 degrees but I have it set at 125 and that is hot enough for us. I am very happy with this unit. We have plenty of hot water for the kitchen and bath room and we don't have to wait for ever like we use to.
                                          by
                                          • Verified Purchase
                                          • Recommended
                                          11 found this review helpful
                                          Great value for your money.
                                          Works as advertised.
                                          by
                                          • Verified Purchase
                                          • Recommended
                                          5 found this review helpful
                                          East to install/works perfect makes wife happy
                                          18kw I live in Orlando Fl - two bath house family of 5. Kids 12-6-1 we can all take a bath and or shower in the evening without having to wait for the water heater to hear back up. My 12 year old likes to take hr long showers - I just go turn the temp down and or turn off the water if she won't get out. It's become a game of sort East install-I did it myself including new wire to sub panel. Saves space and works! Get one you won't regret it. Added a utility sink where the old tank was
                                          by
                                            • Recommended
                                            7 found this review helpful
                                            Showing 1-30 of 2,326 reviews

                                            Frequently Bought Together

                                            Best Seller
                                            +
                                            +
                                            Price:
                                            $599.00

                                            Compare Similar Items

                                            current item

                                            Required Volt Connection

                                            240 volt

                                            240 volt

                                            240 volt

                                            240 volt

                                            Wattage (watts)

                                            27000 W

                                            27000 W

                                            27000 W

                                            36000 W

                                            Application Type

                                            Residential

                                            Residential

                                            Residential

                                            Residential

                                            Indoor/Outdoor

                                            Indoor

                                            Indoor

                                            Indoor

                                            Indoor

                                            Water Heater Features

                                            Wall Mounted

                                            Wall Mounted

                                            Digital Display, Overheat Protection, Wall Mounted

                                            Digital Display, Freeze Protection, Overheat Protection, Wall Mounted