Rheem Tankless Gas Code 76
Remote control communication fault. The remote control is not communicating with the control board. Rheem states it plainly: a communication fault rather than a failure of either device on its own.
Part replacementThe verdict
Replace a part
Between two components, which means the wiring between them is as likely as either end. Often the cheapest fault in the table to fix, and rarely dangerous — but the unit is hard to control until it is done.
Typical cost: $150–$500
US estimate for parts and labor. Prices vary by region and by who does the work — see how we estimate costs.
What the manual says
The meaning above is transcribed from the manufacturer's diagnostic documentation for the Tankless Gas — not averaged across the brand.
Source: Rheem Tankless Gas Troubleshooting Pocket Manual (SVC820) (p. 84), read Aug 2026 — the manufacturer's own documentation for this exact series.
What you can safely check
- Note whether the remote display is blank, frozen, or showing nonsense.
- Note any recent work near the wiring between the remote and the unit.
- Book a service call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the water heater without the remote?
Not usefully — the remote is how you set temperature and how the unit reports to you. And with this code the unit may not run at all, since it cannot confirm what it has been asked to do.