Rinnai RH180 Hybrid Code 61
Combustion fan fault. The combustion fan is not turning as expected. Rinnai's list for the RH180 is three steps: confirm the fan turns freely, check the wiring harness to the motor for damage and loose connections, and measure the resistance of the motor winding.
Call a proThe verdict
Call a licensed plumber
The fan is what moves combustion air and pushes exhaust out of the building, so this is not a code to run the appliance through. All three of Rinnai's checks are inside the sealed combustion side.
Typical cost: $300–$1,000
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 RH180 Hybrid — not averaged across the brand.
Source: Rinnai RH180 Operation and Installation Manual (100000319) (p. 36), read Sep 2026 — the manufacturer's own documentation for this exact series.
What you can safely check
Before anything else: if you smell gas, stop here, leave, and call your gas utility.
- Listen at the unit when it tries to start — whether the fan spins up at all is the first thing a technician will ask.
- Leave the unit off and call a licensed professional. The fan sits in the combustion air path and is not homeowner-serviceable.
Frequently asked questions
The fan is noisy but the unit still works. Is 61 coming?
Possibly. Rinnai's first check on this code is whether the fan turns freely, and a bearing going dry gets noisy before it gets slow. Mention the noise when you book the call — it is cheaper to replace a fan on your schedule than on the appliance's.
Code 61 on other Rinnai series
The same code number can mean something different on another series — make sure you're reading the page for your exact unit: