Richmond 5v40-7 Water Heater Specs -

The Richmond 5V40-7 is a legacy residential gas water heater. Manufactured under the Richmond brand (a subsidiary of the industry giant Rheem), this unit was highly popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was frequently sold through hardware retailers and regional propane dealers. 📋 Core Specifications

Because this model has been out of production for some time, the exact factory data sheets are archived. However, the alphanumeric model number breaks down its primary design traits:

Nominal Capacity: 40 Gallons (Ideal for households with 2 to 4 people).

Fuel Type: Typically configured for Propane (LP) Gas or Natural Gas (the "P" suffix usually denoted propane models).

Venting Type: Traditional Atmospheric Venting (requires a standard chimney or B-vent to draft exhaust naturally).

Burner Input: Standard 40-gallon atmospheric gas heaters of this specific generation usually feature an input of roughly 36,000 to 40,000 BTU/h.

Tank Lining: Porcelain glass-lined steel to protect the internal tank from aggressive hard water and corrosive elements.

Ignition System: Traditional standing pilot with a piezo igniter or manual match-lit pilot setup. ⭐ Key Features & Engineering

Despite its age, the 5V40-7 boasted several durable design choices that were considered high quality for its era:

EverKleen™ Self-Cleaning System: Many high-spec Richmond models of this era utilized a specialized dip tube that swirled incoming cold water. This action aggressively fought sediment and lime build-up at the bottom of the tank, prolonging the life of the unit and maintaining heat transfer efficiency. richmond 5v40-7 water heater specs

Rigid Foam Insulation: To combat standby heat loss, the tank was wrapped in a thick, dense layer of rigid foam. This prevented heat from radiating out of the tank when the burners weren't firing.

Fast Recovery Rate: Propane models boasted a fast recovery time compared to their electric counterparts of the same era, allowing a quick turnaround of hot water during peak usage hours.

Standard Safety Relief: Equipped with a standard side-mounted or top-mounted Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve to prevent excessive pressure from building inside the tank. 🛠 Common Troubleshooting & Maintenance

If you are currently running a Richmond 5V40-7, you are operating an older system. Review these common issues and structural maintenance practices:

Pilot Light Outages: This is the most frequent call for this unit. If the unit fails to heat, the pilot light has likely blown out. If it refuses to stay lit after manual lighting, the thermocouple is likely worn out or covered in carbon and needs a replacement.

Sediment "Popping" Noises: If you hear knocking or popping sounds when the burner fires, it is a sign of scale and sediment resting on the floor of the tank. Hooking a hose to the bottom brass drain valve and flushing the unit is heavily recommended.

Anode Rod Checks: To prevent the tank from rusting through, check the sacrificial anode rod at the top of the tank. If it has completely dissolved, replace it immediately to extend the life of the metal tank. ⚠️ Important Considerations Richmond 5v40-7 Water Heater Q&A: Troubleshooting & Manual

Understanding the Richmond 5V40-7: Key Specs and Performance

When you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss water heater for a standard household, the Richmond 5V40-7 (often part of the Encore or Essential series) is a frequent go-to. It’s a 40-gallon natural gas water heater designed for efficiency and durability in residential settings. Core Technical Specifications The Richmond 5V40-7 is a legacy residential gas

The Richmond 5V40-7 is built on a standard atmospheric vent platform. Here are the "nuts and bolts" numbers: Tank Capacity: 40 Gallons Fuel Type: Natural Gas

Input BTU/h: 36,000 – 40,000 (varies slightly by specific regional sub-model) First Hour Rating (FHR): Approx. 67–70 Gallons

Recovery Rate: 36.4 to 40.4 Gallons per hour at a 90-degree rise

Energy Factor (UEF): ~0.58 to 0.66 (varies by model year and insulation thickness) Vent Size: 3" or 4" (Standard chimney/B-vent) Water Connection: 3/4" NPT Dimensions: Roughly 48"–52" Height x 20"–22" Diameter Key Features and Build Quality

Richmond is a subsidiary of Rheem, so the 5V40-7 shares many high-end engineering components found in more expensive units:

Guardian System & FVIR Sensor: This unit includes a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) system. It features a one-way air intake system and a sensor that shuts the unit down if it detects flammable vapors in the air (like gasoline or paint thinner), preventing accidental fires.

EverKleen™ Self-Cleaning System: One of the biggest killers of water heaters is sediment buildup. This model utilizes a high-velocity dip tube that creates a turbulent swirl of water at the bottom of the tank, keeping sediment in suspension so it can be flushed out during normal use.

Anode Rod Protection: It comes equipped with a high-quality magnesium anode rod. This "sacrificial" rod attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting the glass-lined steel tank from rusting out prematurely.

Eco-Friendly Burner: The "Low NOx" burner design ensures that the unit meets strict environmental regulations regarding nitrogen oxide emissions, making it a greener choice for modern homes. Performance: What Can You Expect? Check the product data/spec sheet or installation manual

With a First Hour Rating of roughly 67 gallons, the 5V40-7 is ideal for a household of 2 to 4 people.

In practical terms, this means you can typically run two consecutive showers and a load of laundry before the tank needs a recovery period. Because it is a gas unit, it recovers much faster than an electric equivalent, heating about 40 gallons of water every hour if you are drawing it down heavily. Installation & Maintenance

Because this is an Atmospheric Vent model, it relies on a vertical chimney or vent pipe to pull exhaust out of the home via natural convection. It does not require a power outlet for a blower fan, which is a major plus if you want hot water during a power outage.

Pro Tip: To maximize the lifespan of this unit, it is recommended to drain and flush the tank once a year and check the anode rod every 3 years.

The Richmond 5V40-7 is a workhorse. It isn't the most high-tech "smart" heater on the market, but it offers a solid balance of safety features, decent recovery speeds, and a compact footprint that fits into most basements or utility closets.

How to confirm exact model specs

1. Check the product data/spec sheet or installation manual for 5V40‑7 on Richmond/Rheem’s site or the product sticker on the tank (model number, serial, element wattage, exact dimensions).
2. If you need electrical ratings, exact FHR, weight, or part numbers, open the installation/manual PDF or contact a Richmond/Rheem support number listed on retailer pages.

If you’d like, I can fetch the official spec sheet and list the exact element wattage, FHR and dimensions for the 5V40‑7

Installation & Clearance Specs

• Clearance to combustibles: 0″ on sides, 6″ from vent pipe, 12″ from front for service.
• Draft hood: Required, included with unit.
• Gas pressure: Min 3.5″ WC, max 14″ WC (natural gas).
• T&P relief valve: Factory installed (but always check).
• FVIR compliant: Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (sealed burner).

Choose this model if:

• You have natural gas available.
• Your home has a traditional chimney or Type B vent.
• You want an inexpensive, easy-to-repair unit ($500–$650 range at Menards).
• You have adequate draft and combustion air.

7. Water Connections

• Inlet/Outlet: 3/4" NPT male threads (dielectric nipples built-in to prevent electrolysis)
• Typical pipe material: Copper or PEX with a brass female adapter
• Required accessories: A vacuum relief valve is not mandatory per UPC but recommended if piping can siphon. A temperature & pressure relief (T&P) valve is factory installed, rated at 150 PSI and 210°F.

4. Venting Specifications (Critical)

| Specification | Detail | |---------------|--------| | Vent Type | Type B (double-wall) or single-wall metal vent | | Vent Diameter | 3 inches | | Draft Hood | Included (integral) | | Maximum Vent Run | 20 feet horizontal run; unlimited vertical with proper draft | | Clearance to Combustibles | 6 inches (sides), 12 inches (front for service) |

Warning: This is an atmospheric vented (non-powered) water heater. It relies on natural convection and requires a properly sized vertical vent to expel combustion gases.

Replacement Guide: When to Replace Your 5V40-7

Consider replacing your Richmond 5V40-7 if:

1. It is over 10 years old – Even if working, risk of catastrophic flood is high.
2. Rusty water appears – Indicates anode rod is fully consumed and tank lining is failing.
3. Visible corrosion or wetness at base – Sign of imminent tank failure.
4. You remodel or change venting – Upgrading to a power-vent or condensing model saves money long-term.

If replacing with the same model, note that newer 5V40-7 units may have a slightly different height (58-1/4") due to updated insulation. Measure your existing unit’s height from floor to vent connector before ordering.

Replacement Parts Compatibility

Uses standard Rheem parts:

• Gas control valve: Rheem SP20079 or equivalent
• Thermocouple: Universal 24″
• Burner assembly: Rheem 40k BTU natural gas

3. Atmospheric Vent (Not Power Vent)

• No electricity needed for the exhaust (no blower).
• Relies on natural buoyancy of hot flue gases.
• Requires vertical or near-vertical metal vent pipe (B-vent).
• Quieter and simpler but less efficient than condensing or power vent models.