Direct answer: On the Rheem Preferred RHS32 and Preferred Plus RHS42, E1, E3 and E4 point to the valve drive: a wiring-harness or connection fault to the position switch, a failed switch, a valve fault causing high motor torque, or a motor that does not run. E5 means an electronic control malfunction, and the manual’s correction is to replace the control board. To clear a code, unplug the power supply, correct the problem, plug it back in and wait 8 minutes. If the code returns, the problem was not fixed. While a code shows, every button except SELECT is locked.
Publisher boundary: Water System Guide is an independent research publisher, not Rheem or Water Channel Partners support. This guide summarizes the troubleshooting sections of the RHS32 and RHS42 owner manuals, both Rev. P dated January 20, 2026, reviewed October 15, 2026. It does not cover the RHS18, the RHW42’s Wi-Fi app alerts or older controllers. Internal wiring, motor and valve work needs the matched service procedure.
How a Rheem softener shows an error
The first signal is usually the blue status light above the control panel. The manual’s status-light table lists five states (RHS32 manual, PDF page 13):
| Status light | What the manual says it means |
|---|---|
| Steady, not flashing | The system has power and needs no attention |
| Flashing slowly | The salt monitor shows a low salt level and needs to be set |
| Flashing slowly with “CLEAn” (RHS32) or “CLn” (RHS42) | Four months have passed since start-up or the last reset; a reminder to use Rheem RHWSC cleaner |
| Flashing rapidly with “SET TIME” or “PRESENT TIME” and a flashing clock | The time needs to be set, after start-up or a long power outage |
| Flashing rapidly with “Err” | The self-diagnostics have detected a problem |
Only the last state is an error. A slow flash or a cleaner reminder is routine and does not need service. The RHS42 manual’s status table matches, except that it uses “CLn” and “PRESENT TIME.”
The self-diagnostic covers the electrical system, “except input power and/or water meter” (RHS32 manual, PDF page 21). A dead outlet or a stuck meter turbine will not produce an error code, so a blank display or hard water without a code needs the ordinary checks in our Rheem not-softening guide.
What each error code means
The troubleshooting table on RHS32 manual PDF page 20 and RHS42 manual PDF page 22 lists the same codes and corrections for both models.
| Code | Causes listed in the manual | Correction listed in the manual |
|---|---|---|
| E1, E3 or E4 | 1. Fault in the wiring harness or connections to the position switch | Replace the wiring harness or connections to the position switch |
| 2. Fault in the switch | Replace the switch | |
| 3. Fault in the valve causing high torque | Replace the rotor/seal | |
| 4. Motor inoperative | Replace the motor | |
| E5 | Electronic control malfunction | Replace the electronic control board |
The manual does not separate E1, E3 and E4 into different causes. It groups them, so the code number alone does not tell you which of the four causes applies. The diagnostic steps below narrow it down.
There is no E2 in either reviewed table. If a display shows a code that is not listed, record it exactly and give it to support rather than matching it to a nearby number.
Clear an error code the way the manual describes
The manual’s “Procedure for removing error code from display” has four steps (RHS32 manual, PDF page 21):
- Unplug the transformer from the electrical outlet.
- Correct the problem.
- Plug the transformer back in.
- Wait 8 minutes. The error code will return if the problem was not corrected.
Step 2 is the hard part. Unplugging and replugging without a correction only proves whether the fault is still there. If the code returns after 8 minutes, the fault is real and needs one of the corrections in the table.
Before unplugging, write down the code, the time and what the softener was doing. If the error appeared during a recharge, note whether water was running to the drain. That information is more useful to a service call than a photo of a blank display.
Use the diagnostics screen to narrow it down
While an error code shows, SELECT stays active “so the service person can perform the Manual Advance Diagnostics” (RHS32 manual, PDF page 21). Press and hold SELECT for 3 seconds until “000” appears. The screen then shows:
- Water meter count. “000” steady means no flow through the meter. With soft water running, the count repeats from 000 to 199 for each gallon on the RHS32. The RHS42 manual gives 000 to 140 per gallon.
- Position switch. On the RHS32, a “P” means the switch is closed and a dash means open. The RHS42 screen shows an open or closed indicator, and its manual adds the expected pattern: with the valve parked in service or any recharge position the switch reads open, and while the valve rotates between positions it reads closed. It says “there is likely a problem if indications vary from this pattern.”
- Days powered and recharge count. Press UP to see how many days the control has had power; press DOWN to see how many regenerations it has started since the model code was entered.
- Model code. Hold SELECT until the code appears: rH32 for RHS32 and rH42 for RHS42. “If an incorrect model code is displayed, the softener will operate on incorrect configuration data.”
The RHS42 manual notes that the display returns to the time of day if no button is pressed for 4 minutes.
The manual then has the service person press RECHARGE to advance the valve through each cycle while watching the cam and switch with the top cover off. If the motor runs but the switch never changes state, the harness or switch is suspect. If the motor stalls or clicks, the troubleshooting table’s “Motor stalled or clicking” row points to a valve fault causing high torque (replace rotor/seal) or a failed motor and switch.
When the meter count is zero
The RHS42 manual describes a meter check that applies when water is flowing but the display stays at 000 (RHS42 manual, PDF page 23). Pull the sensor housing from the valve outlet port and pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the sensor. If the display now counts, the sensor works and the turbine should be checked for binding with the inlet and outlet plumbing disconnected. If the display still reads zero, the sensor, its harness or the board is the suspect.
A meter that does not count will not raise an error code, but the controller will not see water use and will not schedule recharges on demand. The result is hard water with a normal-looking display.
Parts named in the error corrections
Every correction in the error table is a part replacement. The parts lists give these order numbers (RHS32 PDF page 27; RHS42 PDF page 29):
| Part | RHS32 | RHS42 |
|---|---|---|
| Position switch | 7030713 | 7305150 |
| Motor, cam and gear kit | 7397864 (3/4-inch valve) | 7384691 (1-inch valve) |
| Rotor and disc | 7199232 | 7185500 |
| Seal kit | 7129716 | 7185487 |
| Sensor wire harness | 7309803 | 7309811 |
| Electronic control board | 7386766 | 7386774 |
The control board carries a three-year limited warranty and the rest of the parts a one-year warranty, extendable to five years under the cleaner program. See our Rheem parts guide for ordering and warranty details.
Factory reset is not an error fix
The manual includes a full reset: hold SELECT until the display changes twice to a flashing model code, press UP until “SoS” flashes, then press SELECT to restart (RHS32 manual, PDF page 22). It returns time, hardness and every other setting to factory defaults.
The manual does not list this as a correction for any error code. A reset erases the settings a technician would want to see and does not repair a harness, switch, motor or board. If a reset is ever used, record the hardness, recharge time, salt type and optional settings first, then re-enter them using our Rheem settings guide.
What to have ready before calling
The manuals direct owners to 1-800-754-7027. Before calling, collect:
- Model and serial number from the rating decal inside the salt lid.
- The exact code, and whether it returned after the 8-minute wait.
- The model code on the diagnostics screen (rH32 or rH42).
- Days powered and recharge count from the diagnostics screen.
- Whether the meter counts when a soft-water faucet is open.
- Whether the error appeared during a recharge, and what the drain was doing.
If the softener stopped mid-recharge, put the bypass valve in bypass so the house has water while the fault is diagnosed. A recharge started manually “will take about 2 hours to complete” when the softener is working normally (RHS32 manual, PDF page 15). Our Rheem regeneration guide explains the normal cycle sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What does error code E1 mean on a Rheem water softener?
The RHS32 and RHS42 manuals group E1 with E3 and E4. The listed causes are a wiring-harness or connection fault to the position switch, a failed switch, a valve fault causing high torque, or a motor that does not run.
What does E5 mean on a Rheem softener?
E5 is listed as an electronic control malfunction. The manual’s correction is to replace the electronic control board, part 7386766 on the RHS32 and 7386774 on the RHS42.
How do I clear an error code on a Rheem water softener?
Unplug the power supply, correct the problem, plug it back in and wait 8 minutes. The manual says the code will return if the problem was not corrected.
Why is my Rheem status light flashing without an error code?
A slow flash means the salt level is low or needs to be set, and a slow flash with “CLEAn” or “CLn” is the four-month cleaner reminder. Only a rapid flash with “Err” indicates a fault.