12 Rinnai Ru199ip Tankless Propane Water Heater Review of 2026 For Multi-Bath Homes

1

Rinnai RE199eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Up to 9.8

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  9.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Exterior Mounting

Mounting the water heater outside eliminates the need to route indoor exhaust venting through your home, preserving utility room space.

Gas Input Rating

199,000 BTU

Pros & cons43

Pros

• High-output 199,000 BTU burner supplies up to 9.8 GPM for busy households
• Supports up to 6 plumbing fixtures operating simultaneously without flow loss
• Outdoor installation frees up interior utility space and eliminates indoor venting runs
• Generous residential coverage with a 15-year heat exchanger warranty

Cons

• Outdoor placement requires adequate wall clearance and freeze protection in cold climates
• Built-in recirculation pump is omitted and requires stepping up to the REP199eP model
• Controlr module for WiFi connectivity must be purchased separately

2

Rinnai REP160iP Smart-Circ Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  9.3
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Smart-Circ Recirculation

The built-in pump uses Smart-Circ technology to learn your hot water habits and run recirculation loops on schedule, cutting down on fixture wait times.

Simultaneous Delivery

Up to 5 fixtures at once

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Integrated recirculation pump with Smart-Circ technology learns household routines to schedule hot water
• Delivers up to 6.1 GPM to run up to 5 fixtures at once
• Compact 27.28-inch tall indoor profile fits tight utility rooms or closets
• Long-term coverage with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger

Cons

• Maximum flow rate of 6.1 GPM delivers less volume than 180,000 or 199,000 BTU models during peak winter groundwater
• Controlr wireless communication module is not included in the box

3

Rinnai RE160iP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  9.2
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Pump Upgrade Path

This standard model omits an internal pump; homeowners wanting automatic hot water loop scheduling should consider the REP160iP variant instead.

Indoor Footprint

10.77 x 14.05 x 27.28 inches

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Space-saving indoor non-condensing design weighs just 48.5 pounds for easier wall mounting
• Delivers up to 6.1 GPM, handling up to 5 fixtures at once for mid-sized homes
• Front LED screen displays clear maintenance reminders and diagnostic error codes
• Backed by a 15-year residential warranty on the heat exchanger

Cons

• Lacks an integrated recirculation pump, requiring the REP160iP for scheduled loop flow
• Remote monitoring requires buying the separate Controlr module

4

Rinnai RE199iP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  9.1
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Simultaneous Delivery

Up to 6 fixtures at once

Indoor Space Sizing

Designed for demanding indoor installations, this model delivers up to 7.6 GPM to keep hot water flowing across multiple bathrooms simultaneously.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Robust high-capacity indoor unit delivers up to 7.6 GPM to handle up to 6 fixtures at once
• Accommodates large households with demanding simultaneous hot water needs
• Clear internal layout and front LED display streamline servicing and code reading
• Protected by a 15-year heat exchanger, 5-year labor, and 1-year parts warranty

Cons

• Does not include an integrated recirculation pump unlike the REP199iP variant
• Indoor non-condensing setup requires dedicated flue venting through a wall or roof
• Controlr WiFi module is an optional add-on that is sold separately

5

Rinnai RE160eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  9.0
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Exterior Mounting

An outdoor propane setup avoids cutting vent penetrations through your roof or exterior wall, keeping installation confined to your home exterior.

Service Diagnostics

LED maintenance and error codes

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Exterior wall mounting eliminates the need for indoor venting penetrations
• Provides up to 6.1 GPM flow capacity to service up to 5 fixtures simultaneously
• Compact 24.64-inch tall cabinet saves exterior wall space
• Supported by a 15-year heat exchanger and 5-year labor warranty

Cons

• Recirculation pump is not built in, requiring external hardware for instant hot water loops
• Outdoor installation leaves the chassis exposed to ambient weather and winter temperatures

6

Rinnai RUS65EP Tankless Hot Water Heater, Propane

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  8.9
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Concentric Venting Adaptor

Supports multiple exhaust routing options, including PVC or CPVC pipe connections when paired with the Ubbink Concentric to Twin Pipe adaptor.

Heat Exchanger Coverage

12-year residential warranty

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Capable 6.5 GPM flow rate supports up to 5 plumbing fixtures or appliances at once
• Outdoor configuration eliminates the need to route indoor exhaust venting
• Compatible with PVC or CPVC pipe connections using the Ubbink Concentric to Twin Pipe adaptor
• Factory warranty covers 12 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts

Cons

• Weighs 63 pounds, making it heavier than newer compact RE-series units
• Heat exchanger warranty is 12 years rather than the 15 years provided on RE models
• Labor warranty is limited to 1 year compared to 5 years on newer RE-series units

7

Rinnai RE140iP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Up to 5.3

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  8.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Gas Input Rating

140,000 BTU

Target Household Size

With a 5.3 GPM capacity, this model suits smaller homes or warmer climates where incoming groundwater requires less temperature rise.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Efficient 140,000 BTU input handles up to 5.3 GPM for smaller homes or moderate demand
• Compact indoor footprint weighs only 48.5 pounds for simplified utility closet mounting
• Status screen provides instant diagnostic codes and regular service alerts
• Includes a 15-year warranty on the primary heat exchanger

Cons

• Flow capacity is limited to 5.3 GPM, which may restrict concurrent showers in cold groundwater areas
• Lacks a built-in recirculation pump for instant hot water delivery
• WiFi capabilities require an optional Controlr module purchase

8

Rinnai RUCS65IP Tankless Hot Water Heater, Propane

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  8.7
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Concentric Venting Adaptor

Compatible with PVC and CPVC venting configurations by using the Ubbink Concentric to Twin Pipe adaptor for indoor placement.

Heat Exchanger Coverage

12-year residential warranty

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Delivers up to 6.5 GPM to run up to 5 appliances simultaneously
• Compatible with PVC and CPVC venting using the Ubbink Concentric to Twin Pipe adaptor
• Indoor wall-hung design keeps the water heating equipment out of outdoor weather elements
• Includes 12-year heat exchanger and 5-year parts warranty coverage

Cons

• At 62 pounds and 35 inches in height, it requires more wall space than RE-series models
• Heat exchanger warranty is 12 years rather than the 15 years found on the RE platform
• Labor warranty coverage is only 1 year

9

Rinnai RE180eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  7.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Outdoor Output Rating

Up to 6.9 GPM

Service Diagnostics

LED maintenance and error codes

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Delivers up to 6.9 GPM flow rate to reliably operate up to 5 fixtures at the same time
• Outdoor installation frees indoor floor and closet space while avoiding indoor venting
• Status display provides clear diagnostic codes and routine service prompts
• Long-term reliability backed by a 15-year heat exchanger warranty

Cons

• Does not feature built-in recirculation, so long pipe runs will still experience wait times
• Controlr WiFi module is not supplied and requires a separate purchase
• Exterior placement requires proper outdoor clearance and winter freeze precautions

10

Rinnai RE180iP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Up to 8.5

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  7.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Whole-Home Demand

Rated for up to 8.5 GPM, this indoor unit can supply up to 7 fixtures simultaneously to prevent cold drops during peak morning routines.

High-Demand Firing Rate

180,000 BTU

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Powerful 180,000 BTU burner supplies up to 8.5 GPM to handle up to 7 fixtures at once
• High-capacity indoor design accommodates multi-bath homes running simultaneous showers
• Clean internal layout with diagnostic LED readout simplifies maintenance checks
• Extensive warranty protection includes 15 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on labor

Cons

• Indoor non-condensing installation requires appropriate dedicated exhaust venting
• Does not feature a built-in recirculation pump
• WiFi connectivity is not built in and requires purchasing the Controlr module

11

Rinnai RE140eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  7.7
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Outdoor Space Profile

At 24.64 inches tall, this compact exterior unit preserves wall space while providing up to 5.3 GPM on demand.

Fixture Rating

Up to 5 fixtures at once

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Outdoor non-condensing setup avoids costly indoor flue vent installations
• Provides up to 5.3 GPM to supply up to 5 fixtures in small to mid-sized homes
• Compact 24.64-inch height occupies minimal exterior wall space
• Supported by a 15-year heat exchanger warranty and 5-year labor coverage

Cons

• Lower 5.3 GPM flow ceiling cannot support simultaneous showers if incoming water is freezing
• Built-in recirculation pump is omitted on this model
• WiFi module must be purchased separately if remote monitoring is desired

12

Rinnai V53DeP Propane Tankless Water Heater

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  7.3
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Scale Detection

Built-in scale detection features monitor internal conditions to alert you before mineral buildup harms heat transfer efficiency.

Compact Unit Weight

33 pounds

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Compact 33-pound build makes exterior wall mounting straightforward
• Supplies a steady 5.3 GPM flow rate to handle multiple fixtures on demand
• Integrated scale detection features help protect internal waterways from mineral buildup
• Backed by a 10-year heat exchanger, 5-year labor, and 1-year parts warranty

Cons

• 10-year heat exchanger warranty is shorter than the 15-year term on RE-series heaters
• Flow rate of 5.3 GPM will limit concurrent fixture use in regions with very cold groundwater
• Exterior installation leaves the unit exposed to outdoor ambient temperatures

Last update on 2026-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can a high-capacity Rinnai propane unit handle multiple showers at the same time?

Yes, units with maximum flow ratings up to 9.8 GPM, such as the Rinnai RE199iP or RE199eP, provide enough volume to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously. Actual delivery depends on incoming ground water temperatures and the combined flow rate of your showerheads. Smaller options rated at 6.6 GPM or 5.3 GPM handle fewer simultaneous fixtures before flow tapers off. Check your home peak water demand and local incoming water temperature against manufacturer sizing charts before choosing a unit.

What venting and gas line requirements should you confirm for an indoor propane installation?

You must verify the specific gas line diameter, fuel supply pressure, and vent pipe clearance in the product manual before installation. Indoor configurations such as the Rinnai RE199iP or RUCS65IP require dedicated indoor venting to route exhaust gases safely outside, whereas outdoor units exhaust directly to the exterior. When evaluating fuel delivery and venting for heating appliances, reviewing guides for a propane heater for home can help you understand standard gas safety principles, but water heaters require their own manufacturer-certified venting setup.

Do you need a model with a built-in recirculation pump to avoid waiting for hot water?

You need a recirculation pump if you want fast hot water delivered to distant fixtures without letting the tap run. The Rinnai REP160iP includes a built-in recirculation pump and Smart-Circ technology, which monitors your water usage patterns and schedules circulation automatically. Standard tankless models heat water on demand only after a fixture opens, meaning cold water sitting in long pipe runs must clear before heated water arrives.

What is the difference between Rinnai indoor and outdoor propane models?

Cabinet dimensions and venting pathways distinguish indoor and outdoor models. Indoor units like the Rinnai RE199iP and RE160iP measure 10.77 x 14.05 x 27.28 inches and require dedicated exhaust pipes through an exterior wall or roof. Outdoor models like the RE199eP and RE160eP measure 10.77 x 14.05 x 24.64 inches, mount directly on an exterior wall, and release exhaust into open air without indoor vent runs.

How does incoming water temperature affect delivered flow rate?

Colder incoming ground water forces the burner to work harder to raise water to the set output, which reduces total delivered gallons per minute. While a high-capacity model can achieve up to 9.8 GPM in mild conditions, frigid winter water reduces real output flow. When comparing whole-house heating solutions, looking at an electric tankless water heater for home helps illustrate how ground water temperature rise dictates flow across different power sources.

How do you decide between a 5.3 GPM, 6.6 GPM, or 9.8 GPM propane tankless heater?

Match the rated capacity to the number of fixtures you intend to run at the exact same time. Compact 5.3 GPM models like the Rinnai RE140iP or V53DeP suit smaller homes with lower concurrent demands. Mid-tier 6.6 GPM units like the RE160iP handle moderate simultaneous use, while a 9.8 GPM model like the RE199iP gives large households the capacity needed to run multiple showers and appliances without sudden pressure or temperature drops.