Water Heater Specs — Richmond 5v40-7

Before hauling this into your basement, measure your space. Here are the exact physical specs:

With a 38,000 BTU burner, the Richmond 5V40-7 can raise 38.8 gallons of water by 90°F per hour. The First Hour Rating (67 gallons) means you can take approximately two back-to-back showers (using 15-20 gallons each) plus run a dishwasher before the tank runs cold—adequate for most small to medium families.

The Richmond 5V40-7 is not a high-efficiency marvel, but it is a workhorse. Its specs—40 gallons, 38k BTU, 67 GPH first hour rating—match exactly what a standard family needs. The glass lining and magnesium anode provide decent protection if maintained. The atmospheric vent keeps installation simple and silent.

When searching for "richmond 5v40-7 water heater specs" again, bookmark this guide. Whether you are comparing models, replacing a failed unit, or ordering parts, these specifications give you the hard data needed to make a smart decision.

Disclaimer: Specifications are based on published manufacturer data and field manuals as of the article’s publication. Always consult the physical rating plate on your water heater and the installation manual for model-specific details.

Here’s an interesting and useful guide to the Richmond 5V40-7 water heater, focusing on its specs, what makes it unique, and how to interpret the model number.

Disclaimer: This write-up is for informational purposes. Always consult the specific owner’s manual and adhere to local building codes for installation and repair.

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). richmond 5v40-7 water heater specs

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.

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: Before hauling this into your basement, measure your space

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

Richmond 5V40-7 Water Heater: Specifications and Review The Richmond 5V40-7 is a reliable 40-gallon electric water heater designed for residential use. Manufactured by Rheem, a global leader in water heating, Richmond units are known for balancing cost-efficiency with durable construction. This specific model typically serves households of 2 to 4 people and is often categorized as a "Tall" or "Miser" model depending on the specific retail version. Key Specifications Capacity: 40 Gallons Voltage: 240V AC, Single Phase

Wattage: Usually equipped with dual 4,500-watt or 3,800-watt heating elements.

Recovery Rate: 21 GPH (gallons per hour) at a 90° F rise for 4500W models; 17 GPH for 3500W models. Connection Size: 3/4" NPT water connections.

Energy Factor: Approximately 0.93 to 0.95, meeting NAECA efficiency standards. Approximate Dimensions:

Height: ~48 to 60 inches (depending on "Tall" vs "Medium" configuration). Diameter: ~19 to 21 inches. Performance Features About - Richmond Water Heaters

Richmond 5V40-7 is a 40-gallon high-input residential water heater, primarily recognized for its propane (LP) gas configuration. Manufactured by

, this model is designed for durability and efficient recovery in residential settings. Kyschools.us Core Specifications 40 Gallons. Fuel Type: Disclaimer: This write-up is for informational purposes

Propane (LP) Gas; certain variations or replacement parts may allow for natural gas conversion. Recovery Rate:

High-input design allows for faster heating compared to standard electric units—estimated at approximately 2.5 times faster. Tank Build:

Features a porcelain-lined tank to resist corrosion and extend the unit's lifespan.

Equipped with durable stainless steel burners designed for quiet operation. Kyschools.us Dimensions & Installation Top Access:

Features a 4-hole top design to allow for easier access and simplified installation. Water Connections: Typically utilizes 3/4-inch NPT water connections. Safety Valve:

Includes a factory-installed Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve. Richmond Water Heaters Warranty Information Tank Warranty: Typically includes a 5-year limited warranty on the tank. Parts Warranty: Usually covered by a 1-year limited warranty for internal components.

Note: Warranty terms can vary based on the specific retailer or date of purchase; verify details with the Richmond Water Heaters Warranty Center Maintenance & Troubleshooting Use and Care Manual - Richmond Water Heaters

Consider replacing your Richmond 5V40-7 if:

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.

| Specification | Detail | |---------------|--------| | Energy Factor (EF) | 0.59 (pre-2015 standard) / UEF: 0.62 (Uniform Energy Factor) | | First Hour Rating (FHR) | 67 gallons | | Recovery Rate | 38.8 gallons per hour (at 90°F rise) | | Standby Heat Loss | ~4-5% per hour (typical for standard tank) |

Note: If your model is older than 2015, the EF will be listed. Newer production runs of the 5V40-7 use UEF.