Installing the water heater.
WARNING: Do not attempt to convert this water heater for use with a different type of gas other than the type
shown on the rating plate. Such conversion could result in hazardous operating conditions.
Leak Testing
The water heater and its gas connections
must be leak tested at normal operating
pressures before it is placed in operation.
Turn on the manual gas shut-off
valve near the water heater.
Use a soapy water solution to test for
leaks at all connections and fittings.
Bubbles indicate a gas leak that must
be corrected.
The factory connections to the gas
control (thermostat) should also be leak
tested after the water heater is placed in
operation.
Gas Supply
The branch gas supply line to the water
heater should be clean 1/2” black steel
pipe or other approved gas piping
material.
A ground joint union or ANSI design
certified semi-rigid or flexible gas
appliance connector should be installed
in the gas line close to the water heater.
A manual gas shut-off valve should be
at least 5 ft. (1.5 m) above the floor and
readily accessible.
Use compound sparingly on male threads
only. The compound used on threaded
joints of the gas piping must be of the type
resistant to the action of LP gas.
Where a sediment trap is not incorporated
as part of the appliance, a sediment trap
shall be installed downstream of the
equipment shutoff valve as close to the
inlet of the appliance as practical at the
time of the appliance installation. The
sediment trap shall be either a tee fitting
with a capped nipple in the bottom outlet
or other device recognized as an effective
sediment trap.
Do not use excessive force (over 31.5
ft lbs.) (42.7 Nm) in tightening the pipe
joint at the gas control (thermostat) inlet,
particularly if teflon pipe compound is
used, as the valve body may be damaged.
The inlet gas pressure to the water heater
must not exceed 10.5” w.c. (2.65 kPa) for
natural gas or 14" w.c. (3.5 kPa) for LP
gas. For purposes of input adjustment, the
minimum inlet gas pressure (with main
burner on) is shown on the water heater
rating plate. If high or low gas pressures
are present, contact your gas supplier for
correction.
● If flexible connectors are used, the
maximum length shall not exceed 36”
(91 cm).
● If lever type gas shut-offs are used,
they shall be T-Handle type.
WARNING: Never use
an open flame to test for
gas leaks, as property
damage, personal injury, or
death could result.
14
Condensation
Condensation can form on the tank
when it is first filled with water.
Condensation might also occur with a
heavy water draw and very cold inlet
water temperatures.
Drops of water falling on the burner can
produce a sizzling or pinging sound. The
water may also be seen beneath the water
heater.
This condition is not unusual, and will
disappear after the water becomes heated.
If, however, the condensation continues,
examine the piping and fittings for
possible leaks.
To Fill the Water Heater
Make certain that the drain valve is
closed, then open the shut-off valve in the
cold water supply line.
Open each hot water faucet slowly to
allow the air to vent from the water
heater and piping.
A steady flow of water from the hot water
faucet(s) indicates a full water heater.
WARNING: The tank
must be full of water before
heater is turned on. The
water heater warranty does
not cover damage or failure
resulting from operation
with an empty or partially
empty tank.
NOTICE: Additional
information on this subject
may be found at www.rheem.
com, under Rheem Water
Heating, "Support", scroll
down to the Technical Service
Section and to Bulletins 1400
Series Section and choose
Bulletin #1402.
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