Instructions / Assembly

46
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Water Quality
Water Supply
!
CAUTION:
This water heater MUST ONLY be used with the
following water supply conditions to prevent
product damage and operation failure.
Clean, potable water free of corrosive chemicals, sand,
dirt, or other contaminates�
Inlet water temperatures above 32°F (0°C), but not
exceeding 120°F (49°C)�
DO NOT reverse the HOT and COLD water connections�
DO NOT connect this heater to water lines previously
used for space heating� All water piping and components
shall be suitable for potable water�
With recommended water quality (See chart above)�
Thermal Expansion
A thermal expansion tank will be required if
the water heater is installed in a system with a
recirculation or storage tank. This prevents damage
to the heater, related piping, and the relief valve.
NOTICE:
Replacing the relief valve will not correct the
problem!
The expansion tank is designed with a built-in air
cushion that compresses as the system pressure
increases. This relieves the over-pressure condition
and eliminates the repeat operation of the relief
valve.
For other approved methods of thermal expansion,
contact an installing contractor, water supplier, or
plumbing inspector.
Water Supply Connections
!
CAUTION:
IMPORTANT—DO NOT apply heat to the HOT or
COLD water connections. If sweat connections are
used, sweat tubing to the adapter before fitting
the adapter to the water connections on the water
heater. Any heat applied to the water supply fittings
will permanently damage the internal components
of the water heater.
NOTICE:
In cold environments, ice can accumulate in the
water heater’s connectors. Plug in the water heater
power cord for approximately 10 minutes before
making these connections. This will melt any ice
buildup.
Plumbing should be carried out by a qualified
plumbing contractor in accordance with local codes.
Only use approved plumbing materials.
To allow the full flow capacity, it is recommended
to keep water inlet and outlet pipes 3/4-in. (1.9-cm)
diameter or larger.
To conserve energy and to prevent freezing,
insulate both COLD and HOT water supply lines.
DO NOT insulate the pressure-relief valve.
Chart for Recommended Water Quality Levels
pH
(Total Dissolved
Solids) TDS
Free Carbon
Dioxide (CO
2
)
Total
Hardness
Aluminum Chlorides Copper Iron Manganese Zinc
6�5–8�5 Up to 500 mg/L Up to 15 mg/L
Up to
200 mg/L
0�05 to
0�2 mg/L
Up to
250 mg/L
Up to
1�0 mg/L
Up to
0�3 mg/L
Up to
0�05 mg/L
Up to
5 mg/L
Cited reference: National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
Plumbing
Water quality must be taken into account when
installing and maintaining the water heater. Water
conditions outside of the levels specified below affect
and may damage the water heater. Please note that
the limited warranty provided with the water heater
does not cover defects, malfunctions or failures
resulting from water conditions that are not in
accordance with the specifications in the table
below.
If you nonetheless install this water heater where the
water conditions are not within the levels specified in
the table below, Rheem recommends that you take the
following steps:
• Install a water treatment device or water softener at
the same time as the original installation of the water
heater. Rheem offers a water treatment accessory that
can be installed with the water heater. (See below).
• Flush the water heater’s heat exchanger regularly.
Rheem offers a flush kit and isolation valves to help
remove scale build up. (See below)
Accessory Kit Replacement Filter Tankless Flush Kit Tankless Isolation Valve
AllClear Water Treatment Kit RTG20251 RTG20252
RTG20124 RTG20220AB
Scale Prevention Device RTG20246 RTG20247
Accessory part numbers listed below� See Parts and Accessories Catalog for more information�