Rheem Power Direct Vent Series Use and Care Manual - Page 8

Installing the Water Heater NOTICE: The water heater must not be installed near an air supply containing halogenated hydrocarbons. Corrosive Atmospheres The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning establishments, photo processing labs, and storage areas for liquid and powdered bleaches or swimming pool chemicals often contain halogenated hydrocarbons. An air supply containing halogenated hydrocarbons may be safe to breathe, but when it passes through a gas flame corrosive elements are released that will shorten the life of any gas burning appliance. Propellants from common spray cans or gas leaks from A/C and refrigeration equipment are highly corrosive after passing through a flame. The water heater warranty is voided when failure of the heater is due to operation in a corrosive atmosphere. Thermal Expansion Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. Check with your local water utility company. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a "closed water system". A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an "open" water system. As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within the water system. This action is referred to as "thermal expansion". In an "open" water system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated. A "closed water system", however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of "thermal expansion" can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and sys- tem piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid, and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem! The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve (see illustration on page 9). The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject. IMPORTANT: Do not apply heat to the HOT or COLD water connections. If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting adapter to the cold water connections on heater. Any heat applied to the cold water supply fittings will permanently damage the dip tube and heat traps. Water Supply Connections Refer to the illustration below for suggested typical installation. The installation of unions or flexible copper connectors are recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD water connections are clearly marked and are 3/4" NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve in the cold water line near the water heater. 8