Rheem Warrior Gas Series Use and Care Manual - Page 12

Installing the water heater. Gas Supply Check the markings on the water heater's rating plate to be certain the type of gas being furnished corresponds to that for which the water heater is built. The water heater can be converted from natural gas to LP or vice versa. See the Conversion Instructions section of this manual. 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. The National Fuel Gas Code (NFGC) mandates a manual gas shut-off valve: See (NFGC) for complete instructions. If lever type gas shut-offs are used, they shall be T-Handle type. Compound used on the threaded joints of the gas piping must be of the type resistant to the action of LP gas. Use compound sparingly on male threads only. The inlet gas line must have a drip leg (sediment trap) installed as close as possible to the water heater's combination gas control having a minimum length of three (3) inches (7.6 cm). Do not use excessive force (over 31.5 ft lbs.) 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. for natural gas, or 14" w.c. 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. WARNING: Never use an open flame to test for gas leaks, as property damage, personal injury, or death could result. 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. Pressure Testing the Gas Supply System The water heater and its manual gas shut-off valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of 1/2 psi (14" w.c.). The water heater must be isolated from the gas piping system by closing the manual gas shut-off valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psi (14" w.c.). WARNING: Failure to High Altitude install a water heater suitable for the altitude at the location it is intended to Ratings of gas appliances are based on sea level operation. serve, can result in improper This water heater is suitable and certified operation of the appliance resulting in property damage and/or, producing carbon monoxide gas, which for use at high altitude. Refer to the altitude label on the water heater for maximum allowable installation altitude. could result in personal injury, or death. Please contact your local distributor or place of purchase for a high altitude model. 12