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Installing the water heater.

This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility
company requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the
American National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either
the American Gas Association, 400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC  20001 as ANSI
standard Z223.1 or National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269 as booklet NFPA 54.

Location

The water heater should not be
located in an area where leakage
from the tank or connections will
result in damage to the area adjacent
to the heater or to lower floors of the
structure. 

When such areas cannot be avoided
it is recommended that a suitable
catch pan, adequately drained, must
be installed under the water heater.

The pan must not restrict air flow to
the combustion air inlet openings
(perforation openings) located around
the lower perimeter of the water heater.

Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.

Make certain the floor underneath the
water heater is strong enough to
sufficiently support the weight of the
water heater once it is filled with water.

A gas fired water heater or any other
appliance should not be installed 
in a space where liquids which give off
flammable vapors are to be used or
stored.  Such liquids include gasoline, LP
gas (butane or propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents or
removers.

When installed in a closet, DO NOT
block or obstruct any of the combustion
air inlet openings located around the
perimeter of the water heater.   A
minimum of 1” is required between
these combustion air inlet openings
and any obstruction.

Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance from
where liquids which give off flammable
vapors are to be used or stored. The open
flame of the water heater’s pilot or main
burner can ignite these vapors and create

shut down condition of the water

heater which will not allow the water
heater to ignite until examined by a
Qualified Service Technician.

The water heater must be located so it is
not subject to physical damage, for example,
by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc. 

If local codes require the use of a stand
kit to raise the water heater 18” above the
floor, please contact the store where the
water heater was purchased, or any water
heater distributor. These kits must
comply with local codes.

The water heater should be installed as
close as practical to the gas vent or
chimney. 

Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy. 

The water heater and water lines
should be protected from exposure 
to freezing temperatures.

Do not

install the water heater in

bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
unprotected outdoor areas.

Minimum clearance from combustible
construction: 

If the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning Label, located on
the front of the heater differ, install
the water heater according to the
clearances stated on the label.

If the water heater is installed in an
alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel.
A minimum of 24” clearance from the
front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.

The water heater may be installed on
combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal or
wood panel beneath the water heater,
extending beyond its full width and
depth at least 3” in all directions.

Combustion Air Inlet
 Openings

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.

Max.

2

Diameter of

water heater

plus 2” min.

WARNING: Combustible

construction refers to
adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be
confused with combustible
or flammable products and
materials. Combustible
and/or flammable products
and materials should never
be stored in the vicinity of
this or any gas appliance.

!

Combustion Air Inlet Openings

Location

Front

Sides

Rear

Top

Alcove

3”

(7.6 cm)

0”

(0 cm)

0”

(0 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

Closet

3”

(7.6 cm)

1”

(2.5 cm)

0”

(0 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

Summary of Contents for S GSeries

Page 1: ...nition System The purpose of this manual is twofold one to provide the installer with basic directions and recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater and two for the owner operator to explain the features operation safety precautions maintenance and troubleshooting of the water heater This manual includes a parts list It is imperative that all persons who are ex...

Page 2: ...ate is needed to obtain service under the warranty IMPORTANT Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is in the back of this manual If you do need service you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away For service call 800 431 1549 IF YOU NEED SERVICE Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instruc...

Page 3: ...nsafe operation of the water heater To avoid the risk of fire explosion or asphyxiation from carbon monoxide never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and has an adequate air supply for proper operation Be sure to inspect the vent system for proper installation at initial start up and at least annually thereafter Refer to the Care and Cleaning section of this manual for more inf...

Page 4: ...ure Dial DANGER Hotter water increases the Potential for Hot Water SCALDS D A N G E R HOT Water temperature over 125 F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds Children disabled and elderly are at highest risk of being scalded See instruction manual before setting temperature at water heater Feel water before bathing or showering Temperature limiting valves are available see manual BU...

Page 5: ...y federal state and or local laws rules regulations or customs LP gas must be used with great caution It is heavier than air and will collect first in lower areas making it hard to detect at nose level Before attempting to light the water heater make sure to look and smell for gas leaks Use a soapy solution to check all gas fittings and connections Bubbling at a connection indicates a leak that mu...

Page 6: ... a qualified technician SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING WARNING For your safety the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion electric shock or to prevent property damage personal injury or loss of life FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA California Law requires that residential water heaters mu...

Page 7: ...t or main burner can ignite these vapors and create a shut down condition of the water heater which will not allow the water heater to ignite until examined by a Qualified Service Technician The water heater must be located so it is not subject to physical damage for example by moving vehicles area flooding etc If local codes require the use of a stand kit to raise the water heater 18 above the fl...

Page 8: ...s directly or through vertical ducts there must be two openings located as specified above and each must have a minimum net free area of not less than one square inch per 4000 Btuh of the total input rating of all the appliances in the enclosure If horizontal ducts are used to communicate with the outdoors each opening must have a minimum net free area of not less than one square inch per 2000 Btu...

Page 9: ...he 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 create...

Page 10: ...alve and discharge line The end of the discharge line should not be threaded or concealed and should be protected from freezing No valve of any type restriction or reducer coupling should be installed in the discharge line To Fill the Water Heater Make certain that 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...

Page 11: ...s than 3 8 psi 10 5 w c for natural gas or 1 2 psi 14 w c for LP gas 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 The National Fuel Gas Code NFGC mandates a ...

Page 12: ... Blankets Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters are not necessary The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters This water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements making an insulation bl...

Page 13: ... plate DO ensure that the venting system complies with the guidelines found in the Use and Care Manual and National Fuel Gas Code DO contact a Qualified service technician if the pilot or main burner will not stay lit The burner chamber is designed to be sealed utilizing a gasket and tamper resistant screws DON T DON T block or restrict Combustion Air Inlet Openings located around the lower portio...

Page 14: ...ent room to service heater Combustible materials such as clothing cleaning materials rags etc clear of the base of the heater Clearances from combustion air inlet openings observed see page 7 Gas Supply Gas line equipped with shut off valve union and sediment trap Approved pipe joint compound used Soap and water solution used to check all connections and fittings for possible gas leak Gas Company ...

Page 15: ...ic chemicals such as those used for boiler treatment into this system Tee fitting for horizontal hot water supply lines Hot water supply to house From HOT outlet on water heater From HOT outlet on water heater Hot water supply to heating unit Hot water supply to house Hot water supply to heating unit R E L I E F V A L V E C O L D H O T C O L D H O T Typical Piping Diagram for Combination Potable S...

Page 16: ...Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions 16 ...

Page 17: ......

Page 18: ...aken The hottest temperature water will be at the top of the tank closest to the outlet pipe delivering hot water to the home Stacking can cause this top layer of water to be hotter than the water toward the bottom of the tank near the gas control thermostat Therefore always remember to test the water temperature with your hand before use and remember that hotter water increases the risk of scald ...

Page 19: ...ars of dependable trouble free service It is recommended that a periodic inspection of the gas control thermostat burner relief valve internal flue way and venting system should be made by service personnel qualified in gas appliance repair It is suggested that a routine preventative maintenance program be established and followed by the user At least once a year lift and release the lever handle ...

Page 20: ...aution in the Operating Instructions Vacation and Extended Shut Down If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended period of time the power and water to the appliance should be turned off to conserve energy and prevent a build up of dangerous hydrogen gas The water heater and piping should be drained if they might be subjected to freezing temperatures After a long shut down period the wate...

Page 21: ...ced by a clogged qualified service technician Gas Cock Knob not See the Lighting The Water Heater section of this correctly positioned manual Pilot does not stay Loose thermocouple The connection at the gas control thermostat should lit when the RED be tightened by a qualified service technician button is released Thermocouple defective The thermocouple should be replaced by a qualified service te...

Page 22: ...cessary relight using the instructions in the Lighting The Water Heater section of this manual The gas control thermostat See the Water Temperature Setting of The Water may be set too low Heater section of this manual Leaking or open hot water Make sure all faucets are closed faucets Combustion Shutoff System Contact a qualified service technician tripped Water is too hot The gas control thermosta...

Page 23: ...Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service 23 Notes ...

Page 24: ...Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions 24 Notes ...

Page 25: ...Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service 25 ...

Page 26: ... Manufacturer s National Service Department at the following address 2600 Gunter Park Drive Montgomery AL 36109 1413 When contacting the manufacturer the following information will be requested Model and serial number of the water heater as shown on the rating plate attached to the jacket of the heater Address where the water heater is located and physical location Name and address of installer an...

Page 27: ...Rheem Manufacturing Company Warranty Registration Department P O Box 34070 Louisville KY 40232 4070 Please place in envelope and mail to Cut here Cut here 27 ...

Page 28: ...Mrs Miss Street Address City State Date Placed In Use Month Day Year Zip Code Apt Last Name Phone Number _ _ Complete and mail this Consumer Product Ownership Registration today After mailing the registration below store this document in a safe place It contains information you will need should you require service Read your Use and Care Manual carefully It will help you operate your new appliance ...

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