AquaMAX G270SS Series Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Outdoor Domestic Mains Pressure
Gas Storage Water Heater
G270SS, G340SS & G390SS Series

1
Warning: Upon completion of the installation and commissioning of the
water heater, leave this guide with the householder or responsible officer.
DO NOT leave this guide inside the cover of the water heater, as it may
interfere with the safe operation of the water heater or ignite when the
water heater is turned on.
Patents
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered
designs in the name of Aquamax Australia Pty Ltd.
Trademarks
®
Registered trademark of Aquamax Australia Pty Ltd.
TM
Trademark of Aquamax Australia Pty Ltd.

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CONTENTS
Householder: Read the section ‘About Your Water Heater’ (pages 3 to
19). The ‘Installation’ section is intended for the installer but may be of
interest.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER ................................................................3
Model Type................................................................................................3
Lighting the Water Heater .........................................................................5
Shut Down Procedure ...............................................................................8
Temperature Adjustment...........................................................................8
Other Important Information ....................................................................11
Periodic Maintenance..............................................................................12
Water Chemistry......................................................................................15
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................17
INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................20
Installation Overview ...............................................................................20
Water Supplies ........................................................................................23
Plumbing & Plumbing Diagrams .............................................................24
Plumbing Connections.........................................................................24
Two Temperature Zones Using a Temperature Limiting Device.........27
Two Temperature Zones Using a Dual Outlet PTR Valve ..................28
Circulated Hot Water Flow & Return Systems ....................................29
Commissioning........................................................................................30
To Fill, Turn ON and Commission the Water Heater ..........................30
Testing Inlet Gas Pressure..................................................................31
Testing & Adjusting Burner Gas Pressure...........................................32
Draining the Water Heater ......................................................................33
Dimensions & Technical Data .................................................................34
WARRANTY ...............................................................................................39

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ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
Product Application
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling
for the purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other
than this may shorten its life.
Warning: This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons
who have the experience or knowledge and capabilities to do so. This
water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children.
Children should be supervised to ensure they do not interfere with the
water heater.
Model Type
This Aquamax
®
water heater is a 5 star permanent pilot gas storage water
heater suitable for outdoor installation only. This water heater is not to be
used as a pool heater.
Water is stored in a stainless steel storage cylinder and heated by a gas
burner located under the cylinder. The heat produced by the burner is
transferred to the water through the base, top and side walls of the storage
cylinder with flue baffle rings capturing heat to improve efficiency. The gas
supply to the burner is controlled by a thermostat so that the water in the
storage cylinder is heated and then maintained at a constant temperature.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and
efficient operation.
Model Selection Chart
Model Name G270SS G340SS G390SS
(without mixing valve) (with mixing valve)
Model Number
G270SS-NG G340SS-NG G390SS-NG
Legend
G
Gas Series
270,
340
,
390
Rated first hour hot water delivery in Litres
S
S
Stainless steel storage cylinder
NG
Natural gas

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Mains Pressure Operation
This water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting
directly to the mains water supply. If the mains supply pressure in your area
exceeds that shown in ‘Mains Water Supply’ on page 23, a pressure
limiting valve must be fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than
350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
Hot Water Temperature
This water heater features a user adjustable thermostat located behind the
front access panel which controls the temperature of the stored water in
the storage cylinder. The thermostat is adjustable between 35 ~ 75°C
(factory setting approximately 60°C). Refer to ‘Temperature Adjustment’ on
page 8.
To meet the requirements of the National Plumbing Standard, the
temperature of the stored water must not be below 60°C.
Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to inhibit
the growth of legionella bacteria in stored potable water. This water heater
can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided it is operating and the
thermostat setting is set at 60°C or higher.
G390SS Models Only
In addition to the adjustable thermostat which controls the temperature of
the stored water, the G390SS model has a user adjustable mixing valve
located on the bottom left hand side of the water heater. The mixing valve
can be adjusted to increase or decrease the hot water supply temperature
to the premises by mixing cold mains water with hot water from the storage
cylinder. This allows hot water to be delivered below 50°C whilst the stored
water is maintained at or above 60°C. Refer to ‘Mixing Valve Adjustment –
G390SS Model Only’ on page 9.
High Hot Water Temperature Increases the Risk of Scald Injury
Warning: This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which
can cause scalding. Always check the water temperature before use, such
as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable
for the application and will not cause a scald injury. Aquamax recommends
monthly temperature checks to ensure the appropriate temperature is
maintained within the hot water heater.
Aquamax recommends, and it may also be required by regulations, that a
secondary device such as an approved temperature limiting device or anti-
scald water shut off valve be fitted into the hot water pipe work to the

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bathroom(s) and ensuite(s) if persons living in the house require additional
safety protection from potential scalding. This will keep the hot water supply
temperature to the bathroom(s) and ensuite(s) below 50°C which will
reduce the risk of scald injury whilst still allowing hotter water (60°C+) to the
kitchen and laundry.
For new hot water installations, all sanitary outlet fixtures used primarily for
personal hygiene purpose must deliver hot water not exceeding 50°C. This
temperature limit is not mandatory for kitchen sinks and laundry tubs and
the preferable temperature setting for these outlets should be 60°C.
To minimise scalding, especially for those people in high scald risk
categories i.e. young children, people with potentially incapacitating
medical conditions, elderly people etc, this water heater must be installed in
accordance with AS/NZS 3500.4.
For early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools, nursing
homes or similar facilities for young, aged, sick or disabled persons, please
consult your local health authority for the correct temperature setting.
Note: When a tempering valve is fitted to a G390SS model, the water
heaters mixing valve must be set on position ‘5’. Refer to ‘Mixing Valve
Adjustment – G390SS Model Only’ on page 9.
Lighting the Water Heater
Safety Warnings
For your safety, read the following warnings before attempting to light the
water heater:
Warning: This water heater is designed to operate reliably and safely
as long as the operating instructions are followed exactly. You must
comply with these lighting instructions at every stage.
Warning: Ensure the water heater is filled with water and the water
supply is turned on otherwise serious damage to the storage cylinder and
water heater components may occur.
Warning: After installation and before lighting the water heater, the
qualified installer must check all gas connections for leaks. The qualified
installer must also test the gas inlet (supply) pressure and burner gas
pressure.
Warning: Use only your hand to turn the gas knob, never use tools. If
the gas knob will not turn by hand, do not try to repair it, call a qualified
service technician. Force or attempted repair may cause a fire or
dangerous situation.

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Warning: Do not attempt to operate this water heater if it has been
damaged. Call a qualified service technician.
Warning: This water heater is equipped with a ‘Piezo’ push button
igniter which lights the pilot. There is no need for matches to light the water
heater. When lighting the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.
Lighting Instructions
1. Stop. Read ‘Safety Warnings’ on
page 5 ~ 6.
2. Remove front access panel as
follows:
G270SS model:
Remove single screw retaining
access panel and lift out access
panel.
G340SS and G390SS models: Lift
access panel up then pull bottom of
panel away and down from water
heater.
3. Slightly depress gas knob and rotate fully clockwise so that the white
dot ‘‘ aligns with the gas knob position indicator on the gas control
body (off position).
4. Before lighting: Ensure there is no smell of gas around vicinity of
water heater and burner opening. Be sure to smell next to ground
level as some gases can settle there.
If you do not smell gas proceed to step 5.
If you do smell gas do not try to light the water heater. If the gas smell
is still present after five (5) minutes, turn off the isolation valve on the
gas supply line to the water heater, leave the area and call Aquamax
Service or a qualified service technician.
5. Depress gas knob slightly and rotate anticlockwise to the red star ‘ ’
(pilot) position.
6. Depress gas knob fully (until red star disappears below housing) and
hold in the depressed position. After twenty (20) seconds, whilst
keeping gas knob depressed, repeatedly press and release the igniter
button for up to forty (40) seconds or until the pilot flame ignites (igniter
is a red button located below and to the right of the gas control).
Warning: Keep your face clear of combustion chamber opening
while operating igniter button.

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If pilot ignites, proceed to step 7.
If pilot does not ignite, release gas knob, wait five (5) minutes for any
unburnt gas to escape then begin again from the beginning of step 6.
Note: It is not possible to depress the gas knob fully if the gas control
has activated its safety shut off feature. In this case, wait five
(5) minutes for the gas control to reset (this allows for any unburnt gas
to escape).
7. Hold gas knob in depressed position for a further twenty (20) seconds
and then release.
8. Depress gas knob slightly and rotate anticlockwise to the red line ‘l’
(ignition) position and hold in this position for five (5) seconds.
9. Release gas knob (gas knob will return to the red flame ‘ ’ (on)
position automatically) and listen for burner noise.
10. If burner ignites, proceed to step 11.
If burner fails to ignite, depress gas knob slightly and rotate gas knob
to the white dot ‘‘ (off) position. Wait five (5) minutes for any unburnt
gas to escape and then begin again from step 5.
Warning: Failure to wait five (5) minutes may result in a fire or
dangerous situation.
11. When the burner remains alight with the gas knob released, rotate
temperature adjustment dial so that ‘3.5’ aligns with the temperature
dial position indicator on the gas control body. This is the
recommended (and factory default) setting which will provide a water
temperature of approximately 60°C. Rotate adjusting dial past this
position if a higher temperature is required. Refer to ‘Temperature
Adjustment’ on page 8 for dial position indicative temperatures.
Note: To comply with the requirements of AS 3498 and to inhibit the
growth of Legionella bacteria, the thermostat setting must be set at
60°C or higher.
Warning: Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
12. Replace front access panel.
The main burner will now automatically ignite when heating is required and
extinguish when the water in the storage cylinder has been heated to the
set temperature. If the main burner does not light at the selected setting,
the water may already be at the selected temperature.
Note: Never press igniter button whilst gas knob is in other than the red
star ‘ ’ (pilot) position.

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Shut Down Procedure
To view the gas control components described in this procedure refer to the
‘Lighting Instructions’ diagram on page 6.
1. Remove front access panel by following step 2 of ‘Lighting
Instructions’ on page 6.
2. Depress the gas knob and rotate gas knob clockwise so that the red
star ‘ ’ aligns with the gas knob position indicator on the gas control
body (pilot position). This setting will leave the pilot flame alight,
however the main burner will not be able to ignite.
Note: To reinstate the burner from the red star ‘ ’ (pilot) position,
depress gas knob slightly and rotate anticlockwise to the red line ‘l’
(ignition) position. Hold in this position for five (5) seconds then
release the gas knob. The gas knob will return to the red flame ‘ ’ (on)
position automatically and the burner will ignite when heating is
required and extinguish when the water in the storage cylinder has
been heated to the set temperature. If the main burner does not light
at the selected setting, the water may already be at the selected
temperature.
3. Replace front access panel or to completely shut down the gas
control, perform steps 4 and 5.
4. Depress gas knob slightly and rotate clockwise to the white dot ‘‘
(off) position. This setting shuts the gas control down completely.
Note: To reinstate the gas control and burner from the white dot ‘‘
(off) position, follow the ‘Lighting Instructions’ on page 6.
5. Replace front access panel.
Note: When switched back on from the red star ‘ ’ (pilot) position or white
dot ‘‘ (off) position, the water heater may take up to an hour to reheat.
Temperature Adjustment
Warning: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to
inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in potable water. This water heater
can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided it is operating and the
thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.
Thermostat Adjustment – All Models
The thermostat controls the stored water temperature.
The thermostat automatically controls the gas supply to the burner so that a
constant water temperature is maintained within the storage cylinder. The

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thermostat is fully automatic and the burner only operates when the water
in the storage cylinder requires heating. There is no need to switch the
water heater off when it is not in use, except when you are going away for
an extended period.
The temperature adjustment dial is on the front of the gas control located
behind the front access panel of the water heater (refer to the diagram in
‘Lighting Instructions’ on page 6). The adjustment dial is marked with
numerals with each number representing a temperature difference of
approximately 10°C. When aligned with the temperature dial position
indicator on the gas control body, the dial setting corresponds
approximately to the following temperatures:
Dial Setting 1 2 3 4 5
Temperature 35°C 45°C 55°C 65°C 75°C
To adjust the thermostat:
1. Remove front access panel by following step 2 of ‘Lighting
Instructions’ on page 6.
2. Rotate temperature adjustment dial anticlockwise to increase or
clockwise to decrease the stored water temperature.
Warning: Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
3. Replace front access panel.
Mixing Valve Adjustment – G390SS Models Only
The mixing valve controls the delivered
water temperature.
The G390SS model has the addition of a
user adjustable mixing valve located on
the left hand side of the water heater.
The mixing valve can be adjusted to
increase or decrease the hot water
supply temperature to the premises by
mixing cold mains water with hot water
from the storage cylinder. This allows hot
water to be delivered below 50°C whilst
the stored water is maintained at or
above 60°C.
Adjusting the mixing valve adjustment knob to position ‘5’ will allow water
to be delivered at the stored temperature of the cylinder (no mixing). Each

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numbered incremental change from position ‘5’ represents a temperature
decrease of approximately 5°C (incremental increase of cold water mixing).
Note: When a tempering valve is fitted to a G390SS model, the water
heaters mixing valve must be set on position ‘5’.
To adjust the mixing valve to deliver water at 50°C:
1. Ensure water in the storage cylinder is at the thermostats selected
temperature. The burner will turn off when the thermostat setting is
reached.
2. Turn off cold water supply to water heater by closing cold water line
stop cock (refer to the ‘Cold Water Supply Plumbing Arrangement’
diagram on page 25). In some instances the stop cock may have a
round black knob instead of a handle arrangement.
3. Open a hot water tap and let the tap run until there is little or no water
flow, then close the tap. This is to relieve system pressure.
4. Insert a large flat bladed screwdriver into slot on mixing valve
adjustment knob and rotate knob anticlockwise to decrease or
clockwise to increase the delivered water temperature.
5. Open cold water line stop cock.
6. Open a hot water tap and allow water to flow at a medium rate for 2 ~
3 minutes.
7. Using a thermometer, measure the water temperature at the opened
tap. If the measured water temperature is 50°C, the mixing valve is
correctly set and the procedure has ended.
If the measured water temperature is above or below 50°C, repeat
steps 1 ~ 6 until a water temperature of 50°C is obtained.
Note: If the mixing valve is set on the lowest setting (position ‘1’) and
the delivered water temperature is still too hot, reduce the thermostat
setting by following the ‘Thermostat Adjustment’ procedure on page 8.
Wait twenty four (24) hours then repeat the mixing valve adjustment
procedure.
Warning: The delivered water temperature must be checked after
adjusting the mixing valve to ensure the setting is acceptable. Small
changes to the mixing valve setting can lead to significant water
temperature changes.
Warning: Changing the water heaters thermostat setting will also
cause the mixing valve delivery temperature to be altered. If the thermostat
setting is altered, the mixing valve adjustment procedure must be repeated
to ensure the delivered hot water temperature is satisfactory.

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Other Important Information
Going Away?
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you
leave the water heater switched on. However, if you plan to stay away
more than a few nights, the gas knob can be set to the red star ‘ ’ (pilot)
position to conserve energy (follow steps 1~ 3 of ‘Shut Down Procedure’ on
page 8).
Note: When switched back on, the water heater may take up to an hour to
reheat.
Safety
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over temperature cut
out, a thermocouple and a combination pressure temperature relief valve.
These devices must not be tampered with or removed. The water heater
must not be operated unless each of these devices are fitted and are in
working order.
The Aquamax warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other safety
devices are tampered with or if the installation is not in accordance with
these instructions.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater, it must be installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. These instructions must be read in conjunction with
all other instructions affixed to the appliance.
Warning: Do not store flammable or combustible materials near the
water heater. Flammable liquids (such as petrol), newspapers and similar
articles must be kept well away from the water heater and the flue terminal.
Warning: Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household
chemicals near the water heater whilst it is operating. Gases from some
aerosol sprays, stain removers and household chemicals are flammable
and/or become corrosive when drawn into a flame.
Warning: Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household
cleaners, etc., near the water heater.
Warning: Do not place anything in contact with the flue terminal.
Ensure the flue terminal is not obstructed in any way at any time.

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How Long Will the Water Heater Last
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page
39). There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the
water heater will provide. These include but are not limited to the water
chemistry, the water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and
the water usage pattern.
Precautions
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater
leaking, the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction,
installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4
and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s
Guide and Installation Instructions. Refer to ‘Periodic Maintenance’ on page
12.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is
necessary for your application or business, you should ensure that you
have back up redundancy within the hot water system design. This should
ensure the continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater
was to become inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice
from your plumber or specifier about your needs and building back up
redundancy into your hot water supply system.
Periodic Maintenance
Minor Six Monthly Maintenance
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six months by
the dwelling occupant.
Warning: Exercise care when operating easing levers as water
discharged from the water heater may be of a very high temperature.
Minor maintenance actions:
1. Operate easing lever on pressure temperature relief valve (refer to
‘Pressure Temperature Relief Valve’ on page 14).
2. Operate easing lever on expansion control valve (if ECV fitted) (refer
to ‘Expansion Control Valve’ on page 14).
3. If a safety tray is installed, check to ensure the safety tray drain pipe is
not blocked.

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Annual Service
It is recommended an annual service be conducted on the water heater.
Servicing must be performed by a qualified person. Phone Aquamax
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Annual service actions:
1. Inspect and flush temperature pressure relief valve.
2. Inspect and flush expansion control valve (if ECV fitted).
3. Check and if necessary adjust burner gas pressure.
4. Check piezo igniter, gas control and thermocouple condition and
operation.
5. Check operation of and clean pilot and main burner.
6. Visually check the water heater for any potential problems.
7. Inspect all plumbing, gas and electrical connections.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service and
may take up to an hour to reheat the water after servicing has been
completed.
Major Five (5) Year Service
It is recommended a major five (5) year service be conducted on the water
heater. Servicing must be performed by a qualified person. Phone
Aquamax Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The five (5) year service and routine replacement of any
components, such as the relief valve(s), are not included in the Aquamax
warranty. A charge will be made for this work.
Major five (5) year service actions:
1. Replace pressure temperature relief valve.
2. Inspect and flush expansion control valve (if ECV fitted) and replace
expansion control valve if required.
3. Check and if necessary adjust burner gas pressure.
4. Check piezo igniter, gas control and thermocouple condition and
operation.
5. Check operation of and clean pilot and main burner.
6. Visually check the water heater for any potential problems.
7. Inspect all plumbing and gas connections.

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Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service and
may take up to an hour to reheat the water after servicing has been
completed.
Pressure Temperature Relief Valve (PTR Valve)
The PTR valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for safe
water heater operation. It is possible for the PTR valve to release a little
water through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the
water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.
Continuous leakage of water from the PTR valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to ‘Pressure Temperature
Relief Valve Running’ on page 18).
Warning: Never block the outlet of the PTR valve
or its drain line for any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the PTR valve once every
six months. It is very important you raise and lower
the lever gently.
Warning: Exercise care when operating easing lever as water
discharged from the water heater may be of a very high temperature.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water
discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the drain line’s
point of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
Danger: Failure to perform this procedure may result in the water
heater storage cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is lifted, then
the water heater must be checked. Phone Aquamax Service or their
nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
The pressure temperature relief valve should be replaced at intervals not
exceeding five (5) years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high
incidence of water deposits (refer to ‘Water Chemistry’ on page 15).
Expansion Control Valve (ECV)
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling
water areas, an ECV is fitted to the cold water supply line to the water
heater (refer to the ‘Cold Water Supply Plumbing Arrangement’ diagram on
page 25). The ECV may discharge a small quantity of water from its drain
line during the heating period instead of the PTR valve on the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six
months. It is very important that you raise and lower the lever gently.

15
The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years, or more frequently in
areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to ‘Water
Chemistry’ on page 15).
Change of Water Supply
The changing or alternating from one water supply to another can have a
detrimental effect on the operation and/or life expectation of the water
heater storage cylinder, pressure temperature relief valve and heating unit.
Where there is a changeover from one water supply to another, e.g. a
rainwater tank supply, bore water supply, desalinated water supply, public
reticulated water supply or water brought in from another supply, then
water chemistry information should be sought from the supplier or it should
be tested to ensure the water supply meets the requirements given in these
guidelines for the Aquamax warranty to apply.
Water Chemistry
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to
be covered by the Aquamax warranty.
This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most
public reticulated water supplies. However, there are some known water
chemistries which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and its
operation and/or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water chemistry,
you may be able to obtain information from your local water supply
authority. This water heater should only be connected to a water supply
which complies with these guidelines for the Aquamax warranty to apply.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Some water analysis reports may state the conductivity of the water rather
than the level of total dissolved solids. Conductivity, measured in
microsiemens per centimetre (µS/cm), is directly proportional to the TDS
content of the water. TDS, in mg/L, is approximately 70% of the
conductivity in µS/cm.
The Aquamax warranty will not cover resultant faults to the storage cylinder
if this water heater is connected at anytime to a water supply where the
TDS content of the water exceeds 600 mg/L.
In locations where TDS approaches 600 mg/L, e.g. due to sediment, we
strongly recommend fitting an appropriate filter to ensure water entering or
in the water heater does not exceed this level at any time i.e. due to
sediment build up.

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Water Chemistry Levels Affecting Warranty
The Aquamax warranty of this water heater will not cover resultant faults on
components including the storage cylinder where water stored in the
storage cylinder exceeds at any time any of the following levels:
Total dissolved solids 600 mg/Litre
Total hardness 200 mg/Litre
Chloride 300 mg/Litre
Magnesium 10 mg/Litre
pH 9.5 and not less than 6.5
Calcium 20 mg/Litre
Sodium 150 mg/Litre
Iron 1 mg/Litre
Scaling Water
Scaling water is water that contains levels of calcium carbonate (total
hardness in excess of 200 mg/Litre at any time when the water heater is
operating). Scaling water can block and prevent the pressure &
temperature relief valve from operating resulting in damage to the water
heater storage cylinder and water heater components.
An expansion control valve is mandatory in SA & WA and must be fitted in
ALL areas with scaling water to assist in preventing blockage of the
pressure and temperature relief valve.
Danger: Failure to install an expansion control valve where scaling
water conditions occur may result in the water heater storage cylinder
failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
To avoid damage to the storage cylinder and water heater components,
Aquamax strongly recommend scaling water be treated before entering the
water heater by fitting appropriate water filters/conditioners etc. Refer to
your Local Water Authority for information on water in your area. A build up
of white sediment on hot water taps or shower roses can be indicative of
scaling water. Contact Aquamax if this condition is observed.
Note: Damage caused by scaling water can affect the Aquamax warranty.
(Refer to ‘Water Chemistry Levels Affecting Warranty’ on page 16).
Spring, Dam, Bore & River Water Supplies
The Aquamax warranty of this water heater will not cover resultant faults on
components including the storage cylinder due to the effects of sludge
and/or sediment as a result of connection to a water supply from silted or
treated sources i.e. springs, dams, bores, rivers or towns supplied from a
bore.

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Troubleshooting
Check the items below before making a service call. You will be charged
for attending to any condition or fault that is not related to the manufacture
or failure of a part. For warranty terms and conditions (refer to ‘Warranty’
on page 39).
Not Enough Hot Water (Or No Hot Water)
•Is a pilot flame present?
Remove the front access panel and check that a pilot flame is present. If
the pilot flame is not burning relight the heater by following the ‘Lighting
Instructions’ on page 6.
•Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you
think? Very often the amount of hot water used is not realised,
particularly when showering. Carefully review the family’s hot water
usage. Have your plumber fit a flow control valve to each shower outlet
to reduce water usage.
•Pressure temperature relief valve running?
Is the PTR valve discharging too much water? (Refer to ‘Pressure
Temperature Relief Valve Running’ on page 18).
•Is the thermostat setting appropriate?
Ensure the thermostat setting is appropriate. You may choose to adjust
the thermostat upwards to gain additional hot water capacity. Refer to
‘Temperature Adjustment’ on page 8. For G390SS models, check to
ensure the mixing valve setting is appropriate. Refer to ‘Mixing Valve
Adjustment – G390SS Model Only’ on page 9.
Warning: Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
Water Not Hot Enough
•Has your hot water usage increased?
You may find that due to heavy hot water usage the water temperature
may be lower than normally expected.
•Is the thermostat setting correct?
Ensure the thermostat setting is correct. Refer to ‘Temperature
Adjustment’ on page 8. For G390SS models, check to ensure the mixing
valve setting is correct. Refer to ‘Mixing Valve Adjustment – G390SS
Model Only’ on page 9.

18
Pressure Temperature Relief Valve Running
•Normal Operation
It is normal and desirable for the PTR valve to allow a small quantity of
water to escape during the heating cycle, however there may be a
problem if the valve continuously dribbles more than a bucket full of
water in a normal 24 hr cycle.
•Continuous dribble
Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds
(refer to ‘Pressure Temperature Relief Valve’ on page 14). This may
dislodge a small particle of foreign matter and clear the fault. Release
the lever gently.
•Steady flows for long periods (often at night)
This may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the
designed pressure of the water heater. Ask your installing plumber to fit
a pressure limiting valve.
Warning: Never use reconditioned relief valves and never replace
the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating.
Expansion Control Valve Running
If an expansion control valve is fitted in the cold water supply line to the
water heater, it may discharge a small quantity of water instead of the
water heaters pressure temperature relief valve. This has the benefit of
conserving energy as the discharged water is cooler (refer to the ‘Cold
Water Supply Plumbing Arrangement’ diagram on page 25 for expansion
control valve location).
Can’t Light the Pilot
•Is there gas to the water heater?
Check to ensure the gas isolation valve on the gas supply line to the
water heater is open.
•Is there a normal gas supply to the rest of the premises?
Try lighting another gas appliance to check if there is a normal gas
supply present. If there is no gas, call the gas supplier.
Water Heater appears to be Leaking
When the water heater is first lit, or after a large usage of hot water,
condensation may form on and drip from the grille at the front of the water
heater. During periods of heavy condensation, condensate may also form
around the base of the water heater. This is quite normal, especially in
winter months and the condensate will dry off as the water is heated.

19
The water heater will drip water during the heating cycle. It is possible for
several litres a day of condensation to discharge from the unit, especially in
cool conditions. This water is not from the mains supply but is condensation
from the atmosphere caused by the efficient operation of the water heater.
Note: During the heating cycle it is not unusual to see water vapour clouds
steaming from the flue terminal. This is normal operation.
Higher Than Expected Gas Bills
Check the following points if your gas bill is higher than expected:
•Is the relief valve running excessively?
Refer to ‘Pressure Temperature Relief Valve Running’ on page 18.
•Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you
think?
Refer to ‘Not Enough Hot Water’ on page 17.
•Is there a leaking hot water pipe, dripping hot water tap, etc?
Even a small leak will waste a surprising quantity of hot water and gas.
Replace faulty tap washers and have your plumber rectify any leaks.
•Has there been an increase in hot water usage?
An increase in hot water usage will result in an increase in water heater
operation.
•Has your gas rate been increased by your gas retailer since your
previous bill?
Check your previous bill and compare gas rates and charges.
If you have checked all the previous troubleshooting points and still
believe you need assistance, phone Aquamax Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent.