Desa VTN25R Original instructions

UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) INFRARED GAS HEATER
SAFETY INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
MODELS CTR25NR, CTR22PR, VTN25R AND VTP22R
Save this manual for future reference.
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency or the gas supplier.

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WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion, service or maintenance can cause injury or prop-
erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses
air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provi-
sions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must
be provided. Refer to Air for Combustion and Ventilation
section on page 5 of this manual.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,* per-
manently located, manufactured (mobile) home, where
not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indi-
cated on the rating plate. This appliance is not convert-
ible for use with other gases.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 3
Local Codes ........................................................ 4
Product Identification ........................................... 4
Unpacking ........................................................... 4
Product Features ................................................. 4
Air For Combustion and ventilation ..................... 5
Installation ........................................................... 7
Operating Heater ............................................... 13
Inspecting Heater .............................................. 15
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 16
Service Hints ..................................................... 16
Technical Service .............................................. 16
Troubleshooting ................................................. 17
Illustrated Parts Breakdown .............................. 20
Parts List ........................................................... 21
Specifications .................................................... 22
Accessory .......................................................... 22
Service Publications .......................................... 22
Replacement Parts ............................................ 22
Parts Central ..................................................... 23
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made by a licensed plumber or gas fitter in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural gas-fired supplemental room heaters shall provide to each
purchaser a copy of 527 CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for bedroom and bathroom installation in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.

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SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product con-
tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer or birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble,
operate or service this heater.
Improper use of this heater can
cause serious injury or death
from burns, fire, explosion,
electrical shock and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon
monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with head-
aches, dizziness or nausea. If you have these signs,
the heater may not be working properly. Get fresh
air at once! Have heater serviced. Some people
are more affected by carbon monoxide than others.
These include pregnant women, people with heart
or lung disease or anemia, those under the influ-
ence of alcohol and those at high altitudes.
Natural and Propane/LP Gas: Natural and Propane/LP
gases are odorless. An odor-making agent is added
to these gases. The odor helps you detect a gas leak.
However, the odor added to the gas can fade. Gas
may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all warn-
ings. Keep this manual for reference. It is your
guide to safe and proper operation of this heater.
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not ap-
proved for use with this heater.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of traffic and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects on the heater.
Surface of heater becomes very
hot when running heater. Keep
children and adults away from
hot surface to avoid burns or
clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shut-
down. Allow surface to cool
before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the same
room with heater.
Make sure grill guard is in place
before running heater.
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible ma-
terials, gasoline and other flam-
mable vapors and liquids.
1. This appliance is only for use with the type of
gas indicated on the rating plate. This appliance
is not convertible for use with other gases.
2. Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s) in-
side any structure. Locate propane/LP supply
tank(s) outdoors.
3. This heater shall not be installed in a bedroom
or bathroom.
4. If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply
• Do not try to light any appliance
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas supplierʼs
instructions
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department

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4
5. This heater needs fresh, outside air ventilation
to run properly. This heater has an Oxygen
Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff
system. The ODS shuts down the heater if
not enough fresh air is available. See Air for
Combustion and Ventilation, page 5.
6. Keep all air openings in front and bottom of
heater clear and free of debris. This will insure
enough air for proper combustion.
7. If heater shuts off, do not relight until you
provide fresh, outside air. If heater keeps
shutting off, have it serviced.
8. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used
or stored
• under dusty conditions
9. Do not use heater if any part has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified service
technician to inspect the room heater and to
replace any part of the control system and any
gas control which has been under water.
10. Turn off heater and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualified service person should service
and repair heater.
11. Operating heater above elevations of 4,500
feet (1372 m) could cause pilot outage.
12. To prevent performance problems, do not
use propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100
psi (690 kPa) capacity.
13. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner or similar products, turn heater off. If
heated, the vapors from these products may
create a white powder residue within burner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture.
14. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
LOCAL CODES
Install and use heater with care. Follow all local
codes. In the absence of local codes, use the latest
edition of The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
Figure 1 - Infrared Tower Heater
UNPACKING
1. Remove heater from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to
heater for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage. If
heater is damaged, promptly contact the dealer
to where you bought heater.
PRODUCT FEATURES
SAFETY DEVICE
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Deple-
tion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The
ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room
heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts off the heater if there
is not enough fresh air.
IGNITION SYSTEM
This heater has an electronic ignitor to light heater
fuel supply, which requires a AAA battery.
THERMOSTATIC HEAT CONTROL
Your unit is thermostatically controlled when heat-
er and remote control are set to the proper modes.
This results in the greatest heater comfort.
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Electronic
Ignitor
Grill
Plaque
(behind
Grill)
On/Pilot/Off Knob
Manual/Auxiliary
Knob

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AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installed in a confined
space or unusually tight construc-
tion unless provisions are provid-
ed for adequate combustion and
ventilation air. Read the following
instructions to insure proper fresh
air for this and other fuel-burning
appliances in your home.
Todayʼs homes are built more energy efficient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation and
new construction methods help reduce heat loss
in homes. Home owners weather strip and caulk
around windows and doors to keep the cold air out
and the warm air in. During heating months, home
owners want their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy effi-
cient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh air must
enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need
fresh air for proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers and fuel
burning appliances draw air from the house to
operate. You must provide adequate fresh air for
these appliances. This will insure proper venting
of vented fuel-burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3,
Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three fol-
lowing ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconfined Space
3. Confined Space
The information on pages 5 through 7 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion and
ventilation. However, in buildings of unusually
tight construction, you must provide additional
fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is defined as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of
one perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) or
less with openings gasketed or sealed
and
b. weather stripping has been added on
openable windows and doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied to
areas such as joints around window
and door frames, between sole plates
and floors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations
for plumbing, electrical and gas lines
and at other openings.
If your home meets all of these three cri-
teria, you must provide additional fresh
air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors,
page 7.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow For Heater Location.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54
defines a confined space as a space whose volume
is less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour
(4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input rating of all
appliances installed in that space and an unconfined
space as a space whose volume is not less than 50
cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/Hr (4.8 m3 per kw) of the
aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in
that space. Rooms communicating directly with the
space in which the appliances are installed*, through
openings not furnished with doors, are considered
a part of the unconfined space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation grills
between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or
Unconfined Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have a
confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install
heater plus any adjoining rooms with doorless pas-
sageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.

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1. Determine the volume of the space (length x
width x height).
Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2560 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room is
supplied with grills or openings, add the volume
of these rooms to the total volume of the space.
2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine the
maximum Btu/Hr (kw) the space can support.
__________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 =
51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr (kw) of all fuel burning appli-
ances in the space.
Vent-free heater ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Gas water heater* ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Gas furnace ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Vented gas heater ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Gas fireplace logs ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Other gas appliances* + ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Total = ________ Btu/Hr (kw)
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Di-
rect-vent draws combustion air from the outdoors
and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater ___________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Vent-free heater ___________ Btu/Hr (kw)
Total ___________ Btu/Hr (kw)
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr (kw) the space can
support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr (kw) used.
___________ Btu/Hr (kw) (maximum the space can support)
___________ Btu/Hr (kw) (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
Example: 51,200 Btu/Hr (15 kw) (maximum
the space can support)
62,000 Btu/Hr (18.2 kw) (actual
amount of Btu/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a confined space
because the actual Btu/Hr (kw) used is more than the
maximum Btu/Hr (kw) the space can support. You must
provide additional fresh air. Your options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoin-
ing room. If the extra space provides an unconfined
space, remove door to adjoining room or add
ventilation grills between rooms. See Ventilation
Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventila-
tion Air From Outdoors, page 7.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr (kw) heater, if lower Btu/Hr
(kw) size makes room unconfined.
If the actual Btu/Hr (kw) used is less than the maxi-
mum Btu/Hr (kw) the space can support, the space
is an unconfined space. You will need no additional
fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in which
the heater may be operated is
smaller than that defined as
an unconfined space or if the
building is of unusually tight
construction, provide adequate
combustion and ventilation air
by one of the methods described
in the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 Section 5.3
or applicable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining un-
confined space. When ventilating to an adjoining
unconfined space, you must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" (30.5 cm) of the
ceiling and one within 12" (30.5 cm) of the floor
on the wall connecting the two spaces (see options
1 and 2, Figure 2). You can also remove door into
adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2). Follow the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54,
Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for
required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
40,000 (11.7)
+ 22,000 (6.4)
= 62,000 (18.2)
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ventilation
Grills
into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12" (30,48 cm)
12" (30,48 cm)

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Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills
or ducts. You must provide two permanent open-
ings: one within 12" (30.5 cm) of the ceiling and
one within 12" (30.5 cm) of the floor. Connect
these items directly to the outdoors or spaces
open to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size of
ventilation grills or ducts.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet
or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermostat-
controlled power vent. Heated air entering the attic
will activate the power vent.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
A
ir
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: This heater is intended
for use as supplemental heat.
Use this heater along with your
primary heating system. Do not
install this heater as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have a
central heating system, you may
run system’s circulating blower
while using heater. This will help
circulate the heat throughout the
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
WARNING: A qualified ser-
vice person must install heater.
Follow all local codes.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only the correct type of gas (natural or pro-
pane/LP). If your gas supply is not the correct gas
type, do not install heater. Call dealer where you
bought heater for proper type heater.
WARNING: This appliance
is equipped for (natural or pro-
pane/LP) gas. Field conversion
is not permitted.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing heater, make sure you have the
items listed below.
• for propane/LP gas, external regulator (supplied
by installer)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve *
• ground joint union
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
• for natural gas, test gauge connection*
* A CSA design-certified equipment shutoff valve
with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable alternative to
test gauge connection. The optional CSA design-
certified equipment shutoff valve can be purchased
from your dealer. See Accessory, page 22.
LOCATING HEATER
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances shown
in Figure 4. If you can, provide
greater clearances from ceiling
and joining wall(s).
Heater may be installed either in a corner or along
the wall.
Figure 4 - Clearances to Combustibles
36"
(91.4 cm)
36"
(91.4 cm)
10"
(25.4 cm)
10"
(25.4 cm)

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WARNING: Never install the
heater
• in a bedroom or bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing or other flammable
objects are less than 36 inches
(91.4 cm) from the front or top
of the heater or less than 10"
(25.4 cm) from sides of heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
CAUTION: If you install the
heater in a home garage
• heater pilot and burner must
be at least 18 inches (45.7 cm)
above floor
• locate heater where moving
vehicle will not hit it
CAUTION: This heater creates
warm air currents. These currents
move heat to wall surfaces next
to heater. Installing heater next
to vinyl or cloth wall coverings or
operating heater where impurities
(such as, but not limited to, to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning fluids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to
the air. Although this is beneficial, installing heater
in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause
mildew to form from too much moisture. See Air
for Combustion and Ventilation, page 5. If high hu-
midity is experienced, a dehumidifier may be used
to help lower the water vapor content in the air.
For convenience and efficiency, install heater
• where there is easy access for operation, inspec-
tion and service
• in coldest part of room
INSTALLATION
Continued
An optional fan kit is available from your dealer.
See Accessory, page 22. If planning to use fan,
locate heater near an electrical outlet.
INSTALLING REMOTE CONTROL
RECEIVER
Remote control receiver must be installed to oper-
ate the remote control.
1. Locate receiver bracket, two packages of
AA batteries, remote receiver and screws in
hardware bag included with your heater.
2. Remove battery cover on receiver and install
batteries as shown in Figure 5. Replace battery
cover.
3. Insert wire connector and wire through bush-
ing on the back of heater (see Figure 6).
4. Lay heater onto its side. Insert wire connector
into valve at location shown in Figure 7 page 9.
Feed extra wire from receiver into heater base.
Place heater back in upright position.
5. Attach bracket around receiver with screws
as shown in Figure 6.
REMOTE
OFF
Battery Cover
Receiver
Figure 5 - Installing Batteries in Receiver
AA Batteries
REMOTE
OFF
Figure 6 - Installing Remote Receiver
Receiver
Receiver
Bracket
Wire
Connector Bushing

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INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING BATTERIES INTO
REMOTE
1. Locate hand-held remote control in hardware
bag included with your heater.
2. Remove battery cover and insert supplied batter-
ies into remote control as shown in Figure 8.
3. Replace battery cover.
ACTIVATING COMMUNICATION
BETWEEN RECEIVER AND REMOTE
CONTROL
1. Set receiver selector switch to the remote
position (see Figure 9).
2. Push the ON button on hand-held remote
control. You should hear a beep. If not, use a
dull object to push the LEARN button in the
receiver (see Figure 9). Push the ON button
on remote control once again. You may hear
a series of beeps.
If you have questions regarding the remote control
or receiver, call 1-888-672-8929.
REPLACING BATTERY IN IGNITOR
If the spark that lights the pilot lessons, you may need
to replace the battery in the ignitor. See Figure 10.
Figure 7 - Connecting Receiver Wire
Valve
Receiver Wire
Bottom View
Figure 8 - Installing Batteries in Hand-
Held Remote Control
AAA
Batteries
Battery Cover
Remote Control
REMOTE
OFF
F
TEMPSET
ON
ROOM
OFF
MODE
SET
Figure 9 - Receiver and Remote Control
Setup
ON
Button
LEARN Button (Inside)
Slide Right to
REMOTE
Figure 11 - Mounting Heater to Floor
Wood
Screw
Mounting
Hole (One
each side)
MOUNTING HEATER BASE TO
FLOOR (Where required by local codes)
1. Position heater in desired location. Mark holes
for drilling. Move heater aside.
2. For carpeted floors, make a small cut with a
sharp knife at the marked locations prior to
drilling.
3. Drill 1/8" (diameter hole, 3/4" deep. (Do not
use anchors in wood floors.)
4. For concrete floors, use 1/4" diameter concrete
drill bit. Drill 1 3/8" deep. Insert anchors com-
pletely into holes.
5. Position heater over holes. Secure to floor with
wood screws. See Figure 11.
Figure 10 - Replacing Battery in
Electronic Ignitor
AAA Battery
Negative
towards cap

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10
INSTALLATION
Continued
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY
WARNING: This appliance
requires a 3/8" NPT (National
Pipe Thread) inlet connection to
the pressure regulator.
WARNING: A qualified
service person must connect
heater to gas supply. Follow all
local codes.
WARNING: For natural gas,
never connect heater to private
(non-utility) gas wells. This
gas is commonly known as
wellhead gas.
IMPORTANT: For natural gas, check gas line
pressure before connecting heater to gas line. Gas
line pressure must be no greater than 10.5 inches
(2.6 kPa) of water. If gas line pressure is higher,
heater regulator damage could occur.
CAUTION: For propane/LP
gas, never connect heater di-
rectly to the propane/LP supply.
This heater requires an external
regulator (not supplied). Install
the external regulator between the
heater and propane/LP supply.
For propane/LP gas, the installer must supply an
external regulator. The external regulator will
reduce incoming gas pressure. You must reduce
incoming gas pressure to between 11 and 14 inches
(2.7 and 3.5 kPa) of water. If you do not reduce
incoming gas pressure, heater regulator damage
could occur. Install the external regulator with
the vent pointing down as shown in Figure 12.
Pointing the vent down protects it from freezing
rain or sleet.
Figure 12 - External Regulator With Vent
Pointing Down
External
Regulator
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
Vent
Pointing
Down
CAUTION: Use only new,
black iron or steel pipe. Inter-
nally-tinned copper tubing may
be used in certain areas. Check
your local codes. Use pipe of
large enough diameter to allow
proper gas volume to heater. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
volume will occur.
Typical Inlet Pipe Diameter
All models - 1/2" or greater
Installation must include equipment shutoff valve,
union and plugged 1/8" NPT tap. Locate NPT
tap within reach for test gauge hook up. NPT tap
must be upstream from heater (see Figure 13,
page 11).
IMPORTANT: Install an equipment shutoff valve
in an accessible location. The equipment shutoff
valve is for turning on or shutting off the gas to
the appliance.
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male NPT
threads. This will prevent excess sealant from
going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could result
in clogged heater valves.
WARNING: Use pipe joint
sealant that is resistant to liquid
petroleum (LP) gas.