Rheem 300 series User manual

This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owners Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Gas Domestic Indoor
Water Heater

PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs.
® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Notice to Victorian Customers from the
Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission.
This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by
the Victorian Building Act 1993.
Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that
the work complies with all the relevant standards. Only a licensed person will
have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years. Make sure you use
a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance
Certificate.
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 of 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.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 12.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater............................................................4
How Your Water Heater Works...................................................7
Regular Care ................................................................................8
Save A Service Call ...................................................................10
Installation..................................................................................13
Connections – Plumbing ..........................................................20
Commissioning..........................................................................23
Lighting The Water Heater........................................................24
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................28
Water Supplies...........................................................................30
Warranty.....................................................................................31

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
Congratulations for choosing a Rheem®water heater. The model you have
chosen is suitable for indoor installation only. The model is either a 300 series
Rheemglas®or 620 series Heavy Duty water heater.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features a user adjustable
thermostat, which allows you to personally
choose the most suitable temperature for
your hot water needs. Refer to
“Temperature Adjustment” on page 4.
To meet the requirements of the National
Plumbing Standard the temperature of the
stored water must not be below 60°C.
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK
OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver water at
temperatures which can cause scalding.
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 scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved
temperature limiting device be fitted into the hot water pipe work to the
bathroom and ensuite when this water heater is installed. This will keep the
water temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald
injury will be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The temperature adjusting dial is on the gas
valve, located at the lower front of the water
heater. A setting of ‘6’ for a Rheemglas
model and ‘3’ for a Heavy Duty model will
normally maintain the water temperature at
about 60°C. Each number represents a
temperature difference of approximately
6°C.
To increase the water temperature to 65°C for a Rheemglas model or to 80°C
for a Heavy Duty model, turn the gas control knob anticlockwise to a setting of
‘7’. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the Risk of Scald Injury” on page 4.
Rheemglas maximum
thermostat setting
maximum
recommended supply
temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
minimum
recommended stored
water temperature
Heavy Duty maximum
thermostat setting

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
WARNING
This water heater is not intended to be operated, adjusted or tampered with by
young children or infirm persons. Young children should be supervised to
ensure they do not interfere with the water heater.
SAFETY
•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 draught diverter.
•Do not use aerosols, stain removers
and household chemicals near the
water heater whilst it is working. Gases
from some aerosol sprays, stain removers
and household chemicals become
corrosive when drawn into a flame.
•Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, etc., near
the water heater.
•Do not place anything on top of the water heater or in contact with the
draught diverter. Ensure the draught diverter is not obstructed in any way at
any time.
•Do not use Propane / Butane gas mixtures in a Propane model. A Propane
model is designed to operate on Propane only. The use of
Propane / Butane mixture, such as automotive LPG fuel, in a Propane
model is unsafe and can cause damage to the water heater.
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out,
and a combination temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not
be tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be operated unless
each of these devices is fitted and is in working order.
The warranty can become void if relief valves or other safety devices are
tampered with or if the installation is not in accordance with these
instructions.
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
•Shut down the gas control (refer to “Close Down Procedure” on page 27).
•Close the gas isolation valve at the inlet to the gas control.
•Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
•Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.
•Open the gas isolation valve fully at the inlet to the gas control.
•Light the water heater (refer to “Lighting the Water Heater” on page 24).
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on page 19. The water heater must be
installed by an authorised person and the installation must comply with National
Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS 5601 and all local codes and regulatory
authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with the
Code of Practice for installation of Gas Appliances NZS 5261 and the New
Zealand Building Code.
DOES THE WATER QUALITY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some
water qualities may have detrimental effects on the cylinder and fittings. If you
are in a known harsh water area you must read page 30. If you are not sure,
have your water quality checked against the conditions described on page 30.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water
heater will provide. These include the water quality, the water pressure,
temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern. However, your
water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 32).
ANODE PROTECTION
The anode(s) installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst
protecting the cylinder. The life of the water heater cylinder may be extended
by arranging for an authorised person to inspect the anode(s) and replace if
required.
The suggested time after installation when the anode(s) should be inspected is:
Rheemglas and Heavy Duty 8 years
For softened water supplies or in areas of poor water quality, it is
recommended the anode(s) be inspected 3 years earlier than shown (refer to
“Water Supplies” on page 30).

7
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel 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 of the cylinder and through the wall of
a flue pipe which passes through the centre of the cylinder. A flue baffle in this
flue ensures the efficiency of the water heater is correct. The gas supply to the
burner is controlled by the thermostat so the water is heated to a constant
temperature. Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide
safe and efficient operation.
MAINS PRESSURE
The 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
on page 14, a pressure limiting valve must
be fitted. The supply pressure should be
greater than 350 kPa for true mains
pressure operation to be achieved.
PIEZO IGNITION
The “Piezo” push button igniter makes
lighting the pilot flame of your water heater
very easy. Simply follow the instructions on
the label attached to the front of the water
heater. There is no need for matches to
light the water heater.
PILOT IGNITER
A permanent pilot flame burns to ignite the
main burner automatically. Heat from the
pilot is absorbed by the water.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you are going on holiday for more than a
few days the thermostat can be set to the
“·” (pilot) position to conserve energy
(refer to point 1 of “Close Down Procedure”
on page 27). If it is necessary to turn off the
water heater, refer to “To Turn Off The
Water Heater” on page 5.

8
REGULAR CARE
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water
heater and is essential for its safe
operation. It is possible for the 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
valve and its drain line may indicate a
problem with the water heater (refer to
“Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
Running” on page 11).
WARNING: Never block the outlet of
this valve or its drain line for any
reason.
Operate the easing lever on the
temperature pressure relief valve once
every six months. It is very important
you raise and lower the lever gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result
in the water heater cylinder failing.
If water does not flow freely from the
drain line when the lever is lifted, then
the water heater should be checked by
the Rheem Service Department or their
Accredited Service Agent.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where
there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water Supplies” on
page 30).
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently

REGULAR CARE
9
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water
areas, an expansion control valve is fitted to the cold water line to the water
heater. Water will flow from its drain line during the heating period.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six
months. It is very important you raise and lower the lever gently. The
expansion control valve should be checked for performance or replaced at
intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where there is a
high incidence of water deposits.
SERVICING
For safe and efficient operation, the water heater should be serviced annually
by your nearest Rheem Service Department or their Accredited Service Agent.
Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water heater.
Warning: Servicing of a gas water heater should only be carried out by
authorised personnel.

10
SAVE A SERVICE CALL
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 manufacture or failure of
a part.
NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (OR NO HOT WATER)
•Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower)
using more hot water than you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount
of hot water used, 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.
•Pilot flame alight?
Check the pilot flame is burning by
viewing through the opening in the top
of the front cover. Relight the pilot
flame according to the lighting
instructions (refer to “Lighting the
Water Heater” on page 24).
•Temperature pressure relief valve running
Is the relief valve discharging too much water? (Refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 11).
•Thermostat setting
Ensure the thermostat setting is appropriate. You may choose to adjust the
thermostat upwards to gain additional hot water capacity.
Note: Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
•Water heater size
Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements? The sizing
guide in the Rheem sales literature and on the Rheem website
(www.rheem.com.au) suggests average sizes that may be needed.
WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH
You may find that due to heavy hot water usage the water temperature may be
lower than normally expected.

SAVE A SERVICE CALL
11
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE RUNNING
•Normal Operation
It is normal and desirable this valve
allows a small quantity of water to
escape during the heating cycle.
However, if it discharges more than
a bucket full of water in 24 hours,
there may be another problem.
•Continuous dribble
Try gently raising the easing lever
on the relief valve for a few seconds
(refer to “Temperature Pressure
Relief Valve” on page 8). This may
dislodge a small particle of foreign
matter and clear the fault. Release
the lever gently.
•Steady flows for long period
(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.
NEVER replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating.
•Heavy flows of hot water until the water heater is cold - then stops
until water reheats
The gas control must be turned off using the knob on top of the gas control
thermostat (refer to “Close Down Procedure” on page 27). Phone your
nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to arrange
for inspection.
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE RUNNING
If an expansion control valve is fitted in the cold water line to the water heater
(refer to page 20)it may discharge a small quantity of water instead of the
temperature pressure relief valve on the water heater. The benefit is that
energy is conserved as the discharged water is cooler.

SAVE A SERVICE CALL
12
CAN’T LIGHT THE PILOT FLAME
•Is there gas to the water heater?
Check the gas isolation valve on the
gas supply line is open.
•Is there a normal gas supply to
the rest of the premises?
Try lighting another gas appliance to
check. 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 the burner of the water heater. This is quite normal,
especially in winter months and will dry off as the water is heated.
HIGH GAS BILLS
Should you at any time, feel your gas account is too high, we suggest you
check the following points:
•Is the relief valve running
excessively? (Refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on
page 11).
•Is one outlet (especially the shower)
using more hot water than you
think? (Refer to “Not Enough Hot
Water” on page 10).
•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
leaking pipe work.
•Consider recent changes to your hot water usage pattern and check if there
has been any increase in tariffs since your previous account.
IF YOU HAVE CHECKED ALL THE FOREGOING AND STILL BELIEVE YOU
NEED ASSISTANCE, CALL YOUR NEAREST RHEEM SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OR ACCREDITED SERVICE AGENT.

13
INSTALLATION
THIS WATER HEATER IS FOR INDOOR INSTALLATION ONLY.
THIS WATER HEATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR POOL HEATING.
Check the water heater is suitable for the gas type available
(refer to the rating label on the water heater).
Note: The 620 130 heavy duty water heater is designed for small commercial
applications requiring sanitising temperatures and has a maximum temperature
setting of 80°C. This model should not be installed in a domestic residence.
WATER HEATER LOCATION
The water heater should be installed close to the most frequently used outlet
and its position chosen with safety and service in mind. Make sure people
(particularly children) will not touch the flue outlet.
Clearance must be allowed for servicing
of the water heater. The water heater
must be accessible without the use of a
ladder or scaffold. Make sure the
temperature pressure relief valve lever is
accessible and the front cover and
burner can be removed for service.
You must be able to read the information
on the rating plate. If possible leave
headroom of one water heater length so
the anode can be inspected or replaced.
Remember you may have to remove the
entire water heater later for servicing.
The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4, AS 5601
and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the
installation must conform with NZS 5261 Code of Practice for Installation of
Gas Burning Appliances and the New Zealand Building Code.
The water heater must not be installed in an area with a corrosive atmosphere
where chemicals are stored or where aerosol propellants are released.
Remember the air may be safe to breathe, but when it goes through a flame,
chemical changes take place which may attack the water heater.
A secondary flue must be installed with an indoor water heater to discharge
combustion products outside the building. The flue must be self supporting and
not impose a load on the water heater. Use a slip joint or similar to allow for
disconnection. There must be a vertical rise of 600 mm from the draught
diverter before changing direction. The flue design and installation must comply
with AS 5601.

INSTALLATION
14
Keep the water heater and flue at least
25 mm clear of walls, cupboards, timber or
any other combustibles and at least 500 mm
clear of curtains and furnishings.
The water heater is to be installed at floor
level and must stand vertically upright. There
are special requirements in AS 5601 for water
heaters installed in a garage, an enclosed
space and other locations. Remember all
local authorities have regulations about
putting water heaters into roof spaces.
If installed in a cupboard, an adequate air supply must be provided. For
efficient water heater operation allow a free open space at both the top and
bottom of the access door, each of at least:
•15,000 mm2for a 25 MJ model
•18,000 mm2for a 30 MJ model
SAFE TRAY
It is a requirement of AS/NZS 3500.4 that for
a new installation, a water heater be installed
in a safe tray where in the event of a leak,
property may otherwise be damaged.
Construction, installation and draining of a
safe tray must comply with the
abovementioned Standard.
MAINS WATER SUPPLY
Where the mains water supply pressure exceeds that shown in the table below,
an approved pressure limiting valve is required and should be fitted as shown
in the installation diagram (refer to diagram on page 20).
Model 130 – 170
Relief valve setting 1400 kPa
Expansion control valve setting * 1200 kPa
Max. mains supply pressure
With expansion control valve 960 kPa
Without expansion control valve 1120 kPa
* Expansion control valve not supplied with the water heater.

INSTALLATION
15
TANK WATER SUPPLY
If the water heater is supplied with water from a tank supply, then the bottom of
the supply tank must be at least 1 m above the highest hot water outlet. Take
care to avoid air locks. The cold water line to the water heater should be
adequately sized and fitted with a full flow gate valve or ball valve.
HOT WATER DELIVERY
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding.
It is necessary and we recommend that a temperature limiting device be fitted
between the water heater and the hot water outlets in any ablution and public
areas such as a bathroom, ensuite or public amenities, to reduce the risk of
scalding. The installing plumber may have a legal obligation to ensure the
installation of this water heater meets the delivery water temperature
requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 so that scalding water temperatures are not
delivered to a bathroom, ensuite or other ablution or public area.
Where a temperature limiting device is installed adjacent to the water heater,
the cold water line to the temperature limiting device can be branched off the
cold water line either before or after the isolation valve, pressure limiting valve
and non return valve to the water heater. If an expansion control valve is
required, it must always be installed after the non return valve and be the last
valve prior to the water heater.
If a pressure limiting valve is installed on the cold water line to the water heater
and the cold water line to a temperature limiting device branches off before this
valve or from another cold water line in the premises, then a pressure limiting
valve may be required prior to the temperature limiting device.
Two Temperature Zones Using a Temperature Limiting Device

INSTALLATION
16
CIRCULATED HOT WATER FLOW AND RETURN SYSTEM
If a Rheem water heater is to be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow
and return system, a storage water heater able to provide a hot water outlet
temperature of at least 60°C must be used. Note: The thermostat must always
be set to at least 60°C. Refer to the diagram on page 16.
Temperature Limiting Device
A temperature limiting device cannot be installed in circulated hot water flow
and return pipe work. The tempered water from a temperature limiting device
cannot be circulated. Where a circulated hot water flow and return system is
required in a building, a temperature limiting device can only be installed on a
dead leg, branching off the circulated hot water flow and return pipe.
If circulated tempered water were to be returned back to the water heater,
depending on the location of the return line connection on the water supply line
to the water heater, then either:
•water will be supplied to the cold water inlet of the temperature limiting
device at a temperature exceeding the maximum recommended water
supply temperature, or
•when the hot taps are closed no water will be supplied to the cold water
inlet of the temperature limiting device whilst hot water will continue to be
supplied to the hot water inlet of the temperature limiting device.
These conditions may result in either water at a temperature exceeding the
requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 being delivered to the hot water outlets in the
ablution areas, or the device closing completely and not delivering water at all,
or the device failing. Under either condition, the operation and performance of
the device cannot be guaranteed.
Circulated Hot Water Flow and Return System – Gas Water Heater

INSTALLATION
17
REDUCING HEAT LOSSES
The cold water line to and the hot water line from the water heater must be
insulated in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4. The
insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed.
ANODE TYPES
The correct anode type for the water supply being used must be fitted in the
water heater (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 30). The black anode is fitted
as standard.
Total Dissolved Solids in water supply to the water heater Anode colour code
0 – 40 mg/L Green
40 – 600 mg/L Black
600 – 2500 mg/L Blue
SADDLING - PIPE WORK
To prevent damage to the cylinder when attaching pipe clips or saddles to the
water heater jacket, we recommend the use of self-drilling screws with a
maximum length of 12 mm. Should pre drilling be required, extreme caution
must be observed when penetrating the jacket of the water heater.
Note: Damage to the cylinder as a result of saddling to the jacket will void
the warranty.

INSTALLATION
18
DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA
Model 300 135
620 130 300 170
Storage capacity litres 135 170
Mass (tank) Empty kg 54 63
Full
kg 189 233
Dimensions A B C D E F G H K L M
130 / 135 mm 1615 425 500 988 328 297 1490 58 490 213 75
170
mm 1915 425 500 1213 403 297 1790 58 490 213 75
Gas Details Hourly Gas
Consumption (MJ) Min. Gas Pressure (kPa) Test Point Gas Pressure (kPa) Max. Gas Pressure (kPa)
130, 135 170 130 to 170 130, 135 170 130 to 170
Natural 30 30 1.13 1.00 1.00 3.50
Propane 30 30 2.75 2.70 2.70 3.50
Butane 25 25 2.75 2.70 2.70 3.50
Town / TLP 29/27 29/27 0.75 0.44 0.44 3.50
Model numbers: N = Natural, P = Propane, B = Butane, T = Town / TLP. Letter N, P, B or T is
included in the model number, eg 300135N0, to denote gas type.
Specifications are subject to change with ongoing product improvements.

INSTALLATION
19
TYPICAL INSTALLATION – INDOOR LOCATION

20
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING
CONNECTION SIZES
•Hot water connection: RP¾/20.
•Cold water connection: RP¾/20.
•Relief valve connection: RP½/15.
•Gas inlet: RP½/15.
All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance
with the National Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4 and local authority
requirements.
All gas work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with
the Australian Gas Installations Standard AS 5601 and local authority
requirements.
WATER INLET AND OUTLET
All pipe work must be cleared of foreign matter before connection and purged
before attempting to operate the water heater. All olive compression fittings
must use brass or copper olives. Use thread sealing tape or approved thread
sealant on all fittings.
An isolation valve and non return
valve must be installed on the cold
water line to the water heater. Use
the arrangement shown in the
diagram. Refer also to “Hot Water
Delivery” on page 15.
A disconnection union must always
be provided at the cold water inlet
and hot water outlet on the water
heater to allow for disconnection of
the water heater.
All water heaters have a plastic dip
tube or fitting liner in the inlet and
outlet fittings (see diagram). These
must be in place for the water heater
to function properly. Do not remove
or damage them by using heat
nearby. They will be pushed into the
correct position as the fitting is
screwed in.