Rheem 340SS 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
Gas Domestic Outdoor Water Heater
340SS stainless steel model

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions
can be downloaded from rheem.com.au.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd or Aquamax Australia Pty Limited.
TRADEMARKS
®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy in preparation of this
publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences,
which may arise as a result of its application.
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.
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, A.B.N. 21 098 823 511
www.rheem.com.au
For Service Telephone 131031 AUSTRALIA

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 8 to 25,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 7.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty ......................................................................................4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes .........................................8
About Your Water Heater..........................................................12
Maintenance Requirements......................................................16
Water Supplies...........................................................................18
Save A Service Call ...................................................................22
Installation..................................................................................26
Connections – Plumbing ..........................................................35
Commissioning..........................................................................39
Lighting The Water Heater........................................................43
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................48

4
RHEEM GAS DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
RHEEM STAINLESS STEEL 8A0340 GAS MODEL
1. THE RHEEM WARRANTY – GENERAL
1.1 This warranty is given by Rheem Australia Pty Limited ABN 21 098 823 511 of
1 Alan Street, Rydalmere New South Wales.
1.2 Rheem offer a trained and qualified national service network who will repair or
replace components at the address of the water heater subject to the terms of
the Rheem warranty. Rheem Service, in addition can provide preventative
maintenance and advice on the operation of your water heater. The Rheem
Service contact number is 131031, with Contact Centre personnel available
24 hours, 7 days a week to take your call and if necessary to arrange a service
call for during normal working hours Monday to Friday (hours subject to
change).
1.3 For details about this warranty, you can contact us on 131031 or by email at
[e-mail] (not for service bookings).
1.4 The terms of this warranty and what is covered by it are set out in sections 2
and 3 and apply to water heaters manufactured from 1st December 2019.
1.5 If a subsequent version of this warranty is published, the terms of that warranty
and what is covered by it will apply to water heaters manufactured after the
date specified in the subsequent version.
2. TERMS OF THE RHEEM WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT
2.1 Rheem may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if:
a) You do not arrange for a major service to be conducted on your water
heater in the sixth year after installation, in accordance with Rheem’s
recommendation in the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions; and
b) The fault giving rise to the warranty claim would have been detected and
rectified during that major service.
2.2 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s
sole discretion.
2.3 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Rheem
warranty, you are responsible for our standard call out charge. If you wish to
have the relevant component repaired or replaced by Rheem, that service will
be at your cost.
2.4 Where a failed component or cylinder is replaced under this warranty, the
balance of the original warranty period will remain effective. The replacement
does not carry a new Rheem warranty.

RHEEM GAS DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
5
RHEEM STAINLESS STEEL 8A0340 GAS MODEL
2.5 Where the water heater is installed outside the boundaries of a metropolitan
area as defined by Rheem or further than 25 km from either a regional Rheem
branch office or an Accredited Rheem Service Agent's office, the cost of
transport, insurance and travelling between the nearest branch office or
Rheem Accredited Service Agent’s office and the installed site shall be the
owner’s responsibility.
2.6 Where the water heater is installed in a position that does not allow safe or
ready access, the cost of that access, including the cost of additional materials
handling and/or safety equipment, shall be the owner’s responsibility. In other
words, the cost of dismantling or removing cupboards, doors or walls and the
cost of any special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level
or to a serviceable position is not covered by this warranty.
2.7 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Rheem water heater in
its original installed location and any genuine Rheem replacement parts.
2.8 The Rheem warranty does not cover faults that are a result of:
a) Accidental damage to the water heater or any component (for example: (i)
Acts of God such as floods, storms, fires, lightning strikes and the like; and
(ii) third party acts or omissions).
b) Misuse or abnormal use of the water heater.
c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions or with relevant statutory and local requirements in the State
or Territory in which the water heater is installed.
d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the
water supply guidelines as outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
e) Repairs, attempts to repair or modifications to the water heater by a person
other than Rheem Service or a Rheem Accredited Service Agent.
f) Faulty plumbing or faulty gas supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide
and Installation Instructions.
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.

RHEEM GAS DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
6
RHEEM STAINLESS STEEL 8A0340 GAS MODEL
2.9 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, this warranty excludes any
and all claims for damage to furniture, carpet, walls, foundations or any other
consequential loss either directly or indirectly due to leakage from the water
heater, or due to leakage from fittings and/or pipe work of metal, plastic or other
materials caused by water temperature, workmanship or other modes of
failure.
2.10 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance
with the guidelines in the Rheem water heater literature, any resultant fault will
not be covered by the Rheem warranty.
3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY
FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 Rheem will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails
to operate in accordance with its specifications as follows:
What components
are covered
The period from the
date of installation
in which the fault
must appear in
order to be covered
What coverage
you receive
Rheem Stainless Steel 8A0340 gas model
All components
(all installations) Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of
the faulty component, free of
charge, including labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and/or replacement of
the cylinder
, free of charge,
including labour.
Years 4 to 12
Replacement cylinder free of
charge. Installation and
repair
labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.

RHEEM GAS DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
7
RHEEM STAINLESS STEEL 8A0340 GAS MODEL
4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to:
a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on
their behalf
b) Contact Rheem Service without undue delay after detection of the defect
and, in any event, within the applicable warranty period.
4.2 You are not entitled to make a claim under this warranty if your water heater:
a) Does not have its original serial numbers or rating labels.
b) Is not installed in Australia.
5. HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
5.1 If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you need to:
a) Contact Rheem on 131031 and provide owner’s details, address of the
water heater, a contact number and date of installation of the water heater
or if that’s unavailable, the date of manufacture and serial number (from
the rating label on the water heater).
b) Rheem will arrange for the water heater to be tested and assessed on-
site.
c) If Rheem determines that you have a valid warranty claim, Rheem will
repair or replace the water heater in accordance with this warranty.
5.2 Any expenses incurred in the making of a claim under this warranty will be
borne by you.
6. THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
6.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian
Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure
and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.
You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to
be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
6.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies
that you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

8
SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
It is important you read the following safety and warnings information.
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
•This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the
experience or the knowledge and the 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.
•This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out,
a thermocouple 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 Rheem 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.
•Do not modify this water heater.
•Do not spray aerosols in the vicinity of
this water heater while it is in operation.
Propellants and gases in many aerosol
sprays contain hydrocarbons which are
flammable. Gases from aerosol sprays
may also become corrosive when drawn
into a flame.
•Do not use or store flammable
materials in or near this water heater.
Flammable liquids (such as petrol),
combustible materials (such as
newspapers) and similar articles must be
kept well away from the water heater and
the flue terminal.
•Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, etc., near the
water heater.
•Do not place articles on or against this water heater, or in contact with the
flue terminal. Ensure the flue terminal is not obstructed in any way at any
time.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
9
•The water heater will operate until a water temperature of up to 75°C is
reached, depending upon the thermostat setting.
Refer to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 12 and “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 13.
•The lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control
valve (if fitted) requires to be operated every six (6) months to clear any
deposits and to ensure the valve and its drain line are not blocked.
Refer to “Relief Valves” on page 9 and “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months”
on page 16.
•For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.
•Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel.
Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
•Only a person qualified to install or service a water heater can drain the water
heater, if this is required.
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature
pressure relief valve located near the top of the
water heater. This valve is essential for the
water heater’s safe operation.
It is possible for the valve to discharge a
quantity of water through the drain line during
each heating period. This quantity should be
equal to approximately 1/50 of the hot water
used, as water expands by this volume when
heated.
Expansion Control Valve
In many areas, including South Australia and
scaling water areas, it is mandatory an
expansion control valve is fitted to the cold
water line to the water heater.
The expansion control valve will discharge the quantity of water from its drain
line during the heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve as
it has a lower pressure rating.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
10
Valve Operation
Continuous leakage of water from either valve and its drain line may indicate a
problem with the water heater. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve or
Expansion Control Valve Running” on page 24.
Warning: Never block the outlet of either valve or their drain lines for any
reason. A relief valve drain must be left open to atmosphere, and be installed in
a continuously downward direction.
In locations where water pipes are prone to freezing, the relief valve drain line
must be insulated and not exceed 300 mm in length before discharging into a
tundish through an air gap.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature
pressure relief valve and expansion control
valve once every six (6) months to clear any
deposits and ensure the valve and its drain line
are not blocked. It is very important the lever
is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Minor
Maintenance Every Six Months” on page 16.
Warning: Water discharged from the
temperature pressure relief valve drain line will
be hot. Exercise care to avoid any splashing of
water by standing clear of the drain line’s point
of discharge when operating either valve’s
easing lever.
Warning:Failure to operate the easing lever on the relief valve once every
six (6) months 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 must be checked. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited
Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not
exceeding six (6) years and the expansion control valve should be checked for
performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding six (6) years. The checking
of the valves performance or replacement should occur more frequently in areas
where there is a high incidence of water deposits. Refer to “Water Supplies” on
page 18.
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
drain
line

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
11
INSTALLATION NOTES
This water heater must be installed:
•by a qualified person,
•in accordance with the installation instructions,
•in compliance with the Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4,
This water heater is suitable for outdoor installation only.
This water heater is intended to be permanently connected to the water
mains and not connected by a hose-set. A braided flexible hose or semi-
flexible connector may be used for connection to the water heater, where
permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4.
•in compliance with the Gas Installations Standard AS/NZS 5601.1, and
•in compliance with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
Installation and commissioning requirements and details for the installing
plumber are contained on pages 26 to 47.
Mains pressure water supply
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly
to the mains water supply.
The water heater is supplied with a temperature pressure relief valve with a
pressure rating of 1400 kPa. If an expansion control valve has been installed on
the cold water line to the water heater, this should have a pressure rating of
1200 kPa.
The maximum mains water supply pressure for the water heater is 1120 kPa if
an expansion control valve is not installed, or 960 kPa if an expansion control
valve is installed. If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds these values,
a pressure limiting valve must be installed.
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved.
Securing of the water heater
It is recommended the top of the water heater be secured to the wall or screen
with the wall brackets provided using fasteners suitable for the wall or screen
type and application. Refer to “Wall Bracket” on page 30 for additional
information.

12
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER 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.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem®water heater model you have
chosen is suitable for outdoor installation only. It
is a five star high efficiency, quick recovery
Rheem 8A0340 model stainless steel water
heater.
Water is stored in a stainless 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, 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 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.
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 13.
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 potable water. This water
heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement
provided it is operating and the thermostat
setting is 60°C or higher, including when it is
used as an in-series booster water heater for a
solar water heater.
maximum thermostat
setting
maximum
recommended
supply temperature
to bathrooms and
ensuites
minimum
recommended
stored water
temperature

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
13
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
Gas Control Temperature Dial
This water heater features a user adjustable thermostat (gas control) which
controls the stored water temperature. This is located behind the front access
cover on the lower front of the water heater. The temperature dial on the gas
control is used to control the water temperature inside of the storage cylinder.
The thermostat automatically controls the gas supply to the burner so a constant
water temperature is maintained within the storage cylinder. The 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 perhaps when you are going away for an extended period.
The thermostat is adjustable up to
approximately 75°C. The temperature dial is
marked with numerals and each number
represents a temperature difference of
approximately 10°C. When aligned with the
temperature dial position indicator on the gas
control body, a setting of mid way between ‘3’
and ‘4’ will normally maintain the water
temperature at about 60°C.
To increase the water temperature to 75°C,
turn the temperature dial anticlockwise to a
setting of ‘5’. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases
the Risk of Scald Injury” on page 13.
temperature dial position indicator

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
14
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 back of the access cover. 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.
PRECAUTIONS
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. Refer to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 16.
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 were 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.
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 47).
•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.
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 43).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
15
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater turned 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 (facing the
front) to conserve energy (refer to steps 1, 2 and 4 of “Close Down Procedure”
on page 47).
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater, refer to “To Turn Off The Water
Heater” on page 14.
Note: When turned back on from the red star “ ” (pilot) position or white dot “”
(off) position, the water heater may take up to an hour to reheat if the water has
lost temperature.
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
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 six (6) years. Make sure you use a
licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance
Certificate.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water
chemistries may have detrimental effects on the water heater, its components
and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 18.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water
chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on
pages 18 to 21.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 4).
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. Refer to “Precautions” on page 14.

16
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) months. Minor
maintenance can be performed by the dwelling occupant.
The minor maintenance includes:
•Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently.Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
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.
•Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently.Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
SERVICE EVERY TWELVE MONTHS
For safe and efficient operation, it is recommended a service be conducted on
the water heater every twelve (12) months.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The service and routine replacement of any components, if required, are
not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made for this work. Only
genuine replacement parts should be used on this water heater.
The annual service includes the following actions:
•Inspect and flush the temperature pressure relief valve.
•Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted).
•Check and if necessary adjust the inlet gas pressure.
•Check the condition and operation of the piezo igniter, gas control and
thermocouple.
•Check the operation of and clean the pilot light and main burner.
•Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
•Inspect plumbing and gas connections.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
17
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY SIX YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every
six (6) years.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as
the relief valve(s), are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made
for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water
heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
•Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
•Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace
the valve.
•Check and if necessary adjust the inlet gas pressure.
•Check the condition and operation of the piezo igniter, gas control and
thermocouple.
•Check the operation of and clean the pilot light and main burner.
•Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
•Inspect plumbing and gas connections.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the
completion of the service, the water heater will take approximately an hour to
heat the water.

18
WATER SUPPLIES
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be
covered by the Rheem 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.
A list of postcodes is available on the Rheem website (www.rheem.com.au)
indicating known areas where the stainless steel cylinder is not covered by the
Rheem warranty due to the water chemistry of the area. The list is not necessarily
exhaustive and there may be areas outside of these postcodes where the
stainless steel cylinder is not covered by the Rheem warranty due to the water
chemistry of the area.
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, which takes
precedence over the list of postcodes, for the Rheem warranty to apply.
It is recommended to install a suitable filter on the cold water supply line to the
water heater if the water supply contains or has a future risk of containing
suspended solids. The Rheem warranty will not cover resultant faults on
components including the stainless steel cylinder due to the effects of sludge
and / or sediment settling in the water heater.
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 a water heater
cylinder and a temperature pressure relief valve.
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 Rheem warranty
to apply.

WATER SUPPLIES
19
CHLORIDE AND PH
In a high chloride water supply, the water can corrode stainless steel parts and
cause them to fail.
Where the chloride level exceeds 250 mg / L the Rheem warranty does not apply
to a stainless steel cylinder.
pH is a measure of whether the water is alkaline or acid. In an acidic or very
alkaline water supply, the water can attack stainless steel parts and cause them
to fail.
Where the pH is less than 6.0 or greater than 9.5, the Rheem warranty does not
apply to a stainless steel cylinder. Water with a pH less than 6.0 may be treated
to raise the pH.
The water supply from a rainwater tank in a metropolitan area is likely to be
corrosive due to the dissolution of atmospheric contaminants. This may result in
pH of less than 6.0. It is recommended an analysis on the water from a rainwater
tank be conducted prior to connecting this type of water supply to a water heater
with a stainless steel cylinder.
Refer to the pH and Chloride chart on page 19.
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
CHLORIDE -mg/L
pH & CHLORIDE
WATER HEATERS (stainless steel cylinder)
acidic alkaline
pH
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater
cylinder
0
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater cylinder
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater
cylinder
10.0
9.5

WATER SUPPLIES
20
SATURATION INDEX
The saturation index (SI) is used as a measure of the water’s corrosive or scaling
properties. The saturation index figures stated are calculated using a water
temperature of 80°C.
In a corrosive water supply, the water can attack copper parts and cause them
to fail.
In a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is deposited out of the water onto
any hot metallic surface.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.40, the water is very scaling. An
expansion control valve must be fitted on the cold water line after the non-return
valve to protect and for the Rheem warranty to apply to the temperature pressure
relief valve and water heater cylinder.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.80, the Rheem warranty does not apply
to a stainless steel cylinder.
Water which is scaling may be treated with a water softening device to reduce
the saturation index of the water.
Refer to the Saturation Index chart on page 20.
Refer to the cold water connection diagram on page 35 for the position of the
expansion control valve.
SATURATION INDEX (SI)
GAS STORAGE WATER HEATERS - STAINLESS STEEL
corrosive
-1.0
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
SATURATION INDEX
(calculated @ 80°C water temperature)
very corrosive very scaling
no warranty applies to a:
temperature pressure relief
valve or a water heater
cylinder unless an expansion
control valve is fitted.
scaling
no warranty applies to a:
stainless steel cylinder
+0.8
0+0.4