Rheem 596160 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
Solar Premier Loline 596160
Gas Boosted Water Heater
WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware
Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used.
It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in
copper and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures.

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions can be downloaded from rheem.com.au.
Rheem Australia Pty Ltd is the supplier of the Rheem range of electronic continuous flow gas water heaters,
manufactured by Paloma Co., Ltd., a world leader in water heater technology and manufacture.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of
Rheem Australia Pty Ltd or Paloma Co., Ltd.
TRADE MARKS
®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.
No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.
WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware
•The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE
of copper. All compression fittings must use brass or copper components.
•The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.
The insulation must:
▪be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of
withstanding the temperature of the closed circuit fluid generated by the solar collectors under
stagnation conditions
The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation
manufacturer prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.
▪be at least 13 mm thick
▪be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed
▪extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof
▪cover valves and fittings in the solar pipe work
▪be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation will offer protection to a metal roof against corrosion due to water running off the copper
pipes, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit
fluid can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank, and also reduce pipe heat losses.
•The highest point of the solar hot and solar cold pipes must be where they connect to the solar
collectors. There MUST BE a continuous fall of a minimum 5° (1 in 10 grade) in the pipe work from
the solar collectors to the solar storage tank for efficient and complete drain back of the closed circuit
fluid to occur.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if there is not a continuous fall in the solar hot
and solar cold pipes, or they are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions, or the
closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed.
•The insulated copper pipe work:
▪should be fixed at suitable locations to prevent or reduce the possibility of noise from water
hammer and vibration from occurring
▪is not to be placed or installed in contact with plastic pipe work.
Likewise, plastic pipe work is not to be placed or installed in contact with the insulated copper pipe
work after the solar circuit is installed.
•Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the closed circuit fluid
generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. Extremely high closed circuit fluid
temperatures up to 150°C for non-selective surface collectors and greater than 200°C for selective
surface collectors can be generated under these conditions. Plastic pipe cannot withstand these
temperatures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of plastic pipe can lead to the release of high
temperature closed circuit fluid and cause severe water damage and flooding.
•The pressure applied to the solar circuit and solar collectors during a pressure test of a closed circuit
system MUST NOT exceed 200 kPa, otherwise damage may result. Refer to “Pressure Testing” on
page 40.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 7 to 24,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 6.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty....................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes......................................................................................... 7
About Your Water Heater.......................................................................................................... 11
Maintenance Requirements...................................................................................................... 16
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 18
Save A Service Call................................................................................................................... 21
Installation –System................................................................................................................. 25
Installation –Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 27
Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 35
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 41
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 46
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 49
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 67
Installation Report..................................................................................................................... 69
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, A.B.N. 21 098 823 511, www.rheem.com.au
For Service Telephone 131 031 AUSTRALIA
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.

4
RHEEM SOLAR WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
SOLAR WATER HEATER MODEL 596160
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, the manufacturer of Rheem mains pressure water heaters and the supplier of Rheem
continuous flow gas water heaters, manufactured by Paloma Co., Ltd., a world leader in water heater
technology and manufacture.
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 [email protected]
(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 after 1st November 2014.
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 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s sole discretion.
2.2 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.
2.3 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.
2.4 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.
2.5 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.
2.6 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Rheem water heater in its original installed location and
any genuine Rheem replacement parts.
2.7 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 or power supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide and Installation Instructions.

RHEEM SOLAR WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
5
SOLAR WATER HEATER MODEL 596160
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.
k) Breakage of collector glass for any reason including hail damage (we suggest that the collector glass be
covered by your home insurance policy).
l) Ice formation in the closed circuit system due to non Rheem approved or incorrectly mixed closed circuit
fluid being used.
m) Non Rheem approved or incorrectly mixed closed circuit fluid being used or incorrect or insufficient filling
of the closed circuit system with the closed circuit fluid.
n) Ice formation in the waterways of the integrated in-series gas booster water heater where the electricity
supply has been switched off or has failed and the water heater has not been drained in accordance with
the instructions or due to an ambient temperature below -20°C (including wind chill factor).
2.8 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.
2.9 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
All components
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 & 5
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is not installed in a
single-family domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
All components
(of integrated in-series gas booster)
(only if the water heater is installed in a
single-family domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and/or replacement of the faulty
component, free of charge, including labour.
The heat exchanger
(of integrated in-series gas booster)
(only if the water heater is installed in a
single-family domestic dwelling)
Years 4 to 10
Replacement heat exchanger, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The solar collector
(all installations)
Years 2 to 5
Replacement solar collector, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.

RHEEM SOLAR WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
6
SOLAR WATER HEATER MODEL 596160
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.

7
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.
•If the power supply cord or plug to the solar storage tank or in-series gas booster is damaged, it must be
replaced by a qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. The power supply cord and plug must be
replaced with a genuine replacement part available from Rheem. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
•The power leads from the solar storage tank and in-series gas booster must be plugged into weatherproof
electrical outlets. Take care not to touch the power plug with wet hands.
•This water heater uses 220 V - 240 V a.c. electrical power for operation of the control systems and the
electrically operated components. The removal of the front covers will expose 220 V - 240 V a.c. wiring.
They must only be removed by a qualified person.
•The solar storage tank is supplied with temperature sensors, a pressure relief valve and a combination
temperature pressure relief valve. The in-series gas booster is supplied with temperature sensors, a
FlameSafe™ protection system and a 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 touch any exposed pipe work or fittings connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors,
as this may result in a burn injury. Very high temperature closed circuit fluid and in some circumstances
high temperature steam can be generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions and this flows
through the pipe work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.
Note: Any exposed pipe work or fittings in the collector circuit should be attended to and covered with
insulation. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
•The circulator will operate whilst suitable solar conditions are available until water in the solar storage tank
is heated to 75°C during normal operation. During times of low solar energy gain or if boosting of the water
temperature is required, the in-series booster water heater will heat the water to its pre-set outlet
temperature setting.
Refer to “Solar Operation” on page 11 and to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 12.
•Temperature controllers or an EZiSET kit must not be fitted to the in-series water heater as part of a solar
water heater system because water at a temperature much higher than the controller or EZiSET setting
can be delivered.
•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.
•Should the water from the water heater appear blue or if blue closed circuit fluid is noticed around the
base of the water heater, this indicates a leak of the closed circuit fluid from the heat exchanger. The
closed circuit fluid is non-toxic and not hazardous to health. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
8
•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.
•Do not modify this water heater.
•The water heater has a freeze protection system. The water heater, including the in-series gas booster,
is not suitable for installation in areas where the ambient temperature falls below -20°C (including wind
chill factor). The frost protection system for the gas booster will be rendered inoperable if electrical power
is not available. If it is necessary to switch the power off to the gas booster and there is a risk of freezing,
then it is necessary to drain the gas booster.
Refer to “Freeze Protection” on page 26 for further information and to “Draining The Gas Booster Water
Heater” on page 15.
•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 the gas booster.
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 gas booster.
•Do not place articles on or against the gas booster, 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
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature pressure relief valve
located near the top of the solar storage tank. 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, Western 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.
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 23.
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
solar storage tank 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 five (5) years and the
expansion control valve should be checked for performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding
five (5) 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.
outlet /
drain line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
10
INSTALLATION NOTES
This water heater must be installed:
•by a qualified person,
•in accordance with the installation instructions,
•in compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4,
▪This water heater is designed for outdoor installation.
▪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,
•in compliance with the Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000,
•in compliance with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
Installation and commissioning requirements and details for the installing plumber and licensed electrical
worker are contained on pages 27 to 66.
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 1000 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 850 kPa.
The maximum mains water supply pressure for the water heater is 800 kPa if an expansion control valve is
not installed, or 680 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 120 kPa for the rated flow and performance of the gas booster to
be achieved.
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
Securing of the water heater
The top of the solar storage tank is to be secured to the wall with the wall bracket and suitable fasteners for
the wall type and load bearing requirements. Refer to “Wall Brackets”on page 29 for additional information.