Rheem Gas Heavy Duty Water Heater Models 265 Litre and 275... User manual

This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with a responsible officer.
Owners Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Gas Heavy Duty
Water Heater
265 Litre and 275 Litre Models

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
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER - We recommend you read pages 4 - 14.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
How Your Water Heater Works...................................................8
Regular Care ................................................................................9
Save A Service Call ...................................................................11
Installation..................................................................................15
Connections – Plumbing ..........................................................25
Connections – Electrical...........................................................28
Multiple Installations.................................................................32
Commissioning..........................................................................37
Lighting The Water Heater........................................................39
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................42
Temperature Control.................................................................43
Water Supplies...........................................................................46
Warranty.....................................................................................47

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
Congratulations for choosing a Rheem®Heavy Duty Gas water heater. The
model you have chosen is either a 265 litre or 275 litre indoor or outdoor quick
recovery water heater.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater has a maximum
temperature setting of 82°C and a minimum
temperature setting of 60°C. Refer to
“Temperature Adjustment” on page 4.
For applications requiring sanitising
temperatures, the thermostat should be set
at 82°C. Note: For temperatures above
80°C, a circulator must be installed.
To meet the requirements of the National
Plumbing Standard the temperature of the
stored water must not be below 60°C.
If this water heater is installed as an in-series booster water heater as part of a
commercial solar water heating system, to maximise solar contribution it is
recommended the thermostat is set at 60°C, unless sanitising temperatures are
required.
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 bathing
and public areas when this water heater is installed. This will keep the water
temperature below the maximum permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4 to these areas.
The risk of scald injury will be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen,
laundry and other areas requiring sanitising temperatures.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The water heater features an electronic adjustable thermostat. We recommend
only a licensed tradesperson make any temperature adjustments. We advise
the thermostat be adjusted to the lowest temperature setting that meets your
needs, especially if there are young children or elderly people in the premises.
Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the Risk of Scald Injury” on page 4.
maximum thermostat
setting (82°C)
minimum recommended
stored water temperature
and minimum thermostat
setting
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms, ensuites and
public areas

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.
The removal of the access cover(s) will expose 240 V wiring. They must only
be removed by an authorised or service person.
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 or flue terminal.
•Gases from some aerosol sprays,
stain removers and household
chemicals become corrosive when
drawn into a flame. Do not use
aerosols and stain removers near
the water heater whilst it is working.
•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 or flue terminal. Ensure the flue terminal 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.
If the power supply cord or electrical conduit to the water heater is damaged, it
must be replaced by an authorised 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 your nearest Rheem Service Department or
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
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:
•Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater(s).
•Close the gas isolation valve(s) at the inlet to the gas control(s).
•Close the cold water isolation valve on the cold water line to the water
heater(s) to shut down the entire system, or;
•Close the isolation valves on the cold and hot water branches to shut down
an individual water heater in a bank.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
•Open the isolation valves fully on the cold and hot water branches to the
water heater(s) installed in a bank.
•Open the cold water isolation valve on the cold water line to the water
heater(s). Air will be forced out of the taps.
•Open the gas isolation valve(s) fully at the inlets to the gas control(s).
•Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater(s).
HOW DO I KNOW THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 22 to 23 and pages 32 to 36. The
water heater must be installed by an authorised person and the installation
must comply with National Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000, 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.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
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 46. If you are not sure,
have your water quality checked against the conditions described on page 46.
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, the
water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern. However,
your Rheem water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to
page 48).
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:
Heavy Duty 7 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 46).

8
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 18, a pressure limiting
valve must be fitted. The supply pressure should be
greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved.
ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT
The thermostat automatically operates the gas
control by switching its power on and off, so a
constant temperature is maintained. The thermostat
is mounted externally on the water heater and the
protective over temperature cut out is mounted inside
the lower front cover of the water heater.
There is no need to switch the water heater off when
it is not in use. The thermostat is fully automatic and
only allows the gas control to open when the burner
requires gas for heating. The thermostat may flash
“AH” (alarm high) and the current water temperature,
or “AL” (alarm low) and the current water
temperature. This is not a cause for concern unless
the temperature displayed is more than 10ºC above
the set temperature. Refer to “Diagnostic Features of
Electronic Thermostat” on page 12. To adjust the
thermostat settings refer to “Temperature Control” on
page 43.
HOT SURFACE IGNITION
The water heater incorporates an automatic burner ignition system. A hot
surface igniter (HSI) probe automatically heats up when the thermostat
registers heating of the water is required. When the HSI probe is fully
energised, the gas valve opens allowing gas to the burner which in turn is
ignited by the HSI probe.

9
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 13).
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
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 46).
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.
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
water
heater

REGULAR CARE
10
SERVICING
For 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.
In commercial applications where large volumes of hot water are used,
sediment may build up on the bottom of the cylinder and reduce the heating
efficiency. In extreme cases, particularly in areas of high water sediment,
draining and flushing out may be necessary. Contact your plumber to drain and
flush the water heater.