Rheem Residential 40 Gallon User manual

AP14380 -1 (07/08)
!
FOR YOUR SAFETY!
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids or other
combustible materials in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance. To do so may result in an
explosion or fire.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
● Do not try to light any appliance.
● Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
● Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
● If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
● Do not return to your home until authorized
by the gas supplier or fire department.
— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury, or death . Refer to
this manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly,
a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.
!
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the basic directions and
recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the owner–
operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting of the
water heater. This manual also includes a parts list.
It is very important that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater
read the instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not
understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional assistance.
Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should
be directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the
section on “If You Need Service.”
Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future reference.
!
Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!
!
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Residential 40 and 50 Gallon
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
Printed in USA
Direct Vent Water Heaters
Residential Gas - FVIR Certified
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Warning: This water heater is not
suitable for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!
CERTIFIED
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!

Care and Cleaning
Draining ................ 22
Maintenance............. 22
Burner Inspection ........ 23
Extended Shut-Down ......23
Safety Information
Safety Precautions ....... 3–6
LP Gas Models ........... 5
Installation Instructions
Location ................. 7
Venting ............... 9-12
Water Supply Connections . . 13
Gas Supply.............. 14
Pipe Insulation ............16
Heat Traps ...............16
Installation Checklist.......17
Potable/Space Heating .... 18
Operating Instructions
Lighting Instructions ...... 19
Water Temperature .... 20, 21
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call
For Service........... 24, 25
Customer Service
Parts List................ 26
If You Need
Service ..........Back Cover
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model and serial numbers here:
#
#
You can find them on a label on the appliance.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.
2
Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water heater properly. A little preventive care
on your part can save you time and money over the life of your
water heater.
You’ll find many answers to common problems in
the Troubleshooting Guide. If you review the chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service.
READ THIS MANUAL
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There
are many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
!
This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol
as an indication of Important Safety Information!
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can
kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and
either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or
“NOTICE”.
These words mean:
!
DANGER An imminently hazardous situation
that will result in death or serious
injury.
!
WARNING A potentially hazardous situation that
could result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.
!
CAUTION A potentially hazardous situation that
may result in minor or moderate
injury.
Notice: Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate
this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have
problems understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help
from a qualified service technician, or the local gas utility.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
Failure to install the venting system and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting Section of the Installation Instructions in this manual can result in
unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation
from carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and
has an adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system
for proper installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to the
Care and Cleaning section of this manual for more information regarding vent system
inspection.
DANGER!
INSTALL THE VENTING SYSTEM AND PROPERLY VENT
THE WATER HEATER…
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (which include, but not limited
to adhesives, solvents, paint thinners etc.), and the vapors they produce are extremely
dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store gasoline or other flammable or combustible
materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater and its vent pipe terminal or
any other appliance. Be sure to read and follow warning label pictured below and other
labels on the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so
can result in property damage, bodily injury or death.
WARNING!
!
!
FLAMMABLES
Flammable Vapors
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Storage of or use of gasoline
or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance can result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
3

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
125°F (52°C) 11/2to 2 minutes
130°F (54°C) About 30 seconds
135°F (57°C) About 10 seconds
140°F (60°C) Less than 5 seconds
145°F (63°C) Less than 3 seconds
150°F (66°C) About 11/2seconds
155°F (68°C) About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your
home.
DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F (49°C) or lower gas
control (thermostat) setting to prevent contact with “HOT”
water.
Maximum water temperatures occur just after the
burner has shut off. To find water temperature being
delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and place
a thermometer in the water stream and read the
thermometer. (See page 20 and 21 for more details.)
The temperature of the water in the heater can be
regulated by setting the temperature dial on the front
of the gas control (thermostat). To comply with
safety regulations the gas control (thermostat) was
set at its lowest setting
before the water heater
was shipped from the
factory.
The illustration at the left
details the approximate
water temperature
for each mark on
the Gas Control
(Thermostat)
Temperature Dial.
!
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for
Hot Water SCALDS.
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!
DANGER!
WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of a water heater’s gas control. Water temperatures above 125°F
(52°C) can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the
warnings outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water
heater.
Notice: Mixing valves are available for reducing point
of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water
in branch water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the
local plumbing authority for further information.
4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
!
100°F
(38°C)
90°F
(32°C)
80°F
(27°C)
110°F
(43°C) 120°F
(49°C)
130°F
(54°C)
140°F
(60°C)
150°F
(66°C)
160°F
(71°C)
Temperatures are approximate

5
●Water heaters utilizing LP gas are
different from natural gas models. A
natural gas water heater will not function
safely on LP gas and vice versa.
●No attempt should ever be made to
convert the water heater from natural
gas to LP gas. To avoid possible
equipment damage, personal injury or
fire, do not connect the water heater to a
fuel type not in accordance with the unit
data plate. LP for LP units. Natural gas
for natural gas units. These units are not
certified for any other fuel type.
●LP appliances should not be installed
below grade (for example, in a basement)
if such installation is prohibited by
federal, state and/or local laws, rules,
regulations or customs.
●LP gas must be used with great caution.
It is heavier than air and will collect first
in lower areas making it hard to detect at
nose level.
●Before attempting to light the water
heater, make sure to look and smell for
gas leaks. Use a soapy solution to check
all gas fittings and connections. Bubbling
at a connection indicates a leak that must
be corrected. When smelling to detect a
gas leak, be sure to sniff near the floor
also.
●Gas detectors are recommended in LP
& natural gas applications and their
installation should be in accordance
with the detector manufacturer’s
recommendations and/or local laws,
rules, regulations or customs.
●It is recommended that more than one
method, such as soapy solution, gas
detectors, etc., be used to detect leaks in
gas applications.
!
DANGER: If a gas leak is present or
suspected:
●Do not attempt to find the cause
yourself.
●Do not try to light any appliance.
●Do not touch any electrical switch.
●Do not use any phone in your building.
●Leave the house immediately and make
sure your family and pets leave also.
●Leave the doors open for ventilation
and contact the gas supplier, a qualified
service agency or the fire department.
●Stay away from the house (or building)
until the service call has been made, the
leak is corrected and a qualified agency
has determined the area to be safe.
LP and Natural gas have an odorant added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people
may not physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If you are unsure or
unfamiliar with the smell of LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier. Other conditions,
such as “odorant fade”, which causes the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also hide or
camouflage a gas leak.
DANGER!
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP PROPANE OR BUTANE)
AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
!
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of
fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of
life.
FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential water heaters up to 52-gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street,
Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater
dealer.
However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.
Have the installer show you the location of the gas shut-off valve and how to shut it off
if necessary. Turn off the manual shut-off valve if the water heater has been subjected to
overheating, fire, flood, physical damage or if the gas supply fails to shut off.
●Read this manual entirely before installing
or operating the water heater.
●Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.
●Be sure your appliance is properly installed
in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.
●Do not attempt to repair or replace any part
of your water heater unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other
servicing should be referred to a qualified
technician.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installing the water heater.
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association,
400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI standard Z223.1 or National Fire Protection
Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA 54. For Canada Installations
use CAN/CSA B149 - Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code. A copy can be purchased from the
Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Boulevard,Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, M9W 1R3.
Location
The water heater should not be located
in an area where leakage from the tank
or connections will result in damage
to the area adjacent to the heater or to
lower floors of the structure.
When such areas cannot be avoided it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, must be installed
under the water heater.
Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.
Make certain that the floor underneath the
water heater is strong enough to support
the weight of the water heater once it is
filled with water.
A gas fired water heater or any other
appliance should not be installed
in a space where liquids which give off
flammable vapors are to be used or stored.
Such liquids include gasoline, LP gas
(butane or propane), paint or adhesives
and their thinners, solvents or removers.
Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance from
where liquids which give off flammable
vapors are to be used or stored. The open
flame of the water heater’s pilot or main
burner can ignite these vapors.
Rheem Water Heating FVIR certified gas
water heaters can be installed on a residential
garage floor without the use of an 18-inch
stand in accordance with the National Fuel
Gas Code, NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1 2006,
paragraph 9.1.10 Installation in Residential
Garages, unless otherwise directed by State
and Local code requirements. The water
heater must be located so it is not subject to
physical damage, for example, by moving
vehicles, area flooding, etc
●This water heater is of the direct vent
design. It therefore must be located next
to the outside wall, within the range of
the telescopic adjustments. (See page 9
for Locating Clearance Hole for Vent)
●Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy.
●The water heater and water lines should
be protected from exposure to freezing
temperatures.
●Do not install the water heater in
unprotected outdoor areas.
●Minimum clearance from combustible
construction is 0” sides, 0” rear; and 3”
(7.6 cm) from the front of the control. If
the clearances stated on the Instruction/
Warning Label, located on the front of
the heater differ, install the water heater
according to the clearances stated on
the label.
●The water heater may be installed on
combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal
or wood panel beneath the water
heater, extending beyond its full width
and depth at least 3” (7.6 cm) in all
directions.
●If the water heater is installed in an
alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel.
A minimum of 24” (61 cm) clearance
from the front and top should be
available for adequate inspection and
servicing.
7
!
WARNING: Combustible
construction refers to
adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be confused
with combustible or
flammable products and
materials. Combustible
and/or flammable products
and materials should never
be stored in the vicinity of
this or any gas appliance.
The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.
Max. 2”
(5 cm)
Diameter of
water heater
plus 2” min.
(5 cm)

8
Installing the water heater.
Combustion and Ventilation Air
Proper operation of the water heater
requires air for combustion and
ventilation. Provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must comply with
referenced codes and standards.
NOTICE: If the water heater is
installed in an unconfined space within a
building of conventional frame, masonry
or metal construction, infiltration
air is normally adequate for proper
combustion and ventilation. If the water
heater is installed in a confined space,
provisions for ventilation air must be
made.
All air for combustion and all products of
combustion are routed through the ducting
provided, directly from and to the outside
of the building.
NOTICE: If the duct openings which
supply ventilation air are to be covered
with a protective screen or grill, the net
free area (openings in the material) of
the covering material must be used in
determining the size of the openings.
Protective screening for the openings
MUST NOT be smaller than 1/4”mesh
to prevent clogging by lint or other
debris.
Corrosive Atmospheres
The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning
establishments, photo processing
labs, and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swimming pool
chemicals often contain such halogenated
hydrocarbons.
An air supply containing halogenated
hydrocarbons may be safe to breathe,
but when it passes through a gas flame
corrosive elements are released that
will shorten the life of any gas burning
appliance.
Propellants from common spray cans
or gas leaks from A/C and refrigeration
equipment are highly corrosive after
passing through a flame.
The water heater warranty is voided when
failure of the heater is due to operation in
a corrosive atmosphere.
NOTICE: The water heater
should not be installed near
an air supply containing
halogenated hydrocarbons.
Inspect Shipment
Inspect the water heater and the venting provided with the water heater for possible
damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the
type of gas supplied corresponds to the water heater requirements.

HOT
9" Min. (23 cm)
Within 10 feet
(305 cm)
Any forced air inlet
into the building
18”Min
(46 cm)
36” Min.
(91 cm)
18”Min.
(46 cm)
12" Min. (30 cm) above grade
(Higher in areas of heavy snowfall.)
Vent Terminal must be located at least 12” (30.5 cm)
min. above grade level and above normal snow
levels. Higher in areas of heavy snowfall.
Vent Terminal must be located at least 9” (23 cm) from
windows, doors, or any other opening through which flue
gases could enter the building.
Vent Terminal must be located at least 36” (91 cm) above
any Forced Air Inlet into the building within
10’ (3 m) of the Vent Terminal. Any fresh or make-up
air inlet such as for a dryer or furnace area is
considered to be a forced air inlet.
Vent Terminal must be located at least 18” (46 cm) from
any overhang or building corner or other irregularity.
DO NOT locate the Vent Terminal under any deck or
patio structure.
"X"
Floor
Cut a clearance hole, approximately 6 1/4” (15.8 cm)
in diameter, through the exterior wall for the
6” (15.2 cm) diameter air tube.
Capacity "X"
40 Gallon 68-1/4" (173.3 cm)
50 Gallon 68" (172.7 cm)
Approximately
6 1/4" Diameter
(15.8 cm)
Locating Clearance Hole for Vent
Vent Termination Clearances
Inside
Corner
9
The water heater must be installed with the factory supplied venting system. The old venting system
(vent pipe, air intake pipe, vent cap, elbows etc.) must be replaced with the vent system supplied with
the new water heater.
Venting
CAUTION: If there are any
damaged parts, DO NOT install the
water heater. Report any damage to
your distributor or to the carrier.
NOTICE: The four fasteners that are
required to secure the vent cap to the
external wall are not provided. These
should be screw type (not nails) chosen
for the type of construction and obtained
locally
DANGER: Failure to
install the venting system
and properly vent the water
heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting
section of this manual will
result in unsafe operation of
the water heater causing
bodily injury, explosion,
fire or death. To avoid the
risk of fire, explosion, or
asphyxiation from carbon
monoxide, NEVER operate
the water heater unless it is
properly vented and has
adequate air supply for
proper operation as
outlined in the Venting
section of this manual.
See the back page of this manual
for additional requirements for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

10
Installing the Water Heater:
3" (7.6 cm) (90° Elbow (Steel)
6" (15.2 cm)
90° Elbow (Aluminum)
Installing 6” (15.2 cm) Diameter
Aluminum Elbow
Install the 6” (15.2 cm) aluminum elbow over the
3” (7.6 cm) steel elbow. Be certain both are pointed
in the desired direction with the 3" (7.6 cm) centered
inside the 6” (15.2 cm) inch elbow.
3" (7.6 cm) 90° Elbow (Steel)
Bend the brackets on the elbow as shown on left.
Place the 3” (7.6 cm) steel elbow on the water heater
flue pipe and press it firmly downward until fully
seated and pointed in the desired direction. After
installation of elbow, apply silicone sealant around
the outside of the pipe where the 3" (7.6 cm) elbow
comes in contact with the ue pipe . An improper
seal can cause product performance and nuisance
pilot outages.
Secure the 3" (7.6 cm) steel elbow to the top pan by
inserting two #8 x 3/8" long screws supplied through
the bent brackets.
Moving water heater to its final
location
Installing 3” (7.6 cm) Diameter Steel
Elbow
Move the water heater to its final installed location.
Make certain clearances from combustible materials
are observed.
‡Sheet Metal Screws
Leveling and attaching 6” (15.2 cm)
Diameter Aluminum Elbow
As an aid to leveling the 6” (15.2 cm) elbow,
temporarily place the 6” (15.2 cm) sliding tube onto
the elbow.
When leveled, drill a
1
/ 8 ” inch diameter hole through the
elbow into the collar at the front and back. Secure with the
two #8 sheet metal screws supplied.
Place the finishing collar on the 6” (15.2 cm) elbow, as it
will be positioned later.
‡
‡
Install end of elbow with
label to top plenum.
Top Plenum.
Finishing Collar
Top Plenum Top Pan
Elbow with brackets bent at 90°
Top Plenum
* Seal with silicone sealant.