Rheem RTGH-RH11DV User manual

AP18733 REV. 3.2.17
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NOTE TO CONSUMER: DO NOT DESTROY THIS MANUAL. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
CONDENSING
TANKLESS
WATER HEATER
Use and Care Manual
User’s Information
Installation
Start-Up
Maintenance
Parts
180,000 / 199,000 Btu/Hr Models
WARNING
The surfaces of these products contacted by consumable water contain less than 0.25% lead by weight, as
required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1417.
If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, a re or explosion may result, causing property damage, personal injury, or death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY!
• Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. To do so may result in
an explosion or re.
• Installation and service must be performed by a qualied installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.
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 re department.
• Do not return to your home until authorized by the gas supplier or re department.
This water heater is not suitable for use in manufactured (mobile) homes.
www.rhem.com
Printed in the USA.

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WARNING
CAUTION
The following dened terms are used throughout this manual to bring attention to the presence of hazards of various risk levels, or to
important product information.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT is used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage, FOR YOUR SAFETY is
used to indicate specic safety related instructions or procedures, and NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.
SPECIAL ATTENTION BOXES
DANGER
IMPORTANT
NOTE: Contains additional information important to a procedure.

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This manual must only be used by a qualied heating installer/service technician. Read all instructions in this manual before installing. Perform
steps in the order given. Failure to comply could result in substantial property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
This appliance must be installed by qualied and licensed personnel. The installer should be guided by the instructions furnished with the water
heater, and with local codes and utility company requirements. In the absence of local codes, preference should be given to the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-2002.
INSTALLATIONS MUST COMPLY WITH:
Local, state, provincial, and national codes, laws, regulations and ordinances.
The latest version of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, from American Gas Association Laboratories, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Road,
Cleveland, OH 44131.
In Canada – CGA No. B149 (latest version), from Canadian Gas Association Laboratories, 55 Scarsdale Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada
M3B 2R3. Also, Canadian Electrical Code C 22.1, from Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario,
Canada L4W 5N6.
Code for the installation of Heat Producing Appliances (latest version), from American Insurance Association, 85 John Street, New York, NY
11038.
The latest version of the National Electrical Code, NFPA No. 70.
NOTE: The gas manifold and controls met safe lighting and other performance criteria when the water heater underwent tests specied in ANSI
Z21.10.3 – latest edition.
▪ FOR THE INSTALLER
▪ FOREWORD
This manual is intended to be used in conjunction with other literature provided with the water heater. This includes all related control information.
It is important that this manual, all other documents included with this system, and additional publications including the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1-2002, be reviewed in their entirety before beginning any work.
Installation should be made in accordance with the regulations of the Authority Having Jurisdiction, local code authorities, and utility companies
which pertain to this type of water heating equipment.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – The Authority Having Jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local government, or individual such as a
re chief, re marshal, chief of a re prevention bureau, labor department or health department, building ofcial or electrical inspector, or others
having statutory authority. In some circumstances, the property owner or his/her agent assumes the role, and at government installations, the
commanding ofcer or departmental ofcial may be the AHJ.
NOTE: Rheem reserves the right to modify product technical specications and components without prior notice.
DANGER
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
USER’S INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................................................7
A. PRODUCT AND SAFETY INFORMATION......................................................................................................................7
1. BEFORE OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................8
2. DURING OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................8
3. TROUBLESHOOTING AND GENERAL CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS....................................................................9
B. MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................10
1. SERVICE TECHNICIAN.............................................................................................................................................10
2. OWNER MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................................................................10
C. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES..................................................................................................................................11
1. DAILY MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................11
2. MONTHLY MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................................11
3. 6 MONTH MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................12
4. ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................................................................13
D. TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................................................................................13
THE FOLLOWING ARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CONTRACTOR.......................................................14
ITEMS SHIPPED WITH THE WATER HEATER....................................................................................................................15
SAFETY REGULATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................15
A. OPERATION AND INSTALLATION WARNINGS..........................................................................................................15
B. IMPROPER COMBUSTION...........................................................................................................................................16
C. GAS...............................................................................................................................................................................16
D. WHEN SERVICING THE WATER HEATER..................................................................................................................17
E. WATER CHEMISTRY REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................................17
F. FREEZE PROTECTION.................................................................................................................................................17
G. SCALDING....................................................................................................................................................................18
H. HIGH ELEVATION INSTALLATIONS............................................................................................................................18
SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................................................................19
A. SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................................................................................19
B. COMPONENTS.............................................................................................................................................................20
C. DIMENSIONS................................................................................................................................................................21
PREPARE WATER HEATER LOCATION..............................................................................................................................22
A. BEFORE LOCATING THE WATER HEATER...............................................................................................................22
B. LEVELING.....................................................................................................................................................................23
C. CLEARANCES FOR SERVICE ACCESS.....................................................................................................................23
D. RESIDENTIAL GARAGE AND CLOSET INSTALLATIONS.........................................................................................23
E. EXHAUST VENT AND INTAKE PIPE............................................................................................................................... 24
F. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS............................................................................................................................ 24
G. PREVENT COMBUSTION AIR CONTAMINATION......................................................................................................24

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H. REMOVING A WATER HEATER FROM A COMMON VENT SYSTEM..........................................................................25
I. UNPACKING THE WATER HEATER..............................................................................................................................25
J. WALL-MOUNTING THE WATER HEATER....................................................................................................................26
VENTING................................................................................................................................................................................27
A. INTAKE PIPE AND EXHAUST VENT GUIDELINES........................................................................................................27
B. APPROVED VENT MATERIALS...................................................................................................................................30
C. ALLOWED SCHEDULE 40 VENT LENGTHS (PVC, CPVC, PP).................................................................................31
D. TIGHTENING WATER HEATER COLLAR TO EXHAUST VENT AND INTAKE PIPE.................................................32
E. VENT TERMINATION....................................................................................................................................................32
1. Direct Vent, Two Pipe Roof and Sidewall Vent Terminations...............................................................................33
2. Direct Vent, Optional Horizontal and Vertical Vent Kits........................................................................................33
3. Screen Installation....................................................................................................................................................33
4. Power Venting, Indoor Combustion Air Installation in Conned or Unconned Space....................................34
F. COMMON VENT PIPING...............................................................................................................................................36
1. VENT DIAMETER SIZING AND LENGTHS..............................................................................................................36
2. RECOMMENDED EXHAUST PIPE TRANSITIONS.................................................................................................37
3. TWO PIPE VENT SYSTEM (DIRECT VENT)............................................................................................................38
INSTALL THE CONDENSATE DRAIN..................................................................................................................................38
GAS PIPING..........................................................................................................................................................................40
A. GAS PIPE SIZING TABLES..............................................................................................................................................40
1. Gas Pipe Sizing.................................................................................................................................................................40
2. Natural Gas Pipe Sizing...................................................................................................................................................40
3. LP (Liquid Propane) Gas Pipe Sizing..............................................................................................................................41
B. GAS CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................................42
C. ADDITIONAL PRECAUTION FOR EXCESS FLOW VALVE (EFV)..................................................................................43
D. ADJUSTING GAS PRESSURE AT THE WATER HEATER..............................................................................................43
E. SETTING AND VERIFYING THE COMBUSTION SETTING............................................................................................43
WATER PIPING......................................................................................................................................................................44
A. GENERAL PLUMBING CONNECTION GUIDELINES.....................................................................................................44
B. INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER........................................................................................................................... 46
C. PIPING THE WATER HEATER.........................................................................................................................................46
D. APPLICATIONS.................................................................................................................................................................46
E. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE.............................................................................................................................................49
CONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER / INITIAL STARTUP.......................................................................................................50
A. WIRING INFORMATION................................................................................................................................................... 50
B. DIP SWITCHES.................................................................................................................................................................51

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OPERATING SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................................................................................57
A. CONTROL PANEL............................................................................................................................................................57
B. LCD DISPLAY DESCRIPTIONS........................................................................................................................................57
C. START-UP SEQUENCE.....................................................................................................................................................58
D. CHANGING THE DHW SET-POINT..................................................................................................................................58
E. STATUS DISPLAY MODE..................................................................................................................................................59
F. CHANGING THE TIME.......................................................................................................................................................60
G. INSTALLER MODE...........................................................................................................................................................61
H. USING RECIRCULATION MODES – STEP 1...................................................................................................................62
I. SETTING THE RECIRCULATION TIMER – USING RECIRCULATION MODES – STEP 2..............................................63
1. Set the Recirculation Timer Type............................................................................................................................64
2. Setting the Recirculation Run Time (Pro9 Recirculation Timer)..........................................................................65
3. Resetting the Recirculation Run Time....................................................................................................................66
J. ERROR MODE...................................................................................................................................................................67
K. ERROR TREE ANALYSIS.................................................................................................................................................67
1. FLAME DETECTION..................................................................................................................................................71
2. GAS DETECTION......................................................................................................................................................72
3. AIR PRESSURE SWITCH..........................................................................................................................................72
4. Inlet / DHW / Operating Temperature Sensors.......................................................................................................73
FINAL INSTALLATION CHECKLIST.....................................................................................................................................74
TROUBLESHOOTING...........................................................................................................................................................76
DIAGNOSTICS AND SUGGESTED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ............................................................................................76
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES...........................................................................................................................................77
REPLACEMENT PARTS.......................................................................................................................................................81
Limited Warranty for 180,000 / 199,000Btu/hr Tankless Water Heaters...........................................................................82
MAINTENANCE REPORT......................................................................................................................................................84
MAINTENANCE NOTES........................................................................................................................................................85
CUSTOMER INSTALLATION RECORD FORM....................................................................................................................86

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WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE GUIDELINES IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE, SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
TO TURN OFF GAS TO THE WATER HEATER
1. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting.
2. Turn off all electrical power to the water heater.
3. Turn manual gas shutoff valve to “OFF”.
USER – Have this water heater serviced/inspected by a qualied service technician annually.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. STOP! DO NOT use this water heater unless it is completely lled with water.
2. Ensure electrical power to the water heater is turned OFF.
3. This water heater is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the burner. DO NOT attempt to light the burner by hand.
4. Turn the gas shut-off valve clockwise to the “OFF” position. Do not force.
5. Wait ve (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow the information on page 2, this manual. If you don’t smell gas,
go to the next step.
6. Turn manual gas shut-off valve to the “ON” position.
7. Turn ON electrical power to the water heater.
8. Wait until default temperature (120°F/ 49°C) is displayed. Set desired water temperature.
9. If the water heater will not operate, follow the instructions on page 2 to turn off the gas to the water heater. Then call your service
technician or gas supplier.
USER'S INFORMATION
▪ A. PRODUCT AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Proper care of this water heater is the user’s / owner’s responsibility. The user / owner should carefully read and understand the Operating
Information in this manual before operating this water heater.
It is the user / owner’s responsibility to know the location of the gas shut-off valve and how to operate it. Immediately close the gas shut-off valve
if the water heater is subjected to re, overheating, ood, physical damage, or any other damaging condition that might affect the operation of the
unit. Have the water heater checked by a qualied technician before resuming operation.
DO NOT use this water heater if ANY part has been under water. Immediately call a qualied technician to inspect the water heater and replace
any part of the control system or gas control which has been under water.
DO NOT power up the water heater unless the gas and water supply valves are fully opened. Make sure the fresh air intake pipe and exhaust
vents are open and functional.
DO NOT attempt to install, repair, or service this water heater. Contact a qualied technician if the water heater needs repair or maintenance. Ask
your gas supplier for a list of qualied service providers.
DO NOT use spray paint, hair spray, or any other ammable sprays near the water heater or near the exterior fresh air intake pipe termination. DO
NOT place any items in or around the exterior exhaust vent termination and/or fresh air intake pipe that could restrict or block the ow in or out of
the vent system.
All safety devices must be tested after the water heater is installed.
Always verify proper water heater operation after servicing.
The gas ignition system components must be protected from water (dripping, spraying, rain, etc.) during water heater operation and service
(circulator replacement, condensate trap, control replacement, etc.)
The E80 code will display when there is no water in the water heater. Ensure the water heater is full of water. Then manually reset the water
heater to resume operation.
This water heater features a factory installed overheating prevention device. This limit provides water heater shutdown in the event that the water
heater water temperature exceeds the set point of the limit control. Certain local codes require additional water temperature limiting devices.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

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▪ 1. BEFORE OPERATION
1. Check the Gas Type (NG/LP)
When operating the water heater for the rst time, ensure the connected gas type matches that of the gas type of the water heater. Check
whether the gas supplied is NG or LP. The water heater gas type is indicated on the rating plate on the side of the water heater.
2. Check the Power (120V 60Hz)
Ensure the water heater is connected to a properly rated power supply.
3. Check the Cold Water Inlet Valve
Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open when operating the water heater. The water heater will not operate if there is insufcient water
supply.
4. Check the Gas Valve
Ensure the manual shut-off gas valve is open. The water heater will not operate unless it is supplied with gas.
5. Check the Area around the Water heater
Remove any combustible or ammable materials from the area around the water heater and do not hang wet laundry from the exhaust vent
pipe.
WARNING
Attempting to operate this water heater on a gas supply other than specied on the rating plate will result in improper water heater operation, and
could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
Do not operate the water heater if its combustion air intake is located in or near one of the areas or in the vicinity of products listed in Table 1.
These areas will always contain hazardous contaminates that can form strong acids while passing through the burner and vent system. These
acids will corrode the water heater’s heat exchanger, burner components and vent system, resulting in ue gas spillage and/or water leakage,
possible substantial property damage, severe personal injury, or death. If the water heater combustion air intake is located in any area likely to
cause or contain contamination, or if products which would contaminate the air cannot be removed, the intake must be re-piped and terminated
to another location.
DO NOT re-pipe ventilation system on your own. Call a qualied service provider for assistance.
DANGER
PRODUCTS TO AVOID AREAS LIKELY TO HAVE CONTAMINANTS
Spray cans containing uorocarbons Dry cleaning/laundry areas and establishments
Permanent wave solutions Swimming pools
Chlorinated waxes/cleaners Metal fabrication plants
Chlorine-based swimming pool chemicals Beauty shops
Calcium chloride used for thawing Refrigeration repair shops
Sodium chloride used for water softening Photo processing plants
Refrigerant leaks Auto body shops
Paint or varnish removers Plastic manufacturing plants
Hydrochloric or Muriatic acid Furniture renishing areas and establishments
Cements and glues New building construction
Antistatic fabric softeners used in clothes dryers Remodeling areas
Chlorine-type bleaches, laundry detergents, and cleaning solvents Garages and workshops
Adhesives used to fasten building products
WARNING
After any repair of the gas pipeline or replacement of the gas regulator, call a qualied
service technician to observe the installation and replacement before restoring power
to the water heater. Failure to do so could result in a re or explosion, substantial
property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
▪ 2. DURING OPERTAION
1. Check for Gas Leaks
Frequently check the gas pipe and connections for leaks with a soapy solution. If
air bubbles appear during the test, gas is leaking out. Close the gas supply valve
and call your gas supplier for inspection.
2. Check for Proper Ventilation
Ensure there is sufcient ventilation while operating the water heater. Improper
ventilation could result in premature water heater failure. Such failures ARE NOT
covered by water heater warranty.
Table 1

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WARNING
WARNING
Exhaust gas entering the living space can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If exhaust gas should leak into the living space:
• Shut down the water heater.
• Close the gas valve.
• Open windows for ventilation.
Immediately call a qualied service technician to inspect the water heater and exhaust vent pipe. Any damages to the exhaust vent pipe should
be repaired immediately. Failure to do so could result in substantial property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
Storing ammable or combustible materials near this water heater could result in a re or explosion, substantial property damage, severe
personal injury, or death.
▪ 3. TROUBLESHOOTING AND GENERAL CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
DO NOT use this water heater for any purposes other than those specifically described by Rheem (to provide domestic hot water). Using this
water heater for unapproved purposes WILL VOID the warranty, and could result in property damage, serious personal injury, or death.
3. Burn Warning
Take caution when inspecting the water heater, exhaust vent, and/or water pipes. These components can get extremely hot during water
heater operation.
4. Combustibles and Flammable Material Warning
Do not store combustibles or flammable materials in the vicinity of this water heater. Do not hang clothes from the exhaust pipe.
5. Check for Water Leaks
• Do not attempt to clean the heating system. Call a qualified service technician for service.
• If you notice any leaks, immediately call a qualified service technician. Leaks in water heater or piping must be repaired at once.
If the water heater is not to be used for an extended period of time during freezing conditions, consider shutting down the system and draining it
of water. Shut off the gas and cold water supply valves.
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT wipe the water heater or control panel with a wet cloth. Doing so may result in an electric shock, substantial property damage, premature
water heater failure, severe personal injury, or death.
DO NOT shut off the water heater for long periods of time during potentially freezing conditions. This water heater has a freeze protection function.
The ceramic heater installed inside of the heater’s heat exchanger is designed to protect the water heater from freezing.
Ensure the exposed water pipes are thermally insulated to prevent damage due to freezing conditions. If the water heater is not to be used for an
extended period of time during freezing conditions, shut down the system and completely drain the water heater.
DO NOT attempt to disassemble this water heater. Doing so could result in improper water heater operation or premature water heater failure,
substantial property damage, and/or severe personal injury or death due to electric shock, re, or explosion. If repairs are required, contact a
qualied service technician.
CAUTION
DO NOT touch the exhaust vent or hot water pipes during water heater operation. Doing so could result in substantial personal injury.
Be careful when opening a hot water faucet or draining water from the water heater. Water temperature over 125°F can instantly cause severe
burns, or death, from scalds. Children, disabled, and elderly are at the highest risk of being scalded. See instruction manual before setting
temperature at water heater. Feel water before bathing or showering!
DANGER

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▪ B. MAINTENANCE
1. SERVICE TECHNICIAN
The following maintenance should be performed by a qualified service technician annually:
General
• Attend to any reported problems.
• Inspect the interior of the water heater cabinet; clean and vacuum if necessary.
• Clean the condensate trap and fill with fresh water.
• If applicable, check the condensate neutralizer and ensure it is full of condensate neutralizing marble chips.
• Check for leaks: Water, gas, flue and condensate.
• Verify exhaust vent and intake piping are in good condition and sealed tight.
• Check exhaust vent and intake pipe bracing. Ensure bracing is undamaged and in good condition.
• Check water heater water pressure, piping and expansion tank.
• Check control settings.
• Check ignition electrode. Sand off any white oxide. Clean and reposition.
• Check ignition and ground wiring.
• Check all control wiring and connections.
• Check burner flame pattern (stable and uniform).
Additional Items if Combustion or Performance is Poor
• Clean heat exchanger and flue ways.
• Remove burner assembly and clean burner head using compressed air only.
Once the maintenance items are completed, the service technician should review service with the owner.
2. OWNER MAINTENANCE
Periodically
• Check area around the water heater.
• Check and remove any blockage from the outdoor exhaust vent and intake pipe terminations. DO NOT perform this maintenance
if exhaust vent and intake pipe terminations are in difficult to reach locations.
• Check the temperature/pressure gauge.
Monthly
• Check exhaust vent and intake piping.
• Check exhaust vent and intake pipe bracing. Ensure bracing is undamaged and in good condition.
• Check the pressure relief valve.
• Check the condensate drain system.
• If applicable, check the condensate neutralizer and ensure it is full of condensate neutralizing marble chips.
Every 6 Months
Check water heater piping and gas supply piping for corrosion or signs of potential leakage.
The water heater must be inspected and serviced annually, preferably at the start of the heating season, by a qualied service technician. In
addition, the maintenance and care of the water heater as outlined in this manual must be performed by the user/owner to assure maximum
efciency and reliability. Follow the maintenance procedures given throughout this manual. Failure to perform the service and maintenance or
follow the directions in this manual could damage the water heater or system components, resulting in substantial property damage, severe
personal injury, or death.
The water heater must be inspected and serviced annually, preferably at the start of the heating season, by a qualied service technician. In
addition, the maintenance and care of the water heater as outlined in this manual must be performed by the user/owner to assure maximum
efciency and reliability. Follow the maintenance procedures given throughout this manual. Failure to perform the service and maintenance or
follow the directions in this manual could damage the water heater or system components, resulting in substantial property damage, severe
personal injury, or death.
DANGER
DANGER
▪ C. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
1. DAILY MAINTENANCE
Check the Surrounding Area
Combustible/Flammable Materials
Do not store combustible materials, gasoline, or other flammable vapors or liquids near the water heater. If found, remove these materials
immediately.
Air Contaminates
If allowed to contaminate combustion air, products containing chlorine or fluorine will produce acidic condensate that will cause significant
damage to the water heater. Read the list of potential contaminates and areas likely to have these contaminates in Table 1, Part 2. If
any of these contaminates are in the room where the water heater is located, or combustion air is taken from one of the areas listed, the
contaminates must be removed immediately or the intake pipe must be relocated to another area.