Rheem STELLAR 4A Series 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
Stainless Steel
Electric Domestic Water Heater

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions
can be downloaded from rheem.com.au.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd or Aquamax Australia Pty Limited.
TRADEMARKS
® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy in preparation of this
publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences,
which may arise as a result of its application.
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD A.B.N. 21 098 823 511
www.rheem.com.au
For Service Telephone 131 031 AUSTRALIA

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your new water heater,
including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 8 to 25,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 7.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty .......................................................................................4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes .........................................8
About Your Water Heater ..........................................................12
Maintenance Requirements ......................................................17
Water Supplies...........................................................................19
Save A Service Call ...................................................................23
Installation..................................................................................26
Connections –Plumbing ..........................................................35
Connections –Electrical...........................................................40
Commissioning..........................................................................43
Draining The Water Heater .......................................................45

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

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

RHEEM ELECTRIC DOMESTIC MAINS PRESSURE
WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY
6
RHEEM STELLAR STAINLESS STEEL ELECTRIC MODELS
2.9 Rheem may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if a third
party solar diverter is connected to the water heater.
2.10 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.
2.11 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance
with the guidelines in Rheem’s 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
Stellar Stainless Steel electric models
All components
(all installations)
Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of
the faulty component, free of
charge, including labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and / or replacement
of the cylinder, free of charge,
including labour.
Years 4 to 12
Replacement cylinder, free of
charge. Installation and repair
labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.

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

8
SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
It is important you read the following safety and warnings information.
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
•This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the
experience or the knowledge and the capabilities to do so.
•This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children
should be supervised to ensure they do not interfere with the water heater.
•If the power supply cord, plug or electrical conduit to the water heater 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.
•Take care not to touch the power plug, on a water heater fitted with a power
supply cord and plug, with wet hands.
•This water heater uses 220 V –240 V a.c. power for the electrically operated
components. The removal of the front cover(s) will expose 220 V –240 V a.c.
wiring. It must only be removed by a qualified person.
•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 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.
•DANGER: The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on a thermostat
indicates a possibly dangerous situation. If the over-temperature cut-out
operates, it must not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by a
qualified person.
•The water heater will operate until a water temperature of 60°C to 75°C for
080 to 315 models or 60°C to 80°C for 050 models is reached, depending
upon the thermostat setting.
Refer to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 12 and “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 13.
•For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation
Instructions.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
9
•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 18.
•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.
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature
pressure relief valve located near the top of the
water heater. This valve is essential for the water
heater’s safe operation.
It is possible for the valve to discharge a quantity
of water through the drain line during each
heating period. This quantity should be equal to
approximately 1/50 of the hot water used, as
water expands by this volume when heated.
Expansion Control Valve
In many areas, including South Australia and
scaling water areas, it is mandatory an
expansion control valve is fitted to the cold water
line to the water heater.
The expansion control valve will discharge the quantity of water from its drain
line during the heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve as
it has a lower pressure rating.
Valve Operation
Continuous leakage of water from either valve and its drain line may indicate a
problem with the water heater. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve or
Expansion Control Valve Running” on page 24.
Warning: Never block the outlet of either valve or their drain lines for any
reason. A relief valve drain must be left open to atmosphere, and be installed in
a continuously downward direction.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
10
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 18.
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.
DANGER: Failure to operate the easing lever on the relief valve once every
six (6) months may result in the water heater cylinder failing, or under certain
circumstances, exploding.
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 19.
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,
▪The water heater is suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation, except
a water heater supplied with a power supply cord and plug is suitable for
indoor installation only.
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
drain
line

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
11
▪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 Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000,
▪Isolation switches must be installed in the electrical circuit to the water
heater in accordance with the Wiring Rules, so the water heater can be
switched off.
▪The power supply wires are to be directly connected to the terminal block
and earth tab connection, with no excess wire loops inside the front cover.
The temperature rating of the power supply wires insulation must suit this
application, or the wiring protected by insulating sleeving with an
appropriate temperature rating if it can make contact with the internal
storage cylinder. The temperature of the internal storage cylinder can
reach 75°C for 080 to 315 models or 80°C for 050 models under normal
operation.
•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 26 to 44.
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. If an
expansion control valve has been installed on the cold water line to the water
heater, this should have a pressure rating as shown in the table below.
If the mains water supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown, an approved
pressure limiting valve is required.
Models
050 –160
250 –315
Temperature pressure relief valve setting
1400 kPa
1000 kPa
Expansion control valve setting*
1200 kPa
850 kPa
Maximum mains supply pressure
With expansion control valve
960 kPa
680 kPa
Without expansion control valve
1120 kPa
800 kPa
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved.

12
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the
purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than this may
shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
The Rheem®water heater you have chosen is a Stellar™model with a stainless
steel cylinder. Stellar stainless steel models are available with either a single
heating unit or with twin heating units (refer to “Single Element Model” on
page 14 and “Twin Element Model” on page 14). The water heater is suitable for
either indoor or outdoor installation, except a water heater supplied with a power
supply cord and plug is suitable for indoor installation only.
The water in the cylinder is heated by the
electric immersion heating unit. A
thermostat controls the temperature.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the
water heater to provide safe and efficient
operation.
A 080 to 315 model water heater has a
brass plug and a 050 model water heater
has three brass plugs on one side of the
tank. A plug blocks off an alternative
connection point and is not to be
tampered with or removed.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features a
tradesperson adjustable thermostat,
which allows you to choose the most
suitable temperature for your hot water
needs. Refer to “Temperature
Adjustment” on page 13.
To meet the requirements of the National
Plumbing Standard the temperature of
the stored water must not be below 60°C.
maximum thermostat
setting 050 models
minimum thermostat
setting and minimum
recommended stored
water temperature.
top heating unit
thermostat setting on a
twin element model
(not adjustable)
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
maximum thermostat
setting 080 to 315 models

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
13
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver hot water at temperatures up to 80°C for an
050 model and up to 75°C for a 080 to 315 model, sufficiently hot to cause
severe scalding. Water at these temperatures may have been plumbed to
fixtures where water hotter than 50°C is allowed, such as the kitchen and laundry.
Check the water temperature before use, such as when entering a shower or
filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the application and will not cause
scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved
temperature limiting device be fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathroom
and ensuite when this water heater is installed. This will keep the water
temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will
be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat automatically controls the electricity supply to the heating unit so
a constant temperature is maintained. The thermostat and its protective over-
temperature cut-out is mounted inside the front cover of the water heater. There
is no need to switch the water heater off when it is not in use, except when you
are on an extended holiday. The thermostat is fully automatic and power is only
used when heating is required.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
This water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires
a licensed electrical worker to make any temperature adjustments. The
thermostat (bottom thermostat on twin element models) has a maximum
temperature setting of 75°C (80°C for 050 models) and a minimum temperature
setting of 60°C. The top thermostat on a twin element model has a fixed setting
of 60°C and cannot be adjusted.
We advise you to have a licensed electrical worker adjust the thermostat to the
lowest temperature setting that meets your needs, especially if there are young
children or elderly people in your home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases The
Risk of Scald Injury” on page 13.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
14
SINGLE ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has one heating
unit with its own thermostat, located at the
base of the water heater.
•Continuous electricity supply
This type of connection is suited to
where the storage capacity is less than
the normal daily usage.
•Off-Peak electricity supply
This type of connection will only allow
heating to occur during set hours. A
volume of water sufficient for the day’s
total use is heated and stored. This type
of heating will be more economical due
to reduced tariffs by the electricity
authority.
TWIN ELEMENT MODEL
This type of water heater has two heating units, each with its own thermostat.
One heating unit is at the base of the water heater and the other near the top.
•Bottom heating unit
During normal operation this heating unit
supplies all the hot water.
•Top heating unit (Booster)
This heating unit only operates during
periods of high demand to provide an
additional supply of heated water.
•Electrical connection
The two heating units are wired for non-
simultaneous operation, so that only one
heating unit can operate at a time. The
bottom heating unit is usually connected
to an Off-Peak (overnight) or time
controlled supply and the top heating
unit to a Continuous / Domestic supply.
Some electricity suppliers allow both
heating units to be metered at the Off-
Peak or controlled tariff.
NOTE: Power must be available to the top heating unit circuit at all times
for this water heater to operate as designed.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
15
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking,
the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and
draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and
Installation Instructions. Refer to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 17.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is
necessary for your application or business you should ensure that you have back
up redundancy within the hot water system design. This should ensure the
continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from a plumber or
specifier about your needs and building back up redundancy into your hot water
supply system.
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for only a few nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
•Switch off the electrical supply at the water heater isolating switch on the
switchboard or at the isolating switch at the water heater (if installed).
•Unplug the power supply cord from the power outlet (power supply cord
model only).
•Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
•Open the cold water isolation valve fully on the cold water line to the water
heater.
•Plug in the power supply cord at the power outlet (power supply cord model
only).
•Switch on the electrical supply at the water heater isolating switch on the
switchboard and at the isolating switch at the water heater (if installed).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
16
GOING ON HOLIDAY?
If you plan to be away from home for one or two nights, we suggest you leave
the water heater switched on. However, if you plan to stay away more than a few
nights, conserve energy by switching the water heater off at either the
switchboard or isolating switch (if one is installed).
Note: When the electrical supply is switched back on, the water heater will take
some time to reheat the water. Depending upon the power supply connection,
hot water may not be available until the next day.
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Building Authority. 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.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water
chemistries may have detrimental effects on the water heater, its components
and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 19.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water
chemistry, have your water checked against the conditions described on
pages 19 to 22.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 4).
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water
heater will provide. These include but are not limited to the water chemistry, the
water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 15.

17
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY SIX YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every
six (6) years.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified
personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as
the relief valve(s), are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made
for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water
heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
•Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
•Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted). If required, replace
the valve.
•Check the electric heating unit for excessive calcium build-up or corrosion
and replace if necessary.
•Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
•Inspect all connections.
•Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
Note: The water heater may need to be drained during this service. After the
completion of the service, the water heater will take some time to reheat the
water. Depending upon the power supply connection, hot water may not be
available until the next day.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
18
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) months. Minor
maintenance can be performed by the dwelling occupant.
The minor maintenance includes:
•Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
Warning: 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 the valve’s
easing lever.
•Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very
important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Relief Valves”
on page 9.
•Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.

19
WATER SUPPLIES
This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be
covered by the Rheem warranty.
This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public
reticulated water supplies. However, there are some known water chemistries
which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and its operation and / or
life expectancy.
A list of postcodes is available on the Rheem website (www.rheem.com.au)
indicating known areas where the stainless steel cylinder is not covered by the
Rheem warranty due to the water chemistry of the area. The list is not necessarily
exhaustive and there may be areas outside of these postcodes where the
stainless steel cylinder is not covered by the Rheem warranty due to the water
chemistry of the area.
If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may be able to obtain information
from your local water supply authority. This water heater should only be
connected to a water supply which complies with these guidelines, which takes
precedence over the list of postcodes, for the Rheem warranty to apply.
It is recommended to install a suitable filter on the cold water supply line to the
water heater if the water supply contains or has a future risk of containing
suspended solids. The Rheem warranty will not cover resultant faults on
components including the stainless steel cylinder due to the effects of sludge
and / or sediment settling in the water heater.
CHANGE OF WATER SUPPLY
The changing or alternating from one water supply to another can have a
detrimental effect on the operation and / or life expectation of a water heater
cylinder, a temperature pressure relief valve and a heating unit.
Where there is a changeover from one water supply to another, e.g. a rainwater
tank supply, bore water supply, desalinated water supply, public reticulated water
supply or water brought in from another supply, then water chemistry information
should be sought from the supplier or it should be tested to ensure the water
supply meets the requirements given in these guidelines for the Rheem warranty
to apply.

WATER SUPPLIES
20
CHLORIDE AND PH
In a high chloride water supply, the water can corrode stainless steel parts and
cause them to fail.
Where the chloride level exceeds 250 mg / L the Rheem warranty does not apply
to a stainless steel cylinder.
pH is a measure of whether the water is alkaline or acid. In an acidic or very
alkaline water supply, the water can attack stainless steel parts and cause them
to fail.
Where the pH is less than 6.0 or greater than 9.5, the Rheem warranty does not
apply to a stainless steel cylinder. Water with a pH less than 6.0 may be treated
to raise the pH.
The water supply from a rainwater tank in a metropolitan area is likely to be
corrosive due to the dissolution of atmospheric contaminants. This may result in
pH of less than 6.0. It is recommended an analysis on the water from a rainwater
tank be conducted prior to connecting this type of water supply to a water heater
with a stainless steel cylinder.
Refer to the pH and Chloride chart on page 20.
WITHIN WARRANTY
SPECIFICATION
5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
CHLORIDE -mg/L
pH & CHLORIDE
WATER HEATERS (stainless steel cylinder)
acidic alkaline
pH
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater
cylinder
0
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater cylinder
no warranty applies to a:
-stainless steel water heater
cylinder
10.09.5