EverHot 211220 Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.

Please leave this guide with the householder.

Owner’s Guide

and

Installation Instructions

Solar Storage Tank

WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware

Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used.

It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in copper

and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures and pressures.

PATENTS

This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs.

TRADE MARKS

®

Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.

No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.

WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware

The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE

of copper. All compression fittings must use brass or copper olives.

The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.

The insulation must:

 be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable

of withstanding the temperature of the water generated by the solar collectors under stagnation
conditions

The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation
manufacturer prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.

 be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the

requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4

 be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed

 extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof

 cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work

 be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.

Note: Failure to observe these requirements increases the risk of freeze damage.

Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact
with a metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if
the solar hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.

The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, will offer corrosion protection to a
metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the
solar pipe work as high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank
and also reduce pipe heat losses.

The insulated copper pipe work:

 should be fixed at suitable locations to prevent or reduce the possibility of noise from water

hammer and vibration from occurring

 is not to be placed or installed in contact with plastic pipe work.

Likewise, plastic pipe work is not to be placed or installed in contact with the insulated copper
pipe work after the solar circuit is installed.

Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the water

generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The solar collectors can generate
extremely high water temperatures up to 150°C and high water pressure of 1000 kPa. Plastic pipe
cannot withstand these temperatures and pressures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of plastic pipe
can lead to the release of high temperature water and cause severe water damage and flooding.

The highest point of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must be where they connect to the solar

collectors, to avoid the possibility of air locks occurring in the system. There must be a continuous
fall in the pipe work between the solar collectors and solar storage tank. Horizontal runs of pipe work
are acceptable and may be installed.

A non return valve MUST BE installed on the cold water line to the solar storage tank AFTER the

cold water branch to a temperature limiting device.

The pressure applied to the solar circuit and solar collectors during a pressure test of a direct open

circuit system MUST NOT exceed 1000 kPa, otherwise damage may result to the solar collectors.
Refer to “Pressure Testing” on page 34.

3

CONTENTS

HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 19.

The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.

About Your Water Heater ............................................................................................................ 4

Regular Care .............................................................................................................................. 11

Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 14

Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 17

Installation – Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 20

Installation – Solar Collectors .................................................................................................. 31

Installation – Solar and Gas Booster Connections................................................................ 35

Connections – Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 41

Connections – Electrical ........................................................................................................... 44

Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 45

Draining The Solar Collectors .................................................................................................. 49

Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 49

Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 51

4

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

Your Everhot® solar 211 220 water heater is designed for the solar collectors to be roof mounted and the
vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank to be installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar
collectors. The solar storage tank is suitable for installation either outdoor or indoor and with one or two
HBT 200 solar collectors. If an in-series gas booster is mounted to the solar storage tank, then it is suitable
for outdoor installation only.

The system is not suitable for installation above 400 metres altitude.

The system has a level of freeze protection designed to guard the system
against damage from freeze conditions (refer to “Freeze Protection” on
page 7). The system must be installed with the full length of the solar hot and
solar cold pipes insulated to offer protection against freeze damage (refer to

“Pipe Work and Insulation” on page 6). Freeze conditions occur below 6°C.

The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage when installed above
400 metres altitude or if the solar hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in
accordance with the installation instructions (refer to “Terms of the Everhot

Warranty” on page 51). Note: The Everhot warranty against freeze damage

applies only to systems installed in Australia.

This solar water heater is designed to be installed with an Everhot continuous
flow 274 020 or 271 026 model in-series gas booster mounted onto the
storage tank or installed remotely.

The solar water heater may be installed with another suitable type of remotely
installed in-series continuous flow or storage booster. If the in-series water
heater is other than an Everhot continuous flow 274 020 or 271 026 model in­series gas booster, then the references to the in-series gas booster in this
guide may not be applicable to the installation.

For information relating to the function and operation of the in-series water
heater, refer to the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions supplied with
the water heater.

SOLAR OPERATION

The Everhot solar open circuit system has its vitreous enamel lined solar
storage tank installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar
collectors.

As the sun heats the water in the solar collectors the increase in temperature
activates the circulator. The circulator then moves the water from the solar
collectors through an insulated copper pipe to the solar storage tank. The
circulator switches on whenever the water in the solar collectors is hotter than
the water in the tank. Cooler water from the solar storage tank is circulated to
the solar collectors to be heated by the sun‟s energy.

This process continues while solar energy is available and until the water in the solar storage tank reaches a
temperature of 70°C to 80°C.

Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

5

MAINS PRESSURE

The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply.
If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown on page 23, a pressure limiting valve must be
fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
A minimum water supply pressure of 200 kPa is required to enable the solar circulator and solar circuit
system to operate effectively.

HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?

The solar control unit will circulate water through the solar collectors
until a temperature of 70°C to 80°C is reached in the solar storage
tank. During periods of low solar energy gain, the continuous flow in­series gas booster will boost the water temperature automatically to
its preset outlet temperature setting, or to the temperature setting of
another type of in-series booster water heater.

The factory preset outlet temperature setting of the in-series gas
booster is:

274 020 and 271 026 models 60°C

Note: The preset outlet temperature setting of a continuous flow in­series gas booster cannot be adjusted by the householder. The
setting can only be adjusted by the installer, Rheem Service or their
nearest Accredited Service Agent.

Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in
potable water. If this water heater is installed with an in-series continuous flow gas booster, then this
requirement of AS 3498 can be satisfied provided the booster is energised, its preset outlet temperature
setting is 70°C or higher and a remote temperature controller is not used.

If this water heater is installed with an in-series storage booster, then this requirement of AS 3498 can be
satisfied provided the storage booster is energised and its thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.

Warning: Temperature controllers must not be fitted to the in-series water heater as part of a solar water

heater system because water at a temperature much higher than the controller setting can be delivered.

HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY

This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding. Check the water temperature
before use, such as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the
application and will not cause scald injury.

We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved temperature limiting device be
fitted into the hot water pipe work to the 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.

WARNING

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.

This water heater uses 240 V AC electrical power for operation of the control systems and the electrically
operated components. The removal of the front cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be removed by a
qualified person.

The power lead from the solar controller must be plugged into a weatherproof electrical outlet if installed
outdoors. Take care not to touch the power plug with wet hands.

Care should be taken not to touch the pipe work connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
Very high temperature hot water can be generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions and flow
through the pipe work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.

typical maximum

temperature from solar gain

maximum recommended

supply temperature to

bathrooms and ensuites

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

6

SAFETY

This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over temperature energy cut-out, temperature sensors
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 operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the 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.

If the power supply cord or plug to the solar storage tank 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.

Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in

accordance with the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions.

The Everhot warranty can become void if relief valves or other safety devices are tampered with or if
the installation is not in accordance with these instructions.

PIPE WORK AND INSULATION

The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors and between
the solar storage tank and a remote in-series water heater (if one is installed) MUST BE of copper.

The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated. The insulation must:

be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of

withstanding the temperature of the water generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions

be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the requirements of

AS/NZS 3500.4

be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed

extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof

cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work

be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.

Note: Failure of these requirements to be observed increases the risk of freeze damage.

Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact with a
metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. There is NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if the solar hot and
solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.

The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, will offer corrosion protection to a metal
roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work
as high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe
heat losses.

Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the water
generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions (refer to Warning on page 33).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

7

FREEZE PROTECTION

The system has a level of freeze protection designed to guard the system against damage from freeze
conditions. The system must be installed with the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes insulated to
offer protection against freeze damage (refer to “Pipe Work and Insulation” on page 6). Freeze conditions
occur below 6°C.

The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage when installed above 400 metres altitude or if the solar
hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions (refer to “Terms of

the Everhot Warranty” on page 51). Note: The Everhot warranty against freeze damage applies only to

systems installed in Australia.

The anti freeze control is designed to recirculate a small amount of water from the solar storage tank through
the solar pipe work and solar collectors during periods of low temperatures. This is to prevent the water
inside the pipe work and collectors from freezing.

Additional freeze protection is provided by the anti-freeze heating unit, which is for heating the water at the
bottom of the solar storage tank at times of low cold water temperature. The anti-freeze heating unit provides
additional energy to the water to assist in the prevention of freezing in the solar pipe work and solar
collectors. The anti-freeze heating unit is controlled by the solar controller and will only be energised when
the water temperature is low and the circulator activates in the frost mode. The water temperature is
monitored by the cold sensor.

If the water temperature at the bottom of the solar storage tank is less than 10°C when the circulator
activates in the frost mode, the anti-freeze heating unit will be energised and will heat the water by a few
degrees. The anti-freeze heating unit will be de-energised when either the frost mode is shut down or the
water temperature is increased to 15°C.

It is essential the electrical circuit to the solar storage tank is continually turned on if there is a risk of
freezing. The Everhot warranty does not cover damage caused by freeze conditions when the electrical
circuit to the solar storage tank is turned off or interrupted.

An over temperature energy cut out is incorporated in a thermostat which is mounted on the solar storage
tank behind the front cover.

Notes:

If it is necessary to switch the power off to the solar control unit and there is a risk of freezing, then it is

necessary to have your plumber drain the solar collectors and solar flow and return pipe work.

The freeze protection system will be rendered inoperable if electrical power is not available at the solar

control unit. Damage caused by freezing due to no power at the solar control unit, is not covered by the
Everhot warranty.

The system is not covered for freeze damage above 400 metres altitude.

Refer to “Terms of the Everhot Warranty” on page 51.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

8

SOLAR MONITOR

A solar monitor is located on the front of the top cover and houses both a green and a red LED.

The green LED, marked “Solar”, indicates the current operational mode of the solar water heater and the red
LED, marked “Attention”, indicates a fault mode.

The green LED will emit either a constant glow or a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each
series.

The red LED will emit a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each series, only if there is a
particular fault condition with the system.

The operational modes are:

Flashes

Operational Modes

solid green

(remains on)

Standby mode

green

slow pulse

Standby mode
(power on for less than 48 hours)

green

rapid pulse

Circulating water through collectors

3 x green

Circulating water through collectors
(power on for less than 48 hours)

no green

(remains off)

Power outage or call for service

If the power supply to the solar control unit is on and the green LED is off or the red LED is flashing, this
indicates there may be a fault with the water heater. The red LED may emit up to six flashes in each series of
flashes.

Notes:

If the system is in standby mode with the green LED emitting either a constant glow or slow pulsing

flashes (circulator is off) and the solar storage tank is full of hot water, the red LED may simultaneously
emit a constant glow if solar radiation is still being received by the solar collectors. This does not indicate
a fault. The red LED will go out when the temperature in the solar collectors decreases.

During periods of high solar radiation and the circulator activates after having been off (the green LED

will emit either a rapid pulse or a series of three flashes), it is possible the red LED may simultaneously
emit a rapid pulse for a period of up to ten (10) minutes. This does not indicate a fault.

If the red LED continues to emit a rapid pulse for longer than ten (10) minutes, or emits a series of flashes,
then count the number of flashes and phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to
arrange for an inspection.

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 “Regular Care” on page 11 and to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 15.

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 your plumber or specifier about your needs
and building back up redundancy into your hot water supply system.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

9

BLEEDING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS

It is necessary to purge air from the collector circuit:

When the water heater is to be turned on and the solar collectors and solar hot and solar cold pipes

have been drained.

After maintenance has been conducted on the pipe work and air has entered the system.

If the circulator appears not to be circulating water around the system.

Warning: Bleeding the solar collectors should be
conducted in the morning, within three hours of sunrise, when
the water temperature inside the solar collectors is lower.

To purge air from the collector circuit:

Ensure the water heater is full of water and all of the hot

taps are turned off.

Using a flat blade screwdriver, open the bleed valve (if it

is not already open) fitted above the solar hot water
(from collector) inlet of the solar storage tank (see
diagram).

The mains pressure will force water to flow from the tank

and through the pipe work and solar collectors, expelling
air from the collector circuit through the bleed valve. This
is evidenced by spurting of water from the drain line
connected to the bleed valve.

Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of
water, as water discharged from the solar collectors may
be of a very high temperature.

Close the bleed valve when water runs freely from the

drain line.

TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER

If you plan to be away from home for 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 power outlet to the solar storage tank (refer to note below).

Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.

Refer to the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions supplied with the in-series water heater for the

procedure to turn off the in-series water heater.

Note: If there is a risk of freezing conditions, the electrical supply to the solar storage tank should not be
switched off unless the solar collectors are drained, otherwise damage could result (refer to “Freeze

Protection” on page 7).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

10

TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER

Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.

If the solar collectors and solar hot and solar cold pipes have been drained, it will be necessary to bleed

the collector circuit (refer to “Bleeding the Solar Collectors” on page 9).

If the electrical supply to the water heater has been switched off:

Switch on the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar storage tank.

The power outlet must be switched on for the solar control system to operate and solar gain to be
achieved and for the anti-freeze heating unit to operate and offer additional freeze protection.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?

Installation requirements are shown on pages 20 and 30. The water heater must be installed:

by a qualified person, and

in accordance with the installation instructions, and

in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority

requirements.

In New Zealand, the installation must also conform with Clause G12 of the New Zealand Building Code.

Warning: Temperature controllers must not be fitted to the in-series water heater as part of a solar water

heater system because water at a temperature much higher than the controller setting can be delivered.

Refer also to “Pipe Work and Insulation” on page 6.

VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS

Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be
installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993.

Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the
relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.
Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.

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 14.

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 14 to 16.

HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?

The water heater is supported by a manufacturer‟s warranty (refer to page 51). 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 8.

GOING ON HOLIDAYS

It is not necessary to switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit. Refer to “To

Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 9. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of 2 weeks it is

recommended the solar collectors be covered.

11

REGULAR CARE

MINOR SIX MONTH MAINTENANCE

It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six months by the dwelling occupant.

The minor maintenance includes:

Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is very important you raise and

lower the lever gently. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve” on page 12.

Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water discharged from the drain line will
be hot. Stand clear of the drain line‟s point of discharge when operating the valve‟s lever.

Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve (if fitted). It is very important you raise and

lower the lever gently. Refer to “Expansion Control Valve” on page 12.

Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.

MAJOR FIVE YEAR SERVICE

It is recommended a major five year service be conducted on the water heater.

If this water heater is installed with an integrated or remotely installed in-series Everhot continuous flow gas
booster, then for the booster‟s safe and efficient operation, it is recommended a five year service be
conducted on the gas booster. Another type of in-series booster may have its own recommended service
schedule. Refer to the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions supplied with the booster.

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 five year service and routine replacement of any components, such as the anode and relief
valves, are not included in the Everhot 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.

Inspect and if required, replace the anode.

If the anode is not replaced, it should be replaced within three years of this service (refer to “Anode

Inspection and Replacement” on page 15).

Check the electric heating unit for excessive calcium build up or corrosion and replace if necessary.

Check the solar control unit for correct operation.

Flush and bleed the solar collectors.

Clean the collector glass.

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 solar storage tank may need to be drained during this service. After the completion of the service,
the solar storage tank will take some time to reheat the water by solar gain.

REGULAR CARE

12

TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its
safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water
through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the
water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.

Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature

Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 18).

Warning: Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line for any

reason.

Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve once
every six months. It is very important you raise and lower the lever

gently.

DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water heater cylinder

failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.

Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water

discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the drain line‟s
point of discharge when operating the valve‟s lever.

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 5 years, or more frequently in areas where there is a
high incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water Supplies” on
page 14).

EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE

In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and
scaling water areas, an expansion control valve is fitted to the cold
water line to the water heater. The expansion control valve may
discharge a small quantity of water from its drain line during the
heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve on the
water heater.

Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six
months. It is very important you raise and lower the lever gently.
The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in
areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits.

COLLECTOR GLASS

Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may reduce the
effectiveness of the solar collectors. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the solar collectors
are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collectors are cool.

Have any trees trimmed which may shade the solar collectors.

Rheem solar collectors have passed the AS/NZS 2712 requirements for resistance to hailstone damage, so
it is not normally necessary to fit a guard to a collector. Stone Guards are available to provide a level of
protection to the collectors against vandalism or accidental damage. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for
details.

water

heater

drain

line

lift until water

flows from the

drain line –

lower gently

REGULAR CARE

13

FLUSHING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS

It may be necessary to flush the solar collectors if there is sediment in the water supply. This should be
conducted in the morning, within three hours of sunrise, when the water temperature inside the solar
collectors is lower.

Open a hot water tap and allow the water to run for five (5) minutes prior to flushing the solar collectors.

Close the hot tap.

Wait a further five (5) minutes before attempting to flush the solar collectors.

This will assist in the transfer of any high temperature water in the solar collectors to the solar storage
tank.

Warning: Exercise care, as water discharged from the solar collectors may be of a very high
temperature.

To flush the solar collectors, follow the procedure “Bleeding the Solar Collectors” on page 9, allowing the

water to flow from the bleed valve drain line for five minutes before closing the bleed valve.

It is recommended to flush the solar collectors every five years. This will assist in keeping the solar
collectors, solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe clear of sediment (refer to “Major Five Year Service” on
page 11).

14

WATER SUPPLIES

This water heater must be installed in accordance with this advice to be covered by the Everhot
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. 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 for the Everhot warranty to apply.

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, a heating unit and a
solar collector in a direct solar water heater system.

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 Everhot warranty to apply.

ANODE

The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by the Everhot warranty when the total
dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is less than 2500 mg/L and when the correct colour coded anode
is used. If an incorrect colour coded anode is used in the water heater, any resultant faults will not be
covered by the Everhot warranty. In addition, the use of an incorrect colour coded anode may shorten the life
of the water heater cylinder.

The correct colour coded anode must be selected and fitted to the water heater in accordance with the
following advice and the Anode Selection chart on page 14 for the Everhot warranty to apply to the water
heater cylinder.

Total Dissolved Solids

Anode colour code

0 – 40 mg/L

Green

40 – 150 mg/L

Green or Black

150 – 400 mg/L

Black

400 – 600 mg/L

Black or Blue

600 – 2500 mg/L

Blue

2500 mg/L +

Blue (no cylinder warranty)

The changing of an anode must be carried out by a qualified person.

Note: Some water analysis reports may state the conductivity of the water rather than the level of total
dissolved solids. Conductivity, measured in microsiemens per centimetre (µS / cm), is directly proportional to
the TDS content of the water. TDS, in mg / L, is approximately 70% of the conductivity in µS / cm.

CONDUCTIVITY - µS/cm

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS & CONDUCTIVITY

(vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder)

40 150 400 600

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - mg/L

ANODE SELECTION

warranty applies to a vitreous enamel lined water heater cylinder if the

correct coloured anode is used for the TDS / conductivity level of water

2500

3570

no warranty

applies

to a vitreous
enamel lined
water heater

cylinder

Blue

Black

Green

60 215 570 860

0

0

Blue

WATER SUPPLIES

15

ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT

The anode installed in a vitreous enamel lined steel water heater cylinder will slowly dissipate whilst
protecting the cylinder. The life of the cylinder may be extended by replacing the anode.

If the anode is not replaced during a five year service (refer to “Major Five Year Service” on page 11) then
the maximum time after installation when the anode should be replaced is 8 years.

For water supplies which are either softened, desalinated or where the water supply may alternate between
a water tank and a reticulated public supply or another supply, it is recommended the anode be replaced
within 5 years of installation.

CAUTION

If the water supply has a TDS greater than 150 mg/L and a green anode has not been changed to a black
anode, or if the TDS is greater than 600 mg/L and the anode has not been changed to a blue anode, there is
the possibility the anode may become overactive and hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of the water
heater during long periods of no use.

If, under these conditions, the water heater has not been used for two or more weeks the following procedure
should be carried out before using any electrical appliances (automatic washing machines and dishwashers)
which are connected to the hot water supply.

The hydrogen, which is highly flammable, should be vented safely by opening a hot tap and allowing the
water to flow. There should be no smoking or naked flame near the tap whilst it is turned on. Any hydrogen
gas will be dissipated. This is indicated by an unusual spurting of the water from the tap. Once the water runs
freely, any hydrogen in the system will have been released.

SATURATION INDEX

The saturation index is used as a measure of the water‟s corrosive or scaling properties.

In a corrosive water supply, the water can attack copper parts and cause them to fail.

Where the saturation index is less than –1.0, the water is very corrosive and the Everhot warranty does not
apply to a copper sheathed heating unit or to a solar collector in a direct solar water heater system. A
corrosion resistant heating unit must be used for the Everhot warranty to apply to the heating unit.

In a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is deposited out of the water onto any hot metallic surface.

Where the saturation index exceeds +0.40, the water is very scaling. An expansion control valve must be
fitted on the cold water line after the non-return valve to protect and for the Everhot warranty to apply to the
temperature pressure relief valve and water heater cylinder. Solar collectors in a direct solar water heater
system should be covered when the water heater is not intended to be used for more than two weeks.

Where the saturation index exceeds +0.80, the Everhot warranty does not apply to a standard watts density
heating unit or to a solar collector in a direct solar water heater system. A low watts density heating unit must
be used for the Everhot warranty to apply to the heating unit.

Water which is scaling may be treated with a water softening device to reduce the saturation index of the
water.

Refer to the Saturation Index chart on page 16.

Contact Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent if a replacement heating unit is required.

Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 41 for the position of the expansion control valve.

WATER SUPPLIES

16

-1.0

no warranty applies to a:

temperature pressure relief valve or a

water heater cylinder unless an

expansion control valve is fitted.

no warranty applies to a:

-copper sheathed heating unit

-direct (open circuit) solar collector

SATURATION INDEX (SI)

SOLAR WATER HEATERS WITH ELECTRIC HEATING UNIT

WITHIN WARRANTY

SPECIFICATION

SATURATION INDEX

(calculated @ 80°C water temperature)

no warranty applies to a:

-standard watts density heating unit

-direct (open circuit) solar collector

+0.4 +0.80

very corrosive very scaling

scaling

corrosive

SUMMARY OF WATER CHEMISTRY ADVICE AFFECTING WARRANTY

The water heater and its components are not suitable for certain water chemistries. Those chemistries are
listed below. If the water heater is connected at any time to a water supply with the following water chemistry,
the Everhot warranty will not cover any resultant faults on the components listed below:

Water Chemistry

Component

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) > 2500 mg/L

water heater cylinder

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) not suitable for anode type

water heater cylinder

Saturation Index (SI) < -1.0

solar collector
copper sheathed heating unit

Saturation Index (SI) > +0.4
(if an expansion control valve is not fitted)

water heater cylinder
temperature pressure relief valve

Saturation Index (SI) > +0.8

solar collector
standard watts density heating unit