Paloma PHH-32 User Manual

Horizontal Vent Terminal Location

Outside Walls

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

C

V

F

V

B

D E

V

Fixed

Closed

Operable

L

H

V

B

Fixed

Closed

V

K

X

I

MM

V

Vent Terminal

X

Air Supply Inlet

Area Where Terminal is Not Permitted

Interior Wall

A

X

V

G

V

B

Operable

V

A J

B

V

Venting

37

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Venting for Direct-Vent Water Heater (cont.)

The following chart details the minimal dimensional information needed to determine the proper location of
the vent terminal for direct vent and outdoor tankless water heaters. See corresponding letter reference in
the illustration at left.

Venting

Location

A = Clearance above grade, veranda, porch,

deck, or balcony.

B = Clearance to window or door that may be

opened.

U.S. Installation
Requirements

12 in. (30 cm) above anticipated snow
level.

• 6 in. (15 cm) for water heaters less

than or equal to 10,000 Btuh (3 kW).

1

• 9 in. (23 cm) for water heaters greater

than 10,000 Btuh (3 kW) and less
than or equal to 50,000 Btuh (15 kW).

• 12 in. (30 cm) for water heaters

greater than 50,000 Btuh (15 kW).

C = Clearance to permanently closed window.

D = Vertical clearance to ventilated soffit lo-

cated above the terminal within a horizontal
distance of 2 ft. (61 cm) from the centerline
of the terminal.

E = Clearance to unventilated soffit.

F = Clearance to outside corner.

G = Clearance to corner.

H = Clearance to each side of centerline ex-

tended above meter/regulator assembly.

I = Clearance to service regulator vent outlet.

J = Clearance to nonmechanical air supply inlet

to the combustion air inlet to any building or
other appliance.

• 6 in. (15 cm) for water heaters less

than or equal to 10,000 Btuh (3 kW).

• 9 in. (23 cm) for water heaters greater

than 10,000 Btuh (3 kW) and less
than or equal to 50,000 Btuh (15 kW).

• 12 in. (30 cm) for water heaters

greater than 50,000 Btuh (15 kW).

K = Clearance to mechanical air supply inlet. 3 ft. (91 cm) above if within 10 ft. (3 m)

L = Clearance above paved sidewalk or paved

driveway located on public property.

M = Clearance under veranda, porch, deck, or

balcony.

1 In accordance with current ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code.
2 In accordance with current CSA B149.1 Installation Codes.

For clearances not specified in ANSI 223.1/NFPA 54 or CSA B149.1, one of the following shall be indicated:

a) A minimum clearance value determined by testing in accordance with section 2.20, or
b) A reference to the following footnote: “Clearance in accordance with local installation codes and the requirements of the

gas supplier.”

†

A vent shall not terminate directly above a sidewalk or paved driveway that is located between two single-family dwellings and

serves both dwellings.

horizontally.

Not Allowed Not Allowed

Canadian Installation
Requirements

12 in. (30 cm) above anticipated snow
level.

2

• 6 in. (15 cm) for water heaters less

than or equal to 10,000 Btuh (3 kW).

• 12 in. (30 cm) for water heaters

greater than 10,000 Btuh (3 kW) and
less than or equal to 100,000 Btuh
(30 kW).

• 36 in. (91 cm) for water heaters

greater than 100,000 Btuh (30 kW).

3 ft. (91 cm) within a height of 15 ft.
(4,57 m) above the meter/regulator
assembly.

3 ft. (91 cm)

• 6 in. (15 cm) for water heaters less

than or equal to 10,000 Btuh (3 kW).

• 12 in. (30 cm) for water heaters

greater than 10,000 Btuh (3 kW) and
less than or equal to 100,000 Btuh
(30 kW).

• 36 in. (91 cm) for water heaters

greater than 100,000 Btuh (30 kW).

6 ft. (1,83 m)

7 ft. (2,13 m)

†

38

Horizontal Vent Considerations

Rising moisture will collect under eaves.

Inside

Corner

Caulk

Caulk

Caulk

Caulk

If soft vent is too close,
block off and install new
vent at another location.

6' (1.8 m) Caulk zone or
to edge of window etc.,
starting within 6' (1.8 m)

4'

(1.2 m)

Rising moisture will collect under eaves.

Inside

Corner

Caulk

Caulk

Caulk

If soft vent is too close,
block off and install new
vent at another location.

6' (1.8 m) Caulk zone
or to edge of window
etc., starting within
6' (1.8 m)

4'

(1.2 m)

12"

(300 mm)

WARNING: Moisture in the flue gas

will condense as it leaves the vent terminal. In cold
weather this condensate can freeze on the exterior
wall, under the eaves, and on surrounding objects.
Some discoloration to the exterior of the building
is to be expected. However, improper location
or installation can result in severe damage to the
structure or exterior finish of the building.

– Do not install vent terminals under any patio or

deck.

– Do not locate vent terminal on the side of a

building with prevailing winter winds. This will
help prevent water lines from freezing and
moisture from freezing on walls and under
eaves.

– Do not locate vent terminal too close to

shrubbery, since flue gases may damage them.

– All painted surfaces should be primed to

lessen the chance of physical damage. Painted
surfaces will require maintenance.

– Guard against accidental contact with people

and pets.

INDOOR TANKLESS WATER
HEATERS

WARNING: For multiple-unit

installation, a minimum distance between vent
terminations must be maintained to prevent
recirculation of vent gases. Maintain a center­to-center distance between each pair of vent
terminations of 24 in. (61 cm) for a two-unit
installation; 24 in. (61 cm) and 36 in. (91.4 cm) for
an installation of three units; and 24 in. (61 cm),
36 in. (91.4 cm), and 24 in. (61 cm) for an
installation of four units.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Venting

– Do not terminate vent directly on brick or

masonry surfaces. Use rust-resistant, sheet­metal backing plate of 1 sq. ft. (30 sq. cm)
behind the vent.

– Caulk all cracks, seams, and joints within

6 ft. (1.8 m) of the vent terminal.

– Caulk around wall faceplate for weather-tight

seal.

– Do not extend exposed vent pipe of indoor

water heaters outside of the building.

– This water heater requires its own separate

venting system. Do not connect the exhaust
vent to an existing vent pipe or chimney.

OUTDOOR TANKLESS WATER
HEATERS

– Install outdoor water heater such that air inlet

and flue outlet are above anticipated snow level.

39

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Exhaust Vent Pipe

Air Intake Pipe

Wall Plate

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Ceiling

Downward Slope

12"

(300 mm)

Venting for Direct-Vent Water Heater (cont.)

Venting

40

Horizontal Vent Installation

injury – Solvent cements and primers are highly
flammable. Provide adequate ventilation and do
not assemble near heat source or open flame. Do
not smoke. Avoid skin or eye contact. Observe all
cautions and warnings on material containers.

heater manufacturer-approved Schedule 40 PVC
(foam core is not permitted at any time), Schedule
80 PVC, CPVC, ABS polypropylene, or UL
1738-listed Category III Stainless Steel. No other
vent material is permitted.

Joining Pipes and Fittings

All pipe, fittings, solvent cement, primers, and
procedures, for the U.S., must conform to American
National Standards Institute and American Society
for Testing and Materials (ANSI/ASTM) standards.
For Canada, all pipe, fittings, solvent cement,
primers, and procedures must conform to ULC­S636 and vent manufacture specifications.

• Do NOT use solvent cement that has become
curdled, lumpy, or thickened.

• Do NOT thin solvent cement. Observe shelf
precautions printed on the containers.

• For applications below 32°F, use only lower
temperature-type solvent cement.

• Appropriate solvent and cleaner must be used
for the type of vent pipe used (PVC, CPVC, or
ABS).

WARNING: Danger of fire or bodily

CAUTION: Use tankless water

CAUTIONS:

Cleaner-Primer and Medium-Body
Solvent Cement

All joints in vent piping must be properly sealed,
and we recommend using the following material:

PVC materials should use ASTM D-2564-grade
cement.

CPVC materials should use ASTM F-493-grade
cement.

ABS materials should use ASTM D-2235-grade
cement (ABS is not allowed in Canada).

Cementing Joints

1. Cut pipe end square; remove jagged edges and

burrs. Chamfer end of pipe; then clean fitting
socket and pipe joint area of all dirt, grease, or
moisture.

2. After checking pipe and socket for proper fit,
wipe socket and pipe with cleaner-primer. Apply
a liberal coat of primer to inside surface of
socket and outside of pipe.

3. Apply a thin coat of cement evenly in the
socket. Quickly apply a heavy coat of cement to
the pipe and insert pipe into fitting with a slight
twisting motion until it bottoms out.

4. Hold the pipe fitting for 30 seconds to prevent
the tapered socket from pushing the pipe out of
the fitting.

5. Wipe all excess cement from the joint with a
rag. Allow 15 minutes before handling. Cure
time will vary according to fit, temperature, and
humidity.

NOTICES:

• Cement must be fluid; if not, recoat.

• Stir the solvent frequently while using. Use a

natural bristle brush or the dauber supplied with
the can. The proper brush size is one inch.

Horizontal Vent Installation (cont.)

Fasteners will vary depending on the wall type.

For particle board or
composite sheathing, use

4 hollow wall anchors. The
anchors should be at least
1/8 in. (0.3 cm) in diameter
and the appropriate length
for the sheathing thickness.

For plywood or solid

wood sheathing or
members, use 4 #10 x

1 1/4-in. wood screws.

For masonry walls, use

suitable masonry anchors
long enough to pass
through the wall.

NOTICES:

• The distance between the back edge of the
exhaust vent terminal and the exterior wall must

be 12 inches (30.5 cm) more for the exhaust vent
terminal than the air intake terminal.

• To prevent possibility of condensate freeze-up,
do not install vent kits one above the other.

Once the vent terminal location has been
determined, make holes through the exterior wall
to accommodate the vent pipes. Vent pipes must
exit exterior wall horizontally only.

The standard horizontal air intake termination is
a 2-inch or 3-inch pipe which terminates at the
exterior wall and uses a coupling to prevent the
pipe from being pushed back into the structure.
The standard horizontal exhaust outlet termination
is a 2-inch or 3-inch pipe which terminates 12
inches from the air intake termination. Insert a
small length of vent pipe through the wall and
connect the coupling. Connect vent cap or terminal
to the vent pipe on the exterior of the building.

1. Use the vent plate as a template to locate air

intake holes and four mounting holes. Observe
minimum clearances. Vent terminals must be a
minimum of 5.5 inches (14 cm) and a maximum
of 24 inches (61 cm) apart horizontally.

2. Cut two 2 1/2" (6.4 cm) diameter holes (for a

2" [5.1-cm] diameter pipe) or 3 1/2" (8.9 cm)
diameter holes (for a 3" [7.6-cm] diameter pipe)
for the exhaust vent and air intake openings.

Reinstall the decorative sheathing around the
faceplate. The decorative sheathing may be
painted to match the exterior decor.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1

Apply silicone sealant or silicone/latex caulk to
seal the vent pipe to the vent cap to permit field
disassembly for annual inspection and cleaning.
Completely seal where it passes through the wall
plate and where it is attached to the structure.

2

Attach the female end of the next vent pipe

section to the male end of the 2-in./3-in.
(5.1-cm/7.6-cm) vent pipe. See “Cementing
Joints” on page 40.

3

Complete the rest of the vent pipe installation to
the water heater’s flue outlet and air intake.

Venting

41

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Exhaust Vent Pipe

Air Intake Pipe

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Ceiling

Downward Slope

Exhaust Vent Pipe

Air Intake Pipe

Wall Plate

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Inspection

Access Panel

(Optional)

Ceiling

Downward Slope

Air
Inlet

Exhaust
Outlet

Pipe
Support
Strap

24"

Max.

12"

From Wall

For information about termination kits, refer to "If You Need Service" on page 26, "Call for
Assistance" for the telephone number to speak to Customer Service Representative.

Venting for Direct-Vent Water Heater (cont.)

Alternative Horizontal Vent Installations

Alternative horizontal vent termination kits are commercially available. Please refer to the instruction sheet
packaged with the kit for complete installation instructions.

Venting

Concentric vent
termination kit

42

Flat horizontal
termination kit

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Hole

Through Roof

C

L

Hole

Through Ceiling

C

L

A, B, C, D

Vertical Vent Installation

WARNING: Improper vent

installation can result in death, personal injury,
product damage, and/or poor performance.

NOTICES:

• Only Rheem-approved termination and parts
should be used during installation.

• Maintain the recommended air space clearance
to combustible materials and building insulation.

1

Cut a hole through the roof and interior ceiling to
accommodate the vent pipes.

NOTICE: Free-standing vent pipe that

penetrates a roof/ceiling requires another means of
support from a second location.
Determine the vent terminal height and install

the vent pipe accordingly. Refer to “Vertical Vent
Terminal Location” on page 44 for clearance
requirements.

Venting

4

Install adequate flashing where the vent pipe

passes through the roof.

2

Complete the vent pipe installation to the water

heater’s vent connector fittings. Use cleaner­primer and PVC cement where the vent pipes
join the water heater.

3

Support vertical and horizontal runs as
described on page 35. Vertical supports are
required every 4 ft. (1.2 m) along a vertical pipe
route, after every transition to vertical, and after
every offset elbow.

5

Air Intake Condensate Trap

For vertical terminations or where the air intake
pipe slops down towards the water heater, it is
recommended to install a drain tee assembly. This
is to prevent any condensate or liquid water from
entering the intake of the water heater. Connect
the trap drain line to a suitable drain. Do not
connect it directly to the condensate drain line
from the water heater.

1

One trap method: Glue a 3” by 4” adapter

coupling to each end of a 4” PVC pipe length.
Drill a ½” hole in the side of the larger diameter
pipe. Tap and thread for a ½” barbed fitting,
install fitting. Install the collector with the fitting
facing down. Connect a drain hose to the fitting
and clamp, run hose to a suitable drain.

43

A, B, C, D

12" Min.

(300 mm)

Vent Pipe

Through Roof

Optional

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Venting for Direct-Vent Water Heater (cont.)

Vertical Vent Terminal Location

Venting

The following chart with diagrams details the minimum dimensional information needed to determine the
proper location of the vertical vent terminal for direct-vent indoor tankless water heaters:

U.S. Installation

Location

A = Minimum clearance above the roof level. 12 in. (30.5 cm) above roof level. 18 in. (45.7 cm) above roof level.

B = Minimum clearance above anticipated snow

level.

C = Maximum clearance above roof level (without

additional support for vent pipe).

D = Maximum clearance above anticipated snow

level (requires additional vent support).

E = Required vent clearance from any gable,

dormer, or other roof structure with building
interior access (i.e., vent, window).

F = Required vent clearance from any forced air

inlet, including dryer and furnace air inlets.

G = Minimum/maximum horizontal distance

between vent terminals

1 In accordance with current ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code.
2 In accordance with current CSA B149.1 Installation Codes.

The vertical intake air termination requires a

Requirements

12 in. (30.5 cm) above anticipated
snow level.

24 in. (61 cm) above roof level. 24 in. (61 cm) above roof level.

24 in. (61 cm) above anticipated snow
level.

4 ft. (1.2 m) 4 ft. (1.2 m)

10 ft. (3 m) 6 ft. (1.8 m)

5.5 in. (14 cm)/24 in. (61 cm) 5.5 in. (14 cm)/24 in. (61 cm)

1

Canadian Installation
Requirements

12 in. (30.5 cm) above anticipated
snow level.

24 in. (61 cm) above anticipated
snow level.

2

return bend or two short or long sweep radius 90°
elbows to keep the inlet downward and prevent
entry of rain. Refer to figure above for the proper
location of the air intake with respect to the
exhaust outlet termination. The vertical exhaust
outlet termination is a 2-inch or 3-inch pipe which
terminates at least 12 inches above the air intake
termination. The air intake and exhaust outlet
terminations must be at least 12 inches above the
roof line or anticipated snow levels.

44

Adjustable Roof Flashing

Support Clamp

Upward Slope

Support Hanger

Air Intake

Pipe

Exhaust Vent

Pipe

Condensate

Drain

Optional

Standard Vertical Vent Termination

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Venting

45

Support Hanger

Adjustable Roof Flashing

Support Clamp

Upward Slope

Air Intake

Pipe

Exhaust Vent

Pipe

Minimum Clearance Above
Anticipated Snow Level

Condensate

Drain

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Venting for Direct-Vent Water Heater (cont.)

Alternative Vertical Vent Termination

Alternative vertical vent termination kits are commercially available. Please refer to the instruction sheet
packaged with the kit for complete installation instructions.

Venting

46

Water Supply

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: This water heater

MUST ONLY be used with the following water
supply conditions to prevent product damage and
operation failure.

• Clean, potable water free of corrosive chemicals,
sand, dirt, or other contaminates.

• Inlet water temperatures above 32°F (0°C), but
not exceeding 120°F (49°C).

• DO NOT reverse the HOT and COLD water
connections.

• DO NOT connect this water heater to water lines
previously used for space heating. All water
piping and components shall be suitable for
potable water.

• With recommended water quality (see chart).

Chart for Recommended Water Quality Levels

pH

6.5–8.5 Up to 500 mg/L Up to 15 mg/L

TDS (Total

Dissolved Solids)

Free Carbon

Dioxide (CO

)

2

Total

Hardness

Up to

200 mg/L

Aluminum Chlorides Copper Iron Manganese Zinc

0.2 mg/L

Up to

Thermal Expansion

A thermal expansion tank will be required if the
water heater is installed in a recirculation system.
This prevents damage to the heater, related piping,
and the relief valve.

NOTICE: Replacing the relief valve will

not correct the problem!

The expansion tank is designed with a built-in air
cushion that compresses as the system pressure
increases. This relieves the over-pressure condition
and eliminates the repeat operation of the relief
valve.

For other approved methods of thermal expansion,
contact an installing contractor, water supplier, or
plumbing inspector.

Up to

200 mg/L

Up to

1.0 mg/L

Up to

0.3 mg/L

Up to

0.05 mg/L

Up to

1.0 mg/L

Plumbing

Water Supply Connections

CAUTION: IMPORTANT—Do

not apply heat to the HOT or COLD water
connections. If sweat connections are used, sweat
tubing to the adapter before fitting the adapter
to the water connections on the water heater.
Any heat applied to the water supply fittings will
permanently damage the internal components of
the water heater.

NOTICE: In cold environments, ice can

accumulate in the water heater’s connectors. Plug
in the water heater power cord for approximately
10 minutes before making these connections. This
will melt any ice buildup.

Plumbing should be carried out by a qualified
plumbing contractor in accordance with local
codes.

Only use approved plumbing materials.

The minimum diameter of all water pipes should
be 3/4 in. (1.9 cm).

To conserve energy and to prevent freezing,
insulate both COLD and HOT water supply lines.
Do not insulate the drain line or pressure-relief
valve.

47