Rheem 260 litre, 620 260, 630 260 Installation & Owners Manual
This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with a responsible officer.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Gas Heavy Duty
Water Heater
260 litre models
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs
in the name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADEMARKS
®
Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TM
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 publication.
Warning: Upon completion of the installation and commissioning of the water heater, leave this guide
with the householder or responsible officer. DO NOT leave this guide inside of the cover of the water
heater, as it may interfere with the safe operation of the water heater or ignite when the water heater is
turned on.
3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 15.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater ............................................................................................................ 4
Regular Care ................................................................................................................................ 8
Water Supplies ........................................................................................................................... 11
Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 14
Installation .................................................................................................................................. 16
Connections – Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 25
Multiple Installations ................................................................................................................. 28
Commissioning .......................................................................................................................... 32
Lighting The Water Heater ........................................................................................................ 33
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 36
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 39
4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for the purpose of heating potable water. Its use in an application other than
this may shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
The model Rheem® Heavy Duty Gas water heater you have chosen is
a quick recovery water heater.
Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder and heated by
a gas burner located under the cylinder. The heat produced by the
burner is transferred to the water through the base of the cylinder and
through the wall of a flue pipe which passes through the centre of the
cylinder. A flue baffle in this flue ensures the efficiency of the water
heater is correct. The gas supply to the burner is controlled by the
thermostat so the water is heated to a constant temperature.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe
and efficient operation.
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 18, a pressure limiting valve must be
fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The water heater features a user adjustable thermostat, which allows
you to personally choose the most suitable temperature for your hot
water needs. Refer to “Temperature Adjustment” on page 5.
To meet the requirements of the National Plumbing Standard the
temperature of the stored water must not be below 60°C.
If this water heater is installed as an in-series booster water heater as
part of a commercial solar water heating system, it is recommended
the thermostat is set at 60°C to maximise solar contribution.
Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to
inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in potable water. This water
heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided it is operating
and the thermostat setting is 60°C or higher, including when it is used
as an in-series booster water heater for a solar water heater.
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 bathing and public areas 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.
maximum thermostat
setting
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
minimum recommended
stored water temperature
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The temperature adjusting dial is on the gas valve, located at the lower
front of an indoor model and behind the access cover on the lower
front on an outdoor model. A setting of „6‟ will normally maintain the
water temperature at about 60°C. Each number represents a
temperature difference of approximately 6°C.
To increase the water temperature to 65°C, turn the gas control knob
anticlockwise to a setting of „7‟. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the
Risk of Scald Injury” on page 4.
PIEZO IGNITION
The “Piezo” push button igniter makes lighting the pilot flame of your
water heater very easy. Simply follow the instructions on the label
attached to the front of an indoor model and to the back of the access
door on an outdoor model. There is no need for matches to light the
water heater.
PILOT IGNITER
A permanent pilot flame burns to ignite the main burner automatically.
Heat from the pilot is absorbed by the water.
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.
SAFETY
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.
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 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.
Do not store flammable or combustible materials near the water
heater. Flammable liquids (such as petrol), newspapers and
similar articles must be kept well away from the water heater and
the draught diverter or flue terminal.
Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household chemicals
near the water heater whilst it is working. Gases from some
aerosol sprays, stain removers and household chemicals become
corrosive when drawn into a flame.
Do not store swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, etc.,
near the water heater.
Do not place anything on top of the water heater or in contact with
the draught diverter or flue terminal. Ensure the flue terminal is not
obstructed in any way at any time.
Do not use Propane / Butane gas mixtures in a Propane model. A Propane model is designed to operate
on Propane only. The use of Propane / Butane mixture, such as automotive LPG fuel, in a Propane
model is unsafe and can cause damage to the water heater.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
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 8 and to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 12.
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.
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Shut down the gas control (refer to “Close Down Procedure” on page 35).
Close the gas isolation valve at the inlet to the gas control.
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 at the inlet to the water heater.
Open the gas isolation valve fully at the inlet to the gas control.
Light the water heater (refer to “Lighting the Water Heater” on page 33).
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you are going on holiday for more than a few days the thermostat can be set to the “” (pilot) position to
conserve energy (refer to point 1 of “Close Down Procedure” on page 35). If it is necessary to turn off the
water heater, refer to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 6.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 16 to 24. The water heater must be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance the installation instructions, and
in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS 5601 or AS/NZS 5601.1, as applicable under local
regulations, and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
In New Zealand the installation must also conform with NZS 5261, as applicable under local regulations, and
the New Zealand Building Code.
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.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
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 11.
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 11 to 13.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer‟s warranty (refer to page 39). 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 6.
8
REGULAR CARE
MINOR SIX MONTH MAINTENANCE
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six months by a responsible officer.
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 10.
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 9.
Check the drain line from the safe tray (if one is installed) is not blocked.
ANNUAL SERVICE
For safe and efficient operation, it is recommended an annual service be conducted on the water heater.
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 annual service and routine replacement of any components, if required, 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 annual service includes the following actions:
Inspect and flush the temperature pressure relief valve.
Inspect and flush the expansion control valve (if fitted).
Check and if necessary adjust the inlet gas pressure.
Check the piezo igniter, gas control and thermocouple.
Check the operation of and clean the pilot light and main burner.
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. Hot water may not be available for a while.
REGULAR CARE
9
MAJOR FIVE YEAR SERVICE
It is recommended a major five year service be conducted on the water heater.
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
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.
Inspect and if required, replace the anodes.
If the anodes are not replaced, they should be replaced within three years of this service (refer to
“Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 12).
Check and if necessary adjust the inlet gas pressure.
Check the piezo igniter, gas control and thermocouple.
Check the operation of and clean the pilot light and main burner.
Drain and flush the water heater if required.
In commercial applications where large volumes of hot water are used, sediment may build up on the
bottom of the cylinder and reduce the heating efficiency. In extreme cases, particularly in areas of high
water sediment, draining and flushing out may be 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. Hot water may not be available for a while.
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.
REGULAR CARE
10
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 15).
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.
Warning: Failure to do this may result in the water heater cylinder
failing.
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 11).
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
water
heater
11
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. 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 Rheem 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 and a temperature pressure relief valve.
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.
ANODE
The vitreous enamel lined cylinder of the water heater is only covered by the Rheem 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 Rheem 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 11 for the Rheem 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 anodes 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
12
ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
The anodes installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of the
cylinder may be extended by replacing the anodes.
If the anodes are not replaced during a five year service (refer to “Major Five Year Service” on page 9) then
the maximum time after installation when the anodes should be replaced for this water heater 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 anodes 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. In areas where this is likely to occur, the installer should instruct the
householder on how to dissipate the gas safely.
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 (SI) 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.
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 Rheem warranty to apply to the
temperature pressure relief valve and water heater cylinder.
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 13.
Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 25 for the position of the expansion control valve.
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