Rheem Direct Vent Gas - FVIR Certified User Manual

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Use & Care Manual

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With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Direct Vent Gas - FVIR Certified

Water Heaters

40 and 50 Gallon Vertical Co-Axial Vent System

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the basic directions and
recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the owner–
operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting of the
water heater. This manual also includes a parts list.

It is very important that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater
read the instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not
understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional assistance.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should
be directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the
section on “If You Need Service.”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future reference.

Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, a fire or

explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.

FOR YOUR SAFETY!

— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable

vapors or liquids or other combustible materials
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. To
do so may result in an explosion or fire.

—WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

● Do not try to light any appliance.

● Do not touch any electrical switch; do not

use any phone in your building.

● Immediately call your gas supplier from a

neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.

● If you cannot reach your gas supplier,

call the fire department.

● Do not return to your home until authorized

by the gas supplier or fire department.

— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,

service or maintenance can cause injury,
property damage or death. Refer to this
manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.

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Printed in USA

AP14381-5 (12/12)

Safety Information

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Safety Precautions ....... 3–6

LP Gas Models ........... 5

Installation Instructions

Location ................. 7

Water Supply Connections . 10

Gas Supply .............. 12

Pipe Installation ...........12

Heat Traps ...............13

Installation Checklist .......14

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions ...... 15

Water Temperature ....16, 17

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

#

#

You can find them on a label on the appliance.

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.

READ THIS MANUAL

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water heater properly. A little preventive care
on your part can save you time and money over the life of
your water heater.

You’ll find many answers to common problems in
the Troubleshooting Guide. If you review the chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for
service.

Care and Cleaning

Draining ................ 18

Burner Inspection ........ 19

Extended Shut-Down ..... 19

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service ........... 20, 21

Customer Service

Parts List ................ 22

Conversion Instructions 23-26

If You Need Service ...... 28

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There
are many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol
as an indication of Important Safety Information!

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This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can
kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and
either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or
“NOTICE”.

These words mean:

DANGER:

that will result in death or serious
injury.

WARNING:

could result in death or serious injury

and/or damage to property.

CAUTION:

may result in minor or moderate
injury.

NOTICE:

specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.

An imminently hazardous situation

A potentially hazardous situation that

A potentially hazardous situation that

Attention is called to observe a

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

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FLAMMABLES

Flammable Vapors

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

Can result in serious injury or death.

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids

in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Storage of or use of gasoline
or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance can result in serious injury or death.

W ARNING

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate
this water heater. It may save you time and money. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have
problems understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help
from a qualified service technician, or the local gas utility.

DANGER!

INSTALL THE VENTING SYSTEM AND PROPERLY VENT
THE WATER HEATER…

Failure to install the venting system and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting Section of the Installation Instructions in this manual can result in
unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation
from carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and
has an adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system
for proper installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to the
Care and Cleaning section of this manual for more information regarding vent system
inspection.

WARNING!

Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (which include, but are not
limited to (adhesives, solvents, paint thinners etc.), and the vapors they produce are
extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store gasoline or other flammable or
combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater or any other
appliance. Be sure to read and follow the warning label pictured below and other labels
on the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so can
result in property damage, bodily injury or death.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F
can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings
outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

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D ANGER

Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

120°F More than 5 minutes

125°F 11/2 to 2 minutes

130°F About 30 seconds

135°F About 10 seconds

140°F Less than 5 seconds

145°F Less than 3 seconds

150°F About 11/2 seconds

155°F About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

HOT

BURN

Water temperature over 125°

can

cause severe burns

instantly or

death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.

See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.

NOTICE: Mixing valves are available for reducing
point of use water temperature by mixing hot and
cold water in branch water lines . Contact a licensed
plumber or the local plumbing authority for further
information.

F

The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your
home.

DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower
thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

Maximum water temperatures occur just after
burner has shut off. To find water temperature being
delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and place
a thermometer in the water stream and read the
thermometer. (See page 16 and 17 for more details.)

The temperature of the water in the heater can
be regulated by setting the temperature dial on the
front of the gas control (thermostat). To comply with
safety regulations the thermostat was set at its lowest
setting before the water heater was shipped from the

factory.

The illustration at the left
details the approximate

110°F

water temperature

45°F

120°F

for each mark on

130°F

the Gas Control

140°F

(Thermostat)

150°F

Temperature Dial.

155°F

100°F

90°F

80°F

Temperatures are approximate

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

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DANGER!

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LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP - PROPANE OR BUTANE)
AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

LP and natural gas have an odorant added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some
people may not physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If you are unsure or
unfamiliar with the smell of LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier. Other conditions, such
as “odorant fade”, which causes the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also hide or
camouflage a gas leak.

● This water heater is supplied with a

thermostatic gas valve that is convertible
from LP to natural gas. Be sure to read
and carefully follow the Conversion
Instructions included in this manual
when converting the valve from one
type of gas to another.

● After conversion, be certain that the gas

supplied to the heater is the type that
the valve has been converted for (LP for
heaters converted to LP use, and natural
gas for heaters converted to natural gas
use). This water heater will not operate
safely if connected to a fuel type other
than the one the gas valve is converted
for.

● LP gas must be used with great caution.

It is heavier than air and will collect first
in lower areas making it hard to detect at
nose level.

DANGER: If a gas leak is present or
suspected:

● Do not attempt to find the cause

yourself.

● Do not try to light any appliance.

● Do not touch any electrical switch.

● Do not use any phone in your building.

● Leave the house immediately and make

sure your family and pets leave also.

● Leave the doors open for ventilation

and contact the gas supplier, a qualified
service agency or the fire department.

● Stay away from the house (or building)

until the service call has been made, the
leak is corrected and a qualified agency
has determined the area to be safe.

● Before attempting to light the water

heater, make sure to look and smell for
gas leaks. Use a soapy solution to check
all gas fittings and connections. Bubbling
at a connection indicates a leak that must
be corrected. When smelling to detect an
LP leak, be sure to sniff near the floor
also.

● Gas detectors are recommended in LP

and natural gas applications and their
installation should be in accordance with
the manufacturer’s recommendations
and/or local laws, rules, regulations or
customs.

● It is recommended that more than one

method, such as soapy solution, gas
detectors, etc. be used to detect leaks in
LP gas applications.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of
fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of
life.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential water heaters up to 52 gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street,
Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater
dealer.

However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Have the installer show you the location of the gas shut-off valve and how to shut it off
if necessary. Turn off the manual shut-off valve if the water heater has been subjected to
overheating, fire, flood, physical damage or if the gas supply fails to shut off.

● Read this manual entirely before installing

or operating the water heater.

● Use this appliance only for its intended

purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.

● Be sure your appliance is properly installed

by a qualified technician in accordance
with the provided installation instructions.

● Do not attempt to repair or replace any part

of your water heater unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other
servicing should be referred to a qualified
technician.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6

Installing the water heater.

This water heater is suitable for Direct Vent Installation in a Manufactured Home (Mobile Home) and
other non-Manufactured Home (non-Mobile Home) Installations. This water heater must be installed in
accordance with these instructions, provided with the Co-Axial Roof Jack assembly, local codes, utility
company requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest addition of the American
National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas
Association, 400 N. Capital Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI Standard Z223.1 or National Fire
Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA 54. This product also
meets the requirements of Title 24 CFR Part 3280.

Location

Max.

2”

Diameter of
water heater
plus 2” min.

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.

The water heater should not be
located in an area where leakage from
the tank or connections will result
in damage to the area adjacent to
the heater or to lower floors of the
structure.

When such areas cannot be avoided it
is recommended that a suitable catch
pan, adequately drained, must be
installed under the water heater.

Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.

This water heater must be installed
within an enclosure so as to separate the
water heater’s combustion and venting
system from the interior atmosphere of
the home. The enclosure must be large
enough to allow for bracing. Front
clearance must also be provided for
inspection and servicing of the water
heater.

Make certain the floor underneath
the water heater is strong enough to
sufficiently support the weight of the
water heater once it is filled with water.

A gas fired water heater or any other
appliance should not be installed in
a space where liquids which give off
flammable vapors are to be used or
stored. Such liquids include gasoline,
LP gas (butane or propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents or
removers.

Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance
from where liquids which give off
flammable vapors are to be used or
stored. The open flame of the water
heater’s pilot or main burner can ignite
these vapors.

The water heater must be located so
it is not subject to physical damage, for
example, by moving vehicles, area
flooding, etc.

All air for combustion must be obtained
from the outside atmosphere, and the
products of combustion (flue gases)
must be discharged directly to the
outside atmosphere through the gas vent
Co-Axial Roof Jack assembly. Because
the water heater is of the sealed

combustion type, a vent hood is not
required between the water heater and
the Co-Axial Roof Jack.

Refer to installation illustration as shown
in this manual.

Install the water heater with minimum
clearance from combustible construction
of 0 inch sides and rear; 2 inches from
front of control; 12 inches from ceiling.
If clearances stated on the Instruction/
Warning label, located on the front
of the water heater, differ from the
aforementioned clearances, install heater
according to the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning label.

The water heater may be installed on
combustible flooring, but not directly on
carpeting.

If the water heater must be installed on
carpeting, place a wood or metal panel
beneath the water heater extending
beyond its full width and depth at least
3 inches in all directions. If the water
heater is installed in an alcove or closet,
the entire floor must be covered by the
wood or metal panel. A minimum of 24”
clearance from the front and top should
be available for adequate inspection and

servicing.

CAUTION: Provisions should be made so
that in the event the water heater or one of its
fittings were to leak, the resulting flow of water
will not cause damage to the home. It is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, be installed under the

water heater.

CAUTION: DO NOT subject the water
heater to any water distribution system air
pressure test. The water heater should either
be isolated with valves at the inlet and outlet
water connections or disconnected during the
test. Failure to properly isolate the water
heater during an air pressure test presents a
hazard to life and property. With a water
pressure test the water heater need not be
isolated.

WARNING: Combustible construction refers
to adjacent walls and ceilings and should not
be confused with combustible or flammable
products and materials. Combustible and/or
flammable products and materials should
never be stored in the vicinity of this or any gas
appliance.

7

Installing the water heater.

Installation Methods

NOTICE: The water
heater should not be
installed near an air supply
containing halogenated
hydrocarbons.

NOTICE: The old roof
jack must be replaced with
the new co-axial roof jack.

Inspect shipment. Inspect the water

heater for possible shipping damage.

Placement of water heater. Locate the

water heater as desired, make
certain the minimum clearances
outlined in this manual are
observed.

Combustion and ventilation air. Air for

combustion and ventilation must
not be supplied from occupied
spaces of the home. The air inlet
must not be obstructed under any
circumstances. Outside air is
necessary for proper and safe
operation of the water heater.

Openings for gas vent Co-Axial Roof

Jack assembly.

Cut a 7 1/4 in. diameter
hole in the ceiling and roof directly
above the flue of the water heater.

Securing the water heater. Secure the

water heater using the provided metal
straps. Attach them to the top pan and
bottom pan of the water heater then
fasten the straps to the adjacent wall on
each side.

Gas vent Co-Axial Roof Jack. The roof

jack must be one of the models
listed in this manual, and marked as
approved by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. The installation
instructions supplied with each
Co-Axial Roof Jack must be
observed to obtain the proper roof
jack installation.

The Gas Vent Roof Jack Assembly
has a multi piece telescopic vent
connector pipe consisting of an
upper, center and lower section that
must be pre-adjusted according to
the following directions prior to final
installation of the roof jack.

From the water heater location, measure
the distance from the highest point on roof
opening to the top of the water heater.
Select correct size Co-Axial Roof Jack
from Co-Axial Roof Jack Sizing Guide
on Page 9, Dimension X. Remove the
Co-Axial Roof Jack from its carton, and
extend the center section of the inner
most pipe to its maximum length by
grasping the pipe and sliding the center
section of pipe downward. Then extend

the lower section of the inner pipe in
the same manner to its full extension.
Silicone rubber sealing bands are provided
and must be pulled down over the joints
between the tubes to ensure a leak proof
seal.

Apply a non-hardening mastic on the roof
around the previously cut hole to form a
weather tight seal with the roof flange of the
Co-Axial Roof Jack Assembly. Insert the
Co-Axial Roof Jack through the opening
in roof from above, and fasten the flashing
to the roof using the pre-punched holes
in the flashing. The roof flange adjusts to
accommodate installation on a pitched roof,
(maximum allowable pitch is 8-12).
For roof pitches greater that 8-12 an alternate
roof jack can be purchased. Apply additional
non-hardening mastic as required to complete
the weather seal.

To complete the assembly of the Co-Axial
Roof Jack Inner Pipe installation: Apply
silicone sealant around the outside of the
water heater flue pipe, then extend the
lower section of the vent connector pipe
by grasping the center section of pipe,
ensuring that the silicone rubber seal
remains in position over the joint, press it
firmly downward until seated over the flue
pipe protruding inside the water heater’s
top plenum. An improper seal can cause
nuisance pilot outages. Secure the inner
pipe to the top pan of the water heater
by inserting the two screws through the
brackets on each side.

To complete the assembly of the Co-Axial
Roof Jack Outer Pipe installation: Extend
the upper section down and over the
lower section of the vent connector pipe
by grasping the center section of pipe and
pull downward, ensuring that the silicone
rubber seal remains in position over the
joint, press it firmly downward until
seated outside the lip of the top plenum.
Secure on each side with the two screws
provided. Apply silicone sealant around
the edge of the top plenum and outer pipe
connection to ensure a good seal.
An improper seal can cause nuisance pilot
outages.

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This water heater is suitable for Direct Vent Installation

Roof Jack

(Purchased Separately)

Roof Flange

Roof

Ceiling

Telescopic Vent Connection Pipe

(Supplied with Roof Jack)

Silicone Rubber Seal

(Supplied with Roof Jack)

Apply silicone sealant to lip of top plenum

for a tight seal with outer pipe.

Access Door (Right or Left)

No Openings Required

Roof Jack

Adjustment Range

Secure Strapping provided with
the Water Heater around the
edge of the top pan, above the
drain pan, and into the walls studs
with the S.M. screws provided.

Floor

Bottom Sheathin

g

12"

Min

X

See Dimension Table Below

2"

Drain Pan

in a Manufactured Home (Mobile Home) and other non­Manufactured Home (non-Mobile Home) Installations. This
water heater must be installed in accordance with these
instructions, provided with the Co-Axial Roof Jack assembly,
local codes, utility company requirements, and/or in the absence
of local codes, use the latest addition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased
from either the American Gas Association, 400 N. Capital
Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI Standard Z223.1
or National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA 54. This product
also meets the requirements of Title 24 CFR Part 3280.

NOTICE - All sizes of Co-Axial Roof Jack Assembly have an
adjustable tilt Roof Flange to accommodate installation on a pitched
roof. Maximum roof pitch is 8-12. For roof pitches greater than
8-12 an alternate roof jack can be purchased.

NOTICE: 12” Minimum recommended distance from the top of
the water heater to the ceiling for servicing the water heater.

Adjustable Tilt

Roof Flange

34° Max.

(8 -12 Pitch)

42° Max. Tilt is
available with
optional kit.

10 3/4

(

-12 Pitch)

Co-Axial Roof Jack Sizing Table

34° Max. (8-12
Pitch) Roof Jack
Kit Part Number

AP14363A AP14334A 24 - 37 Inches

AP14363B AP14334B 33 - 68 Inches

AP14363C AP14334C 45 - 97 Inches

AP14363D AP14334D 60 - 130 Inches

AP14363E AP14334E 72 - 160 Inches

Please note that the roof jack shown above is for illustration
purposes only and may not resemble the actual unit in your kit.

42° Max. (10 3/4-12
Pitch) Roof Jack Kit
Part Number

Roof Jack Adjustment
Range (See Dimension X)

Water Heater

Connections

Gas Control
(Thermostat)

Figure A - Top View of closet.

Drain Pan

Water

Strap

Screws

Connections

Relief Valve

Water

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