Rheem HG, GG User Manual

Part No. AP12171-4 (3/01) Pub. No. 49-50008-4 03-01 JR

Manufactured under trademark license by:

Rheem Manufacturing Company

P.O. Box 244020, Montgomery, AL 36124-4020

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.

WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly,
a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.

Model: HG Series, GG Series, GP Series, PG Series, SG Series,

SG Series with SmartWater™ Ignition System

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, for the installing contractor, to provide requirements 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
trouble shooting of the water heater. This manual includes a par ts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read
the instructions carefully so that they may understand how to do so.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should
be directed to the entity from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to
the section on How to Obtain Service Assistance.

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!
Proposition 65: This appliance contains fiberglass insulation. Respirable particles of

fiberglass are known to the State of California to cause cancer. Exhaust gas from this
appliance contains chemicals, including carbon monoxide, known to the State of California to
cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Residential 30, 40 and 50 Gallon

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Contractor

Printed in USA

Water Heaters

Gas Residential

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Safety Information

Safety Precautions. . . . . . 3–6

LP Gas Models . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation Instructions

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

Water Connections . . . . . . . . 9

Gas Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Potable Space Heating . . . . 13

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions. . . 14, 15

Water Temperature. . . . . . . . 16

Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

P roduct Registration. . 23, 24

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

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You
Call For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting
Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all.

READ THIS MANUAL

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.

IMPORTANT!

Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is
in the back of this manual.

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone
call away. For service call 800-431-1549.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

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 cost. 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 electric utility.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

3

Failure to install the draf t hood 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.

DANGER!

INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT THE
WATER HEATER…

Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, 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.
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.

WARNING!

!

DANGER

FLAMMABLES

Vapors from flammable
liquids will explode and
catch fire causing death or
severe burns

Do not use or store flammable
products such as gasoline,
solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near the
water heater.

Keep flammable products:

1. far away from heater,

2. in approved containers,

3. tightly closed and

4. out of children’s reach.

Flammable Vapors

Water heater has a main
burner and pilot flame.
The pilot flame:

1. is on all the time and

2. will ignite flammable
Va pors:

1. cannot be seen,

2. are heavier than air,

3. go a long way on the

4. can be carried from
flame by air currents.

vapors.

floor and
other rooms to the pilot

Installation:
Do not install water heater
where flammable products will
be stored or used unless the
main burner and pilot flames

Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If owners
manual is missing, contact the retailer or manufacturer.

are at least 18″ above the
floor. This will reduce, but not
eliminate, the risk of vapors
being ignited by the main
burner or pilot flame.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

Both 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.

DANGER!

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM MODELS

● Water heaters utilizing LP gas are

different from natural gas models. A
natural gas water heater will not function
safely on LP gas and vice versa.

● No attempt should ever be made to

convert the water heater from natural gas
to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment
damage, personal injury or fire, do not
connect the water heater to a fuel type
not in accordance with the unit data
plate. Propane for propane units. Natural
gas for natural gas units. These units are
not certified for any other fuel type.

● LP appliances should not be installed

below grade (for example, in a basement)
if such installation is prohibited by
federal, state and/or local laws, rules,
regulations or customs.

● Propane or 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.

● Make sure to look and smell for LP gas

leaks before attempting to light the
appliance. 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 too.

● Gas detectors are recommended in LP

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 be used to detect leaks in LP gas
applications.

If LP gas 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.

● Keep the area clear until the service call

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

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

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

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

NOTE: 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 hot water temperature
being delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and
place a thermometer in the hot water stream and
read the thermometer.

The temperature of the water in the heater can be
regulated by setting the temperature dial on the
front of the thermostat. To comply with safety

regulations the
thermostat was set at
its lowest setting before
water heater was shipped
from the factory.

The illustration at the left
details the approximate
water temperature
for each mark on the
Thermostat Temperature
Dial.

DANGER: There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if
the thermostat is set too high.

WARNING!

WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

Safety and energy conser vation 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.

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

“Danger Range” “Safety Range”

130°F.

Temperatures are

approximate

120°F.

140°F.

150°F.

160°F.

110°F.

100°F.

90°F.

80°F.
70°F.

60°F.

!

DANGER

HOT

BURN

Water temperature over 125 °F 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.

U N I T R O L

WARNING

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE LIGHTING

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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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, 400 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-324-5315 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.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installing the water heater.

This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association,
1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209 as booklet Z223.1 or National Fire Prevention Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA No. 54.

Location

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

The pan must not restrict combustion
air flow to the bottom of the water heater.

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

A gas fired water heater 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 and 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 their liquids are
being used or stored. The open flame of
the water heater’s pilot light or main
burner can ignite these vapors causing
an explosion or fire which may result in
severe burns, death or proper ty damage.

For these reasons installation of a gas fired
water heater in a garage is not desirable.

Raising the gas fired water heater will
reduce, but not eliminate, the possibility
of lighting the vapor of any flammable
liquids which may be improperly stored
or accidentally spilled.

Stand kits to raise the water heater 18″
above the floor are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased,
or any water heater distributor. These
kits must comply with local codes.

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

● The water heater should be installed

as close as practical to the gas vent
or chimney.

● Long hot water lines should be insulated

to conserve water and energy.

● The water heater and water lines

should be protected from exposure
to freezing temperatures.

● Do not install the water heater in

bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
outdoor unprotected areas.

● Minimum clearance from combustible

construction is 1″ sides and rear; 3″
from front of control; 12″ from the
top. If the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning Label, located on
the front of the heater differ, install
the water heater according to the
clearances stated on the label.

● The water heater may be installed on

combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal
or wood panel beneath the water
heater, extending beyond its full width
and depth at least 3″ in all directions.

● If the water heater is installed in an

alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel. A
minimum of 24″ clearance from the
front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.

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.

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.

Max.

2″

Diameter of

water heater

plus 2″ min.

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

WARNING: If a location
in a garage is the only
alternative, the gas water
heater should be installed
so that the open flame of
the pilot and main burner

are no less than 18″ above

the garage floor, unless
specifically exempted from
this by local code, rule,
regulation or custom.

8

Installing the water heater.

Proper operation of the water heater requires air for combustion and ventilation. Provisions for
combustion and ventilation air must comply with referenced codes and standards.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Combustion and Ventilation Air

NOTE: If the water heater is installed in
an unconfined space within a building of
conventional frame, masonry or metal
construction, infiltration air is normally
adequate for proper combustion and
ventilation. If the water heater is
installed in a confined space,
provisions for combustion and
ventilation air must be made.

A confined space is one having a volume
of less than 50 cubic feet per 1000
BTUH of the aggregate input of all
appliances within that space.

The air must be supplied through two
permanent openings of equal area. One
is to be located within 12″ above the
floor and the other is to be located
within 12″ below the ceiling.

The minimum net free area of each opening
must not be less than one square inch
per 1000 BTUH of the total input rating
of all the appliances in the enclosure
(but not less than 100 square inches), if
each opening communicates with other
unconfined areas inside the building.

Buildings of unusually tight construction
shall have the combustion and ventilation
air supplied from outdoors, or a freely
ventilated attic or crawl space.

If air is supplied from outdoors, directly
or through vertical ducts, there must be
two openings located as specified above
and each must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch
per 4000 BTUH of the total input rating
of all the appliances in the enclosure.

If horizontal ducts are used to
communicate with the outdoors, each
opening must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch
per 2000 BTUH of the total input rating
of all the appliances in the enclosure. If
ducts are used, the minimum
dimensions of rectangular air ducts
shall not be less than 3″.

NOTE: If the duct openings are to be
covered with a protective screen or
grill, the net free area of the covering
material must be used in determining
the size of the openings. Protective
screening for the openings must not

be smaller than 1/4″ mesh to prevent

clogging by lint or other debris.

Corrosive Atmospheres

The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning
establishments, photo processing labs,
and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swimming pool
chemicals often contain such
halogenated hydrocarbons.

An air supply containing halogenated
hydrocarbons may be safe to breathe,
but when it passes through a gas flame
corrosive elements are released that
will shorten the life of any gas burning
appliance.

Propellants from common spray cans or
gas leaks from refrigeration equipment
are highly corrosive after passing
through a flame.

The water heater warranty is voided when
failure of the heater is due to operation
in a corrosive atmosphere.

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

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating
plate of the water heater to be certain the type of gas supplied corresponds to the
water heater requirements.