Rheem Residential 60, Residential 50, Residential 40, Residential 38, Residential 30 Use & Care Manual

Warning: This water heater is not suitable

for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!

Residential Gas

Water Heaters

Residential 30, 38, 40, 50 and 60 Gallon

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 imperative 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 advice.

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.

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!

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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,

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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 v icinity 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 r

eturn to your home until authorized

by the gas supplier or fire department.

— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,

service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury, 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

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AP14328 (03/07)

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3–6

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

Installation Instructions

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

Water Supply Connections . . 9

Gas Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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

Installation Checklist . . . . . . .14

Potable/Space Heating . . . . 15

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions . . . . . . 16

W ater Temperature . . . . 17, 18

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Burner Inspection . . . . . . . . 20

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . .20

T r oubleshooting T ips

Before Y ou Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 22

Customer Service

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

If You Need Service . . . . . . .24

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!
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 A potentially hazardous situation that

may result in minor or moderate
injury.

An imminently hazardous situation

A potentially hazardous situation that

2

Notice:

specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.

Attention is called to observe a

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
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 DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT THE
WATER HEATER…

Failure to install the draft 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.

!

WARNING!

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

WARNI NG

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FLAMMABLES

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.

F lamma ble V apor s

3

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 a water heater’s gas control. 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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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.

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.

4

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

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

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

Maximum water temperatures occur just after the
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 17 and 18 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 gas control(thermostat) was

set at its lowest setting

110°F

120°F

100°F

90°F

80°F

45°F

Temperatures are approximate

!

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for
Hot Water SCALDS.

130°F

before the water heater
was shipped from the
factory.

The illustration at the left

140°F

details the approximate

150°F

water temperature
for each mark on

160°F

the Gas Control
(Thermostat) Temperature
Dial.

!

DANGER!

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.

● 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
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. LP for LP 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
if such installation is pr
federal, state and/or local laws, rules,
regulations or customs.

● LP gas must be used with great caution.

It is heavier
in lower areas making it hard to detect at
nose level.

heater from natural

example, in a basement)

ohibited by

than air

and will collect first

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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

●

Leave the house immediately and make

sure your

● Leave the doors open for ventilation

and contact the gas supplier, a qualified
service agency or

● Stay away from the house (or building)

until the service call has been made, the
leak is corr
has determined the ar

family and pets leave also.

the fire department.

ected and a qualified agency

ea to be safe.

building.

● 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 a
gas leak, be sure to sniff near the floor
also.

● Gas detectors are recommended in LP

& natural gas applications and their
installation should be in accordance
with the detector
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
gas applications.

manufacturer’s

5

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

in accordance with local codes and 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.
servicing should be referred to a qualified
technician.

All other

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6

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,
400 N. Capitol 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.

Combustion Air Inlet

Openings

Max.

2”

Diameter of
water heater
plus 2” min.

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.

Top View Alcove

Rear

Front Open

Sides

Top View Closet

Rear

Front Enclosed

WARNING: Combustible

!

Sides

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.

Location

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.

The pan must not restrict air flow
to the combustion air inlet openings
(perforation openings) located around the
lower perimeter of the water heater.

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

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.

When installed in a closet, DO NOT
block or obstruct any of the combustion
air inlet openings located around the
perimeter of the water heater. A
minimum of 1” is required between
these combustion air inlet openings and
any obstruction.

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 and create a

shut down condition of the water heater
which will not allow the water heater
to ignite until examined by a Qualified
Service Technician.

The water heater must be located so it is
not subject to physical damage, for example,

by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc.
If local codes require the use of a stand

kit to raise the water heater 18” above the
floor, please contact the store where the
water heater was purchased, or any water
heater distributor. These kits must comply
with local codes.

● 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
unprotected outdoor areas.

● Minimum clearance from combustible

construction:

Location Front Sides Rear Top

Alcove

Closet

3”

(7.62 cm)

3”

(7.62 cm)

0”

(0 cm)0”(0 cm)

1”

(2.5 cm)0”(0 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

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.

● 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.

● 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 5” in all directions.

7

Installing the water heater.

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.

Combustion and Ventilation Air

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.

When installed in a closet, DO NOT block
or obstruct any of the combustion air inlet
openings located around the perimeter
of the water heater. A minimum of 1” is
required between these combustion air inlet
openings and any obstruction.

NOTICE: 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”
from 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”.

NOTICE: If the duct openings which supply
combustion and ventilation air are to be
covered with a protective screen or grill,
the net free area (openings in the material)
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.

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

8

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 A/C and 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.