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 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.
Printed in USA
AP14431 (08/07)
Safety Information
!
!!!
Safety Precautions ....... 3–6
LP Gas Models ........... 5
Installation Instructions
Location ................. 7
Water Supply Connections . 10
Gas Supply .............. 12
Pipe Insulation ............13
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
Maintenance ............. 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!
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.
An imminently hazardous situation
A potentially hazardous situation that
A potentially hazardous situation that
Notice:
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.
Attention is called to observe a
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
!
!
!
!
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 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 which include but 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 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.
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
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
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
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 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 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 gas control (thermostat)
was set at its lowest setting before the water heater
150°F
160°F
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for
Hot Water SCALDS.
was shipped from the
factory.
140°F
The illustration at the left
130°F
details the approximate
water temperature
120°F
for each mark on
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.
● This water heater is supplied with a
thermostatic gas valve that is convertible
to LP from 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.
● 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.
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.
● 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, be used to detect leaks in LP
gas applications.
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. 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.
Combustion Air InletOpenings
Combustion Air InletOpenings
The installation of this water heater must be in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction
and Safety Standard (Title 24, CFR; Part 3280) and the following instructions; instructions supplied with
the roof jack assembly, local codes, and utility company requirements governing the installation of water
heaters in manufactured homes (mobile homes) and/or in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of The
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.
Location
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 Closet
Rear
Front Enclosed
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.
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
manufactured home.
Sides
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 manufactured
home.
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 roof jack assembly. There must
not be any door or other opening into the
water heater enclosure from the inside of the
manufactured home.
Refer to installation methods A as shown
on page 9 of this manual. The water heater
enclosure access panel (door) must be in the
outside wall of the manufactured home. Any
opening for piping must be sealed. Minimum
ceiling height within enclosure is 6'6".
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.
● 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.
● Minimum clearance from combustible
construction:
If the clearances stated on the Instruction/
Location
Closet
Front of
Control
3”
(7.6 cm)
SidesRearTop
1”
(2.5 cm)
0”
(0 cm)
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 3” in all directions.
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.
12”
(30.5 cm)
7
Installing the water heater.
Installation Methods
Inspect shipment.
heater for possible shipping damage.
Placement of water heater.
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 mobile home. Select
installation method "A" from page 9.
The air inlet must not be
obstructed under any
circumstances. Outside air is
necessary for proper and safe
NOTICE: An optional
leg kit (SP20133) is available
for replacement water
heaters which draws air for
combustion and ventilation
from below the water heater.
Leg kits are available from
the store where the water
heater was purchased or any
water heater distributor.
WARNING: Water Piping
should be well insulated to
prevent damage to pipes due
to freezing.
operation of the water heater.
Method A - Requires a minimum
free area of 100 square inches
outside fresh air opening in the
outside access panel (door). Cut door
opening commencing within 12" of
the floor. Suggested protection for air
opening is 1/4 " (minimum) mesh
metal screen.
Gas vent roof jack.
not supplied with the water heater as
a component part. The roof jack must
be one of the models listed in this
manual, and marked as approved by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. for
use on manufactured homes (mobile
homes).
(See Illustration on page 9) The Gas
Vent Roof Jack Assembly (purchased
separately) 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 floor. Select correct
size Roof Jack from Roof Jack Sizing
Guide on Page 9, Dimension X. Remove
the 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
—
Inspect the water
—
—
The roof jack is
Locate
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 Roof Jack Assembly. Insert
the 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
51/2-12. For roof pitches greater that
51/2-12, the use of a ”wedge” under the
roof flange is acceptable provided it is
sealed and secured.) Apply additional
non-hardening mastic as required to
complete the weather seal.
With Roof Jack in place and secured
to the roof, insure that the line on the
larger, outer tube of the Roof Jack,
which is marked “INSTALL WITH
THIS LINE BELOW CEILING” is
located no less than 2” below the
ceiling line and no less than six inches
above the water heater. Refer to page 9.
Now 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, and sliding the lower
section of pipe downward, over the top
of the drafthood.
jack assembly by securing the roof
jack to the drafthood with sheet metal
screws. Secure the drafthood to the
top pan with the sheet metal screws
provided.
Securing the water heater.
the water heater using the provided
metal straps to the top pan of the
water heater and fasten the brackets
to the adjacent walls on each side.
Attach the straps above the bottom
pan of the water heater, then fasten
the straps to the adjacent wall on
each side.
Complete the roof
—
Secure
8
Install with this line below ceiling.
ROOF JACK — This water heater is certified for use with one of the following:
Roof Jack
Part No.
"X" Dimension (See
Illustration)
Roof Jack Adjustment
Range (See
Illustration)
AP12118B*98" Min./126" Max.16" Min./ 32" Max.
AP12118C*112" Min./154" Max.30" Min./60" Max.
AP12118D*130" Min./ 189" Max.48" Min./95" Max.
AP12119▲
94" Min./ 106" Max.12"
AP12119B, AP12118B, AP12118C, AP12118D.
Additional information on other Rheem approved and certified roof jacks may be found at www.rheem.com under Rheem Water Heating,
"Support", scroll down to the Technical Service Section, to Bulletins #1500 Series Section and choose Bulletin # 1504.
NOTE: Refer to Section 4, page 8 for additional requirements
METHOD A
Roof Jack
(Purchased Seperately)
Roof
Secure Draft Hood to Water Heater
with TWO Sheet Metal Screws.
Secure Roof Jack to Draft Hood with
Sheet Metal Screws
6'6" Min.
Ceiling
Height
2" a
"Hot"
Water Outlet
1" Min. Clearance
(side)
3" Min. from Front
of Control
0" Min. Clearance
(rear)
Secure Strapping
provided with
the Water Heater
around the edge of
the bottom pan by
using SM screws
provided.
Ceiling
6" •
Relief
Valve
Opening
"Cold"
Water
Inlet
Opening Required
Access Panel (Door)
SecureStrapping
(AP11154) to
Water Heater
Top Pan and
Enclosure Sides
with Sheet Metal
Screws provided
on top pan.
Minimum Free Area
- 100 sq. in. Outside
Fresh Air Opening.
Cut Door Opening
Commencing within
12" of the floor.
Suggested Protection
Outside Air Opening
1
/4" Mesh (min.)
Metal Screen
Legend
6" Minimum distance between bottom edge of the
•
roof jack outer pipe and the top of the water heater.
ª 2” is minimum distance between ceiling and "Must
be installed below ceiling" line on Roof Jack.