Rheem Side Inlet Gas Water Heaters User Manual

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.

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.

AP10046-12 (03/05)

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.

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Printed in USA

Water Heaters

Side Inlet Gas

For Manufactured Housing (Mobile Home)

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Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3–6

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

Installation Instructions

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

Installation Methods . . . . . 8-9

Water Connections . . . . . . . 10

Gas Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Leak and Pressure Testing . . 13

Conversion

Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions . . . . . . 16

Water Temperature. . . . . 17, 18

Care and Cleaning

Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Burner Inspection . . . . . . . . 20

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 20

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

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

Customer Service

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

If You Need Service . . . . . . 28

2

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.

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.

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

An imminently hazardous situation
that will result in death or serious
injury.

WARNING

A potentially hazardous situation that
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.

Notice:

Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

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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 gas utility.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

3

Failure to install the draft hood, vent 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.

DANGER!

INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD, VENT SYSTEM 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!

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DANGER

FLAMMABLES

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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
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.

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
water temperature
for each mark on the Gas
Control (Thermostat)
Temperature Dial.

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

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.

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.

!

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.

5

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 (LP - PROPANE OR BUTANE)
AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

●●

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.

●●

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.

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.

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6

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.

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

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, B or C 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".

Install the water heater with minimum
clearance from combustible construction
of 0-inch sides and rear; 3 inches from
front of control; 12 inches top. If
clearances stated on Instruction/Warning
label, located on front of 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” in all
directions. If the water heater is installed
in an alcove or closet, the entire floor
must be covered by the panel.

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

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.

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.

7

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.

8

Installing the water heater.

Installation Methods

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 mobile home. Select
installation method "A", "B" or "C"
from page 9. Method B is
recommended for cold climates. The
air inlet must not be obstructed under
any circumstances. Outside air is
necessary for proper and safe
operation of the water heater.

Method A - Requires a minimum
free area of 36 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.

Method B - Requires the installation
of optional Air Inlet (AP11596) and
Leg Enclosure (Part No. AE24609C
for 30 gallon models, or AE24609D
for 40 gallon models).

Method B Installation

After selecting the proper location for
the water heater, cut a hole (approx.
3 1/2" dia.) through the floor and
bottom sheathing directly below the
center of the water heater for
installation of the air inlet assembly.
Insert air inlet through the hole in the
floor (see Method B on page 9) with
flanged section on the inside. Secure
inlet in position with the four screws
supplied. The opening around the Air
Inlet Assy. and the bottom sheathing
must be sealed to resist the entrance of
rodents.

Water heater must be centered directly
over air inlet and secured in place with
screws provided.

Bottom of the air inlet must be no
closer than 12" from ground level.

When mobile home is tightly skirted, an
air inlet opening in the skirt must be
provided. The opening shall have a
minimum free area of at least 9 square
inches. If the opening is screened or
covered with a louver, the total free area
must be at least 9 square inches.

Wrap optional Leg Enclosure (Part No.
AE24609C for 30 gallon models, or
AE24609D for 40 gallon models)
around the legs of the water heater and
lock in position with tab. This enclosure
will protect the water piping from the
cold outside air and directly supply the
water heater with air necessary for
combustion.

Method C - Requires a minimum free
area of 20 square inches outside fresh
air opening in the floor(s) directly
beneath the water heater. Suggested
protection for air opening is 1/4"
(minimum) mesh metal screen.

Gas vent roof jack.

—

The roof jack is
not supplied with the water heater as
a component part. The roof jack must
be Rheem certified for use, and
marked as approved by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. for use on
manufactured homes (mobile
homes). The installation instructions
supplied with each roof jack must be
observed to obtain the proper roof
jack installation.

Securing the water heater.

—

Secure
the two front legs of the water heater to
the floor using the 2 long screws
furnished. Attach the bracket (AP11154)
to the top pan of the water heater and
fasten the bracket to the adjacent
walls on each side.

9

Roof Jack

(Not Supplied)

Roof

Ceiling

Floor

Floor

Relief
Valve

Opening

"Cold"

Water

Inlet

"Hot"

Water Outlet

Sheet Metal
Screws (2
supplied) to
Secure Legs
to floor

Sheet Metal
Screws (2
supplied) to
Secure Legs to
floor

0" Min.

Clearance
(side & rear)
3" Min. from

Front of
Control

Secure Draft Hood to Water Heater
with TWO Sheet Metal Screws.
Secure Roof Jack to Draft Hood
with Sheet Metal Screws

SecureStrapping
(AP11154) to
Water Heater
Top Pan and
Enclosure Sides
with Sheet Metal
Screws provided

Minimum Free
Area - 36 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

METHOD A

METHOD C

METHOD B — Recommended for Cold Climates

6'6" Min.

Ceiling

Height

Access Panel (Door)

Opening Required

Access Panel (Door)

Opening Required

Roof Jack

(Not Supplied)

Roof

Ceiling

Floor

Cut Hole Thru Floor

12" Minimum

Ground Level

Center Line of Heater and Air Inlet

Secure Air Inlet to
Flooring with Screws
provided

Optional Air Inlet (AP11596)

Relief
Valve

Opening

"Cold"

Water

Inlet

"Hot"

Water Outlet

Sheet Metal
Screws (2
supplied) to
Secure Legs
to floor

Cut Hole thru Floor(s)

20 Sq. In. Minimum

Equivalent Free Air Opening

1/4" Wire Mesh (Min.)
Metal Protection Screen

0" Min.

Clearance
(side & rear)
3" Min. from

Front of
Control

Secure Draft Hood to Water Heater
with TWO Sheet Metal Screws.
Secure Roof Jack to Draft Hood
with Sheet Metal Screws

Secure
Strapping
(AP11154) to
Water Heater
Top Pan and
Enclosure
Sides with
Sheet Metal
Screws
provided

6'6" Min.

Ceiling

Height

Access Panel (Door)

Opening Required

Optional Leg Enclosure

(Part No. AE24609C for 30 gallon models,

or AE24609D for 40 gallon models).

ROOF JACK — This water heater is certified for use with Rheem Models

AP12119B, AP12118B, AP12118C, AP12118D roof jacks:

Additional information on other Rheem approved and certified roof jacks

may be found at www.r

heem.com

, under

“Library”, scroll down to the Technical Service Bulletins Manufactered Housing Series Section and choose

Bulletin #1504 or by

consulting your distributor.

NOTE: Refer to Section 4, on the reverse side for additional requirements