Installation Guide

20 • Residen al Standard Gas Water Heater Use and Care Guide
INSTALLATION
20 • Residen al Standard Gas Water Heater Use and Care Guide
INSTALLATION
3
For water heaters that are fed
by a solar water hea ng
system (or any other pre-
hea ng system), always install a
Thermosta c Mixing Valve or other
temperature limi ng device in the
inlet water supply line to limit water
supply inlet temperature to 120°F.
Solar water hea ng systems can
supply water with temperatures
exceeding 180°F and may result in
water heater malfunc on.
WARNING! Hot water provided by
solar hea ng systems can cause
severe burns instantly, resul ng in
severe injury or death.
Step 8:
Connect the Water
Supply
Note that all piping and components
connected to the water heater must
be suitable for use with potable water.
1
Determine the type of water
pipes in your home. Most
homes use copper water
pipes, but some use CPVC or cross-
linked polyethylene (PEX). Use fi  ngs
appropriate for the type of pipe in
your home. Do not use iron or PVC
pipe.
2
Connect the cold water
supply using 3/4 inch
Na onal Pipe Thread “NPT” to the
fi  ng marked “C” (COLD).
For ease of removing the water heater
for service or replacement, connect
the water pipes with a coupling called
a union. We recommend using a
dielectric-type union (available from
Lowe’s ). Dielectric unions can help
prevent corrosion caused by  ny elec-
tric currents common in copper water
pipes and can help extend the life of
the water heater.
IF YOU HAVE COPPER PIPES:
If your home has copper water pipes,
you can solder the water pipe connec-
 ons or use compression fi  ngs which
don’t require soldering. Compression
fi  ngs are easier to install than solder-
ing pipe. Check with local plumbing
offi cials to determine what types of
pipe materials are suitable for your
loca on. Do not use lead-based solder.
NOTICE: Do not solder pipes while
they are a ached to the water heater.
The water heater’s inlet and outlet
connec ons contain non-metallic parts
which could be damaged. The proper
way to connect the water heater to
copper water pipes is as follows:
• Solder a short length of pipe (about
a foot or so) to a threaded adapter
using only 95/5  n-an mony or
equivalent solder. A ach the thread-
ed adapters to the water heater’s
connec ons (using Tefl on® tape or
pipe joint compound). Connect the
home’s water pipes by soldering,
keeping the connec ons at the water
heater cool with wet rags.
Compression fi  ngs don’t require soldering.