Rheem RTGH Owners Manual

22
CARING FOR YOUR WATER HEATER
Draining the Water Heater (cont.)
Standard Drain Method
Service isolator valve kits may be purchased from the
manufacturer, distributor, or place of purchase. The kits
include two full-port isolation valves to be used in the
inlet and outlet water lines. These kits provide a means
for full diagnostic testing and ease of system flushing
and draining.
Freeze Protection
WARNING:
Failure to drain the water heater can cause serious
personal injury from scalding and/or product damage.
Whenever the water heater may be exposed to freezing
conditions, make sure to completely drain the water from
the unit. See "Draining the Water Heater.
Freezing conditions come from the ventilation system
on direct-vent models and from exposure to cold air on
outdoor models.
All of these water heaters are equipped with a freeze
protection electric heater. This heater prevents freezing
inside the water heater down to an ambient temperature
of approximately -22°F (-30°C). These temperatures are
all based on temperatures without wind.
The heater only protects the internal components of the
water heater.
NOTICE:
Unplugging or disconnecting the power supply to the
water heater will also disconnect the power to the freeze
protection electric heater.
External piping and valves require additional
freeze protection. One method is to wrap insulation
around the piping and valves.
Another method is to turn on a hot water faucet and
leave a small amount of water running at a faucet. This
will protect the water heater, piping, and valves from
freezing.
Running Water Freeze Protection
Turn off the water heater by pressing the POWER ON/
OFF button on the remote control.
Close the gas shut-off valve(s).
Open a hot water faucet slightly until the water stream is
approximately 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). Be sure to check the flow
periodically.
Cold Water
Service Valve
Pressure Relief
Valve
Pressure
Relief Valve
Hot Water
Service Valve
Water
Outlet
Water
Outlet
Water
Inlet
Water
Inlet
Drain
Drain
1
2
3
Care Instructions