Owners Guide and Installation Instructions Gas Domestic Outdoor Water Heater This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person. Please leave this guide with the householder.
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993. Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the relevant standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years. Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.
CONTENTS HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 13. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest. About Your Water Heater............................................................4 How Your Water Heater Works...................................................8 Regular Care ................................................................................9 Save A Service Call ...................................................................11 Installation..................
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER MODEL TYPE Congratulations for choosing a Rheem® water heater. The model you have chosen is suitable for outdoor installation only. The model is either a 311 series Rheemglas®, 314 series RheemPlus™ or 811 series Optima™ water heater. Optima models have an extended warranty (refer to the warranty on page 32).
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT The temperature adjusting dial is on the gas valve, located behind the access cover on the lower front of the water heater. A setting of ‘6’ will normally maintain the water temperature at about 60°C. Each number represents a temperature difference of approximately 6°C. To increase the water temperature to 65°C, turn the gas control knob anticlockwise to a setting of ‘7’. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the Risk of Scald Injury” on page 4.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER • Do not store flammable or combustible materials near the water heater. Flammable liquids (such as petrol), newspapers and similar articles must be kept well away from the water heater and the flue terminal. • Do not use aerosols, stain removers and household chemicals near the water heater whilst it is working. Gases from some aerosol sprays, stain removers and household chemicals become corrosive when drawn into a flame.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY? Installation requirements are shown on page 20. The water heater must be installed by an authorised person and the installation must comply with National Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS 5601 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with the Code of Practice for installation of Gas Appliances NZS 5261 and the New Zealand Building Code.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS Water is stored in a vitreous enamel lined steel cylinder and heated by a gas burner located under the cylinder. The heat produced by the burner is transferred to the water through the base of the cylinder and through the wall of a flue pipe which passes through the centre of the cylinder. A flue baffle in this flue ensures the efficiency of the water heater is correct. The gas supply to the burner is controlled by the thermostat so the water is heated to a constant temperature.
REGULAR CARE TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume. Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 12).
REGULAR CARE TEMPERATURE LIMITING VALVE A RheemPlus water heater is fitted with a temperature limiting valve at the hot water outlet. The valve is set to deliver water not exceeding 50°C. The valve should be checked for performance every twelve months. This can be performed by measuring the water temperature from a hot tap with a thermometer. If the water is being delivered at a temperature exceeding 50°C, phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL Check the items below before making a service call. You will be charged for attending to any condition or fault that is not related to manufacture or failure of a part. NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (OR NO HOT WATER) • Are you using more hot water than you think? Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think? Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used, particularly when showering. Carefully review the family’s hot water usage.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH You may find that due to heavy hot water usage the water temperature may be lower than normally expected. WATER TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH A RheemPlus water heater is fitted with a temperature limiting valve set to deliver water not exceeding 50°C. If the water is being delivered at a temperature exceeding 50°C, phone your nearest Rheem Service Department or Accredited service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE RUNNING If an expansion control valve is fitted in the cold water line to the water heater (refer to page 22) it may discharge a small quantity of water instead of the temperature pressure relief valve on the water heater. The benefit is that energy is conserved as the discharged water is cooler. CAN’T LIGHT THE PILOT FLAME Is there gas to the water heater? Check the gas isolation valve on the gas supply line is open.
INSTALLATION THIS WATER HEATER IS FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION ONLY. THIS WATER HEATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR POOL HEATING. Check the water heater is suitable for the gas type available (refer to the rating label on the water heater). WATER HEATER LOCATION The water heater should be installed close to the most frequently used outlet and its position chosen with safety and service in mind. Make sure people (particularly children) will not touch the flue outlet.
INSTALLATION The water heater is to be installed at ground level on a concrete or brick plinth (fire proof base) and must stand vertically upright with the back of the water heater against an external wall or alternatively against a fireproof screen extending at least 500 mm above, below and either side the flue terminal. Failure to observe this precaution can cause problems in high wind areas. The water heater must be secured to the wall or screen using the brackets provided.
INSTALLATION TANK WATER SUPPLY If the water heater is supplied with water from a tank supply, then the bottom of the supply tank must be at least 1 m above the highest hot water outlet. Take care to avoid air locks. The cold water line to the water heater should be adequately sized and fitted with a full flow gate valve or ball valve. HOT WATER DELIVERY This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding.
INSTALLATION A RheemPlus water heater will not deliver temperatures exceeding 50°C, in accordance with AS 3498. There is no statutory requirement to fit a temperature limiting device if this water heater is installed in other than an early childhood centre, school, nursing home or a facility for young, aged, sick or disabled people. CIRCULATED HOT WATER FLOW AND RETURN SYSTEM A RheemPlus water heater cannot be installed as part of a circulated hot water flow and return system in a building.
INSTALLATION These conditions may result in either water at a temperature exceeding the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 being delivered to the hot water outlets in the ablution areas, or the device closing completely and not delivering water at all, or the device failing. Under either condition, the operation and performance of the device cannot be guaranteed.
INSTALLATION SADDLING - PIPE WORK To prevent damage to the cylinder when attaching pipe clips or saddles to the water heater jacket, we recommend the use of self-drilling screws with a maximum length of 12 mm. Should pre drilling be required, extreme caution must be observed when penetrating the jacket of the water heater. Note: Damage to the cylinder as a result of saddling to the jacket will void the warranty.
INSTALLATION TYPICAL INSTALLATION – OUTDOOR LOCATION Gas Details Hourly Gas Consumption (MJ) Min. Gas Pressure (kPa) Test Point Gas Pressure (kPa) Max. Gas Pressure (kPa) 090 135 170 090 to 170 090 135 170 090 to 170 Natural 30 35 40 1.13 1.00 1.00 1.00 3.50 Propane 30 35 40 2.75 2.70 2.70 2.70 3.50 Butane 30 30 30 2.75 2.70 2.70 2.70 3.50 27/25 32/30 38/35 0.75 0.45 0.40 0.35 3.50 Town / TLP Model numbers: N = Natural, P = Propane, B = Butane, T = Town / TLP.
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA Rheemglas and Optima RheemPlus Rheemglas Optima RheemPlus 311 090 --- Storage capacity Dimensions Weight 311 135 811 135 314 135 311 170 811 170 314 170 litres 85 130 160 A mm 1198 1598 1898 B mm 422 422 422 C mm 502 502 502 1213 D mm 588 988 E mm 328 328 403 F mm 298 298 298 G mm 1078 1478 1778 K mm 473 473 473 L mm 208 208 208 N mm 135 135 135 Q mm - 480 480 R mm - 170 170 empty kg 52 68
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING CONNECTION SIZES • Hot water connection: Rheemglas, Optima RP ¾/20 RheemPlus G¾B • Cold water connection: RP ¾/20 G¾B • Relief valve connection: RP ½/15 RP ½/15 • Gas inlet: RP ½/15 RP ½/15 All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with the National Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4 and local authority requirements.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING GAS INLET The gas connection is made through the grommet in the left hand side panel to the gas control. The pipe work must be cleared of foreign matter before connection and purged before attempting to light the water heater. An isolation valve and disconnection union must be installed to allow servicing and removal of the water heater. Refer to the Gas Installations Standard AS 5601 for the correct pipe sizing.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING RELIEF VALVE DRAIN A copper drain line must be fitted to the relief valve to carry the discharge clear of the water heater. Connect the drain line to the relief valve using a disconnection union. The pipe work from the relief valve to the drain should be as short as possible and fall all the way from the water heater with no restrictions. It should have no more than three right angle bends in it. Use DN15 pipe.
COMMISSIONING TO FILL AND TURN ON THE WATER HEATER The gas pilot or burner must not be lit until the water heater is filled with water. • Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don’t forget the shower). • Open the cold water isolation valve fully to the water heater. Air will be forced out of the taps. • Close each tap as water flows freely from it. • Check the pipe work for leaks. • Open the gas isolation valve fully. • Check the gas pipe work for leaks.
LIGHTING THE WATER HEATER FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING Warning: This gas water heater is designed to operate reliably and safely as long as the operating instructions are followed exactly. You must comply with these lighting instructions at every stage. Make sure the water heater is filled with water and the water supply is on, otherwise serious damage to the vitreous enamel cylinder lining and plastic components may occur.
LIGHTING THE WATER HEATER LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS Using the gas control light the water heater as follows: 1. Stop, read the safety information on page 26. 2. Turn the gas control knob fully clockwise to the “z” (off) position. 3. Wait five (5) minutes so any build up of unburnt gas can escape. If you then smell gas, stop and follow “C” in the safety information. If you do not smell gas, proceed to step 4. 4. Turn the knob to the “·” (pilot) position. 5.
LIGHTING THE WATER HEATER TEST THE WATER HEATER AFTER INSTALLATION • The operation of the water heater must be thoroughly checked by the installer. • The burner flame must light smoothly and quickly from the pilot flame, and must go out quietly and completely. • The main burner flame must be stable, although slight lifting at the front edge of the burner is acceptable when the burner is cold.
LIGHTING THE WATER HEATER CLOSE DOWN PROCEDURE 1. Turn the gas control knob to the “·” position (pilot). This setting will leave the pilot flame alight however the main burner will not be able to light. 2. Turn the gas control knob to the "z" (off) position. This setting shuts the gas control down completely. DRAINING THE WATER HEATER To drain the water heater: • Turn off the water heater (refer to “To Turn Off The Water Heater” on page 25). • Close all hot water taps.
WATER SUPPLIES Your water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most Australian metropolitan supplies. However, there are some known water supplies which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and its operation and/or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water quality, you can obtain information from your local water supply authority.
RHEEM MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY – AUSTRALIA ONLY – WARRANTY CONDITIONS 1. This warranty is applicable only to water heaters Accredited Service Agent’s premises and the installed site manufactured from 1st September 2005. shall be the owner’s responsibility. 2. The water heater must be installed in accordance with the 5.
RHEEM MAINS PRESSURE WATER HEATER WARRANTY – AUSTRALIA ONLY – WARRANTY Rheem will: a) Repair or, if necessary replace any Rheem water heater; or b) Replace any component (or, if necessary, arrange the installation of a new water heater), which falls within the Warranty Periods specified below, subject to the warranty conditions and exclusions.
