Use & Care Manual

There is no condensate collection and disposal
required for Rheem water heaters under
most conditions. Installations where the
vent system length is short or where it runs
through conditioned space in the home, such
as basements or interior walls, do not typically
cause condensation and will not require any
condensation disposal methods regardless of
vent pipe slope. The images on Page 21 show
the recommended vent pipe slope of no less
than 1/8 in. per foot (10 mm per m) away
from the water heater. Any condensation in
the venting system will drain toward the vent
termination. The blower pipe coupling features
a capped drain port which is not needed in this
case.
CAUTION: Make sure the drain port
cap is securely in place.
There are vent piping configurations, when
combined with certain environmental conditions
that can produce enough condensate to require
collection and disposal. When a slope away
from the water heater cannot be achieved and
condensate handling is required in a horizontal
vent system, slope the vent pipe toward the
water heater 1/8 in. per foot (10 mm per m)
minimum and condensate management means
as follows:
Remove the cap from vent pipe coupling, drain
port on the blower assembly.
• Connect 1/2 in. I.D, flexible, PVC (or
equivalent material), clear tubing to
the drain port. Note: The tubing must
be of sufficient length to reach a floor
drain, outside the building or other
required condensate disposal termination
requirements (Refer to local codes).
• Loop the drain tube so that it has a circular
trap and secure the top and bottom of the
loop with wire ties or plastic zip ties as
shown. DO NOT restrict any portion of the
drain tube. The loop and all sections of the
tube must not be restricted or collasped.
• Fill the drain tube with water so that no
combustion gases might vent into the room.
• Route the drain tube to a floor drain or
outside the building or other required
condensate disposal termination
requirements (Refer to local codes).
29
Condensate Management - Optional Piping
Water Filled
Wire or Zip Ties
To Floor Drain
From Drain Port
Cap
Cap