Water Supplies - Rheem Electric Domestic Water Heater Installation And Owner's Manual

WATER SUPPLIES

Your water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most
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. The water heater should only be
connected to a potable water supply.
ANODE
In areas where the total dissolved solids (TDS) exceeds 600 mg/L it is possible
the black anode, which is the standard anode fitted to the water heater, may be
excessively active. To alleviate this, the black anode should be replaced with
one colour coded blue. Where the TDS of the water is less than 40 mg/L, such
as when the water has been deionised or is from an alpine supply, a high
potential anode, colour coded green, should be used. The changing of anodes
must be carried out by a plumber or qualified service person.
CAUTION
If your water supply has a TDS greater than 600 mg/L and the anode has not
been changed to a blue one, there is the possibility hydrogen gas could
accumulate in the top of the water heater during long periods of no use. In
areas where this is likely to occur, the installer should instruct the householder
on how to dissipate the gas safely.
If, under these conditions, the water heater has not been used for two or more
weeks the following procedure should be carried out before using any electrical
appliances (automatic washing machines and dishwashers) which are
connected to the hot water supply.
The hydrogen, which is highly flammable, should be vented safely by opening a
hot tap and allowing the water to flow. There should be no smoking or naked
flame near the tap whilst it is turned on. Any hydrogen gas will be dissipated.
This is indicated by an unusual spurting of the water from the tap. Once the
water runs freely again, any hydrogen in the system will have been released.
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