Rheem GHE80SU Use & Care Manual page 10

FOR PROPER INSTALLATION:
CAUTION
!
•
DO NOT use solvent cement that has become
curdled, lumpy or thickened.
•
DO NOT thin solvent cement. Observe shelf
precautions printed on the containers.
•
For applications below 32°F (0°C), use only low
temperature type solvent cement.
•
Appropriate solvent and cleaner must be used
for the type of vent pipe used (PVC, CPVC, PP,
or ABS).
DANGER OF FIRE OR BODILY INJURY – Solvent
cements and primers are highly flammable. Provide
adequate ventilation and DO NOT assemble near a
heat source or open flame. DO NOT smoke. Avoid
skin or eye contact. Observe all cautions and warn-
ings on material containers.
DIRECT VENT INSTALLATION - Check to make sure
flue gases DO NOT recirculate into the air intake
terminal when using direct venting. If the water heat-
er is having service issues, flue recirculation may be
a contributing factor. Even when the minimum vent
terminal separation distances are followed,
recirculation may still occur, depending upon the
location outside the building, the distance from other
buildings, proximity to corners, weather conditions,
wind patterns, and snow depth. Periodically check
to make sure that flue recirculation is not occur-
ring. Signs of flue gas recirculation include frosted
or frozen intake terminals, condensate in the intake
terminal and venting system, oxidation, or white
chalk material on the flame sensor or igniter shield.
Correction to flue recirculation may involve angling
the intake away from the exhaust terminal, increas-
ing the distance between them, or using inside air
for combustion. Check to be sure the intake and ex-
haust terminals are not obstructed, especially during
periods of below freezing weather.
Additional Fitting Considerations
Figure - 5. Examples of Elbows:
Short Sweep
90° Elbow
10'
Straight Equivalent
DO NOT RECOMMEND short sweep elbows. It is recommended to use only standard and/or long sweep elbows.
See examples as shown.
Installation
Standard Sweep
90° Elbow
8'
Straight Equivalent
All intake and exhaust venting components must
have the same diameter size. DO NOT use a different
size on the intake and exhaust venting.
Be sure the condensate runs freely to a drain and
does not accumulate inside the water heater. In cold
climates, precautions may need to be taken to insure
that the condensate drain does not freeze. Make
sure the condensate trap or drain loop is installed to
prevent flue gases from being discharged into the
room. Refer to the "Venting" section (page 8), "Con-
densate" section (page 7) of this manual for com-
plete instructions on venting and condensate drain-
age.
Stress levels in the pipe and fittings can be
significantly increased by improper installation. If
rigid pipe clamps are used to hold the pipe in place,
or if the pipe cannot move freely through a wall
penetration, the pipe may be directly stressed, or
high thermal stresses may be formed when the pipe
heats up and expands. Install accordingly to mini-
mize such stresses. Follow the below procedure to
vent through the wall.
1. Cut two holes for the pipe to pass through. The hole
diameter should be 2.5" (6.4 cm) for 2" pipe, 3.5"
(8.9 cm) for 3" pipe, and 6.5" (16.5 cm) for 6" pipe.
Vent terminals must maintain a horizontal distance
apart in the range of 24" to 36" (61 cm to 91 cm).
Refer to Figure 5 for additional information.
2. Use the proper PVC cement (primer and adhesive)
to secure the exhaust vent and air intake terminals
provided with the water heater to the plastic pipes.
The distance between the back edge of the exhaust
vent terminal and the exterior wall (see Figure 10)
must be 6 inches (12.7 cm) more for the exhaust vent
terminal than the air intake terminal. Use the
proper cement or sealant and assembly procedures to
secure the vent connector joints between the
terminal and the blower outlet. Provide support
brackets for every 3 feet (.91 m) of horizontal vent
beyond the intake terminal as seen in Figure 11.
Long Radius Sweep
90° Elbow
5'
Straight Equivalent
10
Standard
45° Elbow
2.5'
Straight Equivalent