Gas Supply - Rheem HG Series Use & Care Manual

WARNING: Do not attempt to convert this water heater for use with a different type of gas other than the type
shown on the rating plate. Such conversion could result in hazardous operating conditions.
WARNING: Never use an
open flame to test for gas
leaks, as bodily injury,
property damage or death
could result.

Gas Supply

The branch gas supply line to the water
heater should be clean 1/2 black steel
pipe or other approved gas piping
material.
A ground joint union or ANSI design
certified semi-rigid or flexible gas
appliance connector should be installed
in the gas line close to the water heater.
A manual gas shut-off valve should be at
least 5 ft. above the floor and readily
accessible.
Compound used on the threaded joints
of the gas piping must be of the type
resistant to the action of LP gas. Use
compound sparingly on male threads only.
Leak Testing
The water heater and its gas
connections must be leak tested at
normal operating pressures before
it is placed in operation.
Turn on the manual gas shut-off
valve near the water heater.
Use a soapy water solution to test
for leaks at all connections and
fittings. Bubbles indicate a gas leak
that must be corrected.
Pressure Testing the Gas Supply System
The water heater and its manual gas
shut-off valve must be disconnected
from the gas supply piping system
during any high pressure testing of
that system at pressures in excess
of 1/2 psi (14 w.c.).
High Altitude...
Ratings of gas appliances are based
on sea level operation and need not be
changed for installations at elevations
up to 2,000 feet.
A sediment trap should be installed at
the bottom of the gas line.
Do not use excessive force (over 31.5 ft
lbs.) in tightening the pipe joint at the
thermostat inlet, particularly if teflon
pipe compound is used, as the valve
body may be damaged.
The inlet gas pressure to the water
heater must not exceed 14 w.c. for
natural or LP gas. For purposes of input
adjustment, the minimum inlet gas
pressure (with main burner on) is shown
on the water heater rating plate. If high
or low gas pressures are present, contact
your gas supplier for correction.
The factory connections to the
thermostat should also be leak tested
after the water heater is placed in
operation.
The water heater must be isolated from
the gas piping system by closing the
manual gas shut-off valve during any
pressure testing of the gas supply piping.
For installations above 2,000 feet, the
input must be reduced per the National
Fuel Gas Code for each 1,000 feet above
sea level. Contact the local gas supplier
for more information.
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