Commercial Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 11
INSTALLATION
Follow these steps for proper
installation:
Step 1:
✓
Verify the
plumbing system is
equipped and up-to-
date for
proper operation
Installing a new water heater is the
perfect time to examine the plumbing
system and make sure the system is up
to current code standards. There have
likely been plumbing code changes
since the old water heater was in
-
stalled. We recommend installing the
following accessories and making any
other needed changes to bring the in
-
stallation up to the latest code require
-
ments.
Use the checklist below and inspect the
installation. Install any devices you need
to comply with codes and assure that
your new water heater performs at its
best. Check with your local plumbing
official for more information.
✓
Water pressure
We recommend checking
the water pressure with a pressure
gauge (figure 4). Most codes allow a
maximum incoming water pressure
of 80 psi. We recommend a working
pressure no higher than 50-60 psi
(345-414 kPa).
HOW:
Purchase an inexpensive water
pressure gauge available at
local
plumbing supplier
. Connect the Water
Pressure Gauge to an outside faucet
and measure the maximum water
pressure experienced throughout the
day (highest water pressures often
occur at night).
Figure 4 -
Use a Water Pressure Gauge to make
sure the water pressure is not too high.
To limit the water pressure:
Locate the Pressure Reducing Valve
(PRV) on the main incoming (cold)
water supply line and adjust the water
pressure control to between 50-60 psi
(345-414 kPa). If the property does not
have a Pressure Reducing Valve, install
a PRV on the main water supply line
and set it to between 50-60 psi (345-
414 kPa). Pressure Reducing Valves are
available at
local plumbing supplier
.
BACKGROUND:
Over the years, many
utilities have increased water supply
pressures so they can serve more
properties. In some areas, pressures
exceed 100 psi (689 kPa). High
water pressures can damage water
heaters, causing premature leaks. If
you have replaced toilet valves, had
a water heater leak, or had to repair
appliances connected to the plumbing
system, pay particular attention to the
water pressure. When purshasing a
PRV, make sure the PRV has a built-in
bypass.
✓
Water pressure
increase caused by
thermal expansion
Verify that you have a properly sized
Thermal Expansion Tank (figure 5). We
recommend installing an expansion
tank if the property does not have
one. Applicable local/provincial codes
may require a properly pressurized,
properly sized Thermal Expansion Tank
(see image on inside front cover).
Figure 5 -
A Thermal Expansion Tank helps
protect the plumbing system from pressure
spikes.
HOW:
Connect the Thermal Expansion
Tank (available at local plumbing
supplier
) to the cold water supply
line near the water heater. The
expansion tank contains a bladder
and an air charge. To work properly,
the Thermal Expansion Tank must be
sized according to the water heater’s
tank capacity and pressurized to match
the supply water pressure. Refer to
the installation instructions provided
with the Thermal Expansion Tank for
installation details.
INS
TALLA
TION
