ahl-631 Revision Date 2.14.22
5
Figure 1 - Recommended Service Clearances - NOTE: Overhead View
Not Representative of All Models
This water heater must not be located near flammable liquids
such as gasoline, butane, liquefied propane, adhesives, solvents,
paint thinners, etc., as the controls of this water heater could
ignite these vapors and cause an explosion resulting in property
damage, severe personal injury, or death.
4. If the water heater is to replace an existing water heater, check for
and correct any existing system problems such as:
• System leaks
• Location that could cause the system and water heater to
freeze and leak
• Incorrectly-sized expansion tank
5. This water heater must be installed vertical on a level surface.
C. Water Chemistry Requirements
Chemical imbalance of the water supply may affect efficiency and
cause severe damage to the appliance and associated equipment.
Water quality must be professionally analyzed to determine
whether it is necessary to treat the water. Various solutions are
available to adjust water quality. Adverse water quality will affect
the reliability of the system. In addition, operating temperatures
above 135
o
F will accelerate the build-up of lime scale and possibly
shorten appliance service life. Failure of an appliance due to
lime scale build-up, low pH, or other chemical imbalance IS NOT
covered by the warranty.
The water must be potable, free of corrosive chemicals, sand,
dirt, and other contaminates. It is up to the installer to ensure the
water does not contain corrosive chemicals or elements that can
damage the heat exchanger. Potable water is defined as drinkable
water supplied from utility or well water in compliance with EPA
secondary maximum contaminant levels (40 CFR Part 143.3). If
the water contains contaminants higher than outlined by the EPA,
water treatment is recommended and additional, more frequent
maintenance may be required.
If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any way,
discontinue use of the appliance and contact an authorized
technician or licensed professional.
• Water pH between 6.5 and 8.5
• pH levels below 6.5 can cause an increase in the rate of
corrosion. pH of 8.5 or higher can potentially cause lime
scale build-up
Failure of electric elements due to lime scale build-up on the heating
surface, low pH, or other imbalance IS NOT covered by the warranty.
• Maintain water pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Check with litmus
paper or have it chemically analyzed by a local water
treatment company.
• If the pH is not between 6.5 and 8.5, consult a local water
treatment company for solutions.
• Hardness less than 12 grains (200 mg/L) (Residential Use -
water temperatures below 140
o
F)
• Hardness levels above the required amounts can lead to lime
scale build-up throughout the system. Water below 5 grains/
gallon (85 mg/L) may be over softened.
• Consult local water treatment companies for unusually
hard water areas (above the required amounts) or for other
treatment solutions if water is being over softened (below 5
grains/gallon [85 mg/L]).
• Chloride concentration less than 100 ppm (mg/L)
• Do not fill appliance or operate with water containing
chlorides in excess of 100 ppm (mg/L).
• Using chlorinated fresh water should be acceptable as levels
are typically less than 5 ppm (mg/L).
• Do not connect the appliance to directly heat swimming
pool or spa water.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) less than 500 ppm (mg/L)
• Total dissolved solids are minerals, salts, metals, and charged
particles that are dissolved in water.
• The greater the amounts of TDS present, the higher the
corrosion potential due to increased conductivity in the
water.
• If using softened water to fill the appliance, it is still possible
to have high TDS. This water can be corrosive. Consult local
water treatment companies for other treatment solutions to
reduce this affect.
*NOTE:
To promote appliance service life, it is strongly recommended
to follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.
