Page 30
SECTION IV: INSTALLATION
WATER CONNECTIONS
CAUTION
This water heater incorporates fittings that contain a nonmetallic lining. DO NOT apply
heat to these fittings when making sweat connections to the heater. Sweat tubing to
an adapter before securing adapter to any fittings on water heaters.
ALL PIPING SHOULD CONFORM TO LOCAL CODES AND ORDINANCES. It is highly
recommended that unions and shut-off valves are installed at the potable water connections
to allow for isolation and/or movement during service. All piping should be adequately
insulated with an approved material to minimize heat loss.
Piping diagrams are provided in Figures 24 - 27 for a variety of configurations.
POTABLE WATER CONNECTIONS
IMPORTANT: THE WATER HEATER MUST BE FILLED WITH WATER BEFORE
CONNECTING ELECTRIC POWER.
1) Close the main water supply valve before continuing with the installation. After the main
water supply is shut-off, relieve the water line pressure by opening a faucet. Once the pressure
has been relieved, close the faucet. The “Cold” and “Hot” potable water connections are
labeled on the water heater. Install a union and shut-off valve at both potable water
connections. A tempering valve or anti-scald valve should be installed at the potable water
outlet and used according to the manufacturer’s specifications to prevent scalding.
IMPORTANT: The water heater contains factory installed pipe nipples at the cold and hot
connections. These pipes were tightened to proper orientation at the factory. DO NOT ROTATE
THESE PIPES WHEN CONNECTING FITTINGS IN THE FIELD. The black indicator line on the
side of the hot outlet pipe nipple must be facing up. The black line on the side of the cold
inlet nipple must be facing to the right (in line with arrow on adjacent label). If orientation is
not correct there will be a reduction in water heater performance.
2) If a backflow preventer, check valve, or pressure regulating valve is required in the cold
water supply, a properly sized expansion tank must be installed to control thermal expansion.
Do not operate the water heater in a closed system without installing a thermal expansion
tank. Follow the expansion tank manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting a tank for
your system.
3) Following installation of the water lines, open the main water supply valve and fill the
water heater. Open several hot water faucets to relieve air from the system. After water is
flowing through the faucets and the system is void of air, close the faucets and check for water
leaks in the system.
Note:
Do not try to heat hard water as this will drastically reduce heater life. Install a water
softener or other scale reducing water treatment system if the water heater is being installed in
a hard water area (water hardness higher than seven grains).
NOTICE
If the water heating system incorporates a recirculation line that returns
water to the water heater at a temperature that exceeds 155°F, a
blocking or lockout error may occur.
