ECR International H20I60, Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Page: 9 / 24

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F. Water Quality
Improper water quality will reduce the expected life of the water heater. Hard water, sediment, high or low Ph, and high
levels of chlorides in the domestic water should be avoided. Sediment and hard water will eventually coat the heating coil
inside the water heater and reduce the rate of hot water production and may, eventually cause a failure. High or low Ph
and/or high chloride concentrations will cause corrosion and eventually failure. A filter is strongly recommended where
sediment is present in the water. A water softening system is recommended for areas with hard water.
In an area where the water quality is not known, a water quality test should be performed.
WARNING:
Do not operate the water heaters in areas where the Ph is above 8.0 or below 6.0, and/or with chloride concentrations
greater than 100 parts per million (ppm). ECR’s standard warranty does not cover problems caused by improper water Ph
or excessive levels of chlorides.
III. Piping
A. Domestic water piping. See Figure 1.
1.
Shut off the cold water supply at the main shutoff valve.
Open one or more faucets to relieve the pressure. Open the system drain, leaving the faucets open.
Drain the domestic water system.
2.
Position the water heater in the final location.
3.
Connect the cold water supply piping.
Install piping onto cold inlet connection.
Connect to cold water supply connection using a union, a heat trap, a shut-off valve, an expansion tank (where
required), a back flow preventer (where required), and a filter (recommended to prevent sediment buildup).
4.
Connect the domestic hot water piping.
Install piping on to hot water supply connection using a union, a heat trap, a vacuum breaker, and a shut-off
valve.
5.
Pipe relief valve discharge so discharge from valve will exit only within 6 inches above, or at any distance
below, the structural floor, and cannot contact any live electrical part. Discharge opening must not be blocked or
reduced in size under any circumstances. Refer to local codes.
6.
Fill the water heater tank.
Open all faucets to allow air to purge from the tank and piping. Remove screens on faucets.
Open domestic hot water shut-off valve.
Open cold water inlet shut-off valve.
Purge all of the air from the domestic water system. Allow water to run so the tank is completely purged of any
debris. Run the water long enough to change at least five tank volume changes. Close all faucets. Reinstall all of
the screens in the faucets.
Check the system for leaks. Repair as required using materials listed for potable water applications.