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Installing the water heater.

This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association, 1515
Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209 as booklet Z223.1 or National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA No. 54.

Location

The water heater should not be located in
an area where leakage of the tank or
connections will result in damage to the
area adjacent to it or to lower floors of
the structure. 

When such areas cannot be avoided it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, must be installed
under the water heater.

The pan must not restrict combustion air
flow to the bottom of the water heater.

Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.

A gas fired water heater should not be
installed in a space where liquids which
give off flammable vapors are to be used
or stored. Such liquids include gasoline, LP
gas (butane and propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents 
or removers.

Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance from
where their liquids are being used or
stored. The open flame of the water
heater’s pilot light or main burner can
ignite these vapors causing an explosion
or fire which may result in severe burns,
death or property damage. 

For these reasons installation of a gas fired
water heater in a garage is not desirable.

Raising the gas fired water heater will
reduce, but not eliminate, the possibility
of lighting the vapor of any flammable
liquids which may be improperly stored or
accidentally spilled.

Stand kits to raise the water heater 18

above the floor are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor. These kits
must comply with local codes.

The water heater must be located so it is
not subject to physical damage, for example,
by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc. 

The water heater should be installed as
close as practical to the gas vent or
chimney. 

Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy. 

The water heater and water lines
should be protected from exposure 
to freezing temperatures.

Do not

install the water heater in

bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
outdoor unprotected areas.

Minimum clearance from combustible
construction is 1

sides and rear; 3

from front of control; 12

from the top.

If the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning Label, located on
the front of the heater differ, install
the water heater according to the
clearances stated on the label.

The water heater may be installed on
combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal or
wood panel beneath the water heater,
extending beyond its full width and
depth at least 3

in all directions.

If the water heater is installed in an
alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel. A
minimum of 24

clearance from the

front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.

If flexible connectors are used, the
maximum length shall not exceed 36”.

If lever type gas shut-offs are used,
they shall be T-Handle type.

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform 
to local codes.

Max.

2

Diameter of

water heater

plus 2

min.

7

Safety Instructions

Installation Instructions

Operating Instructions

Care and Cleaning

T

roubleshooting Tips

Customer Service

WARNING: If a location in

a garage is the only
alternative, the gas water
heater should be installed
so that the open flame of
the pilot and main burner
are no less than 18

above

the garage floor, unless
specifically exempted from
this by local code, rule,
regulation or custom. 

WARNING: Combustible

construction refers to
adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be confused
with combustible or
flammable products and
materials. Combustible
and/or flammable products
and materials should never
be stored in the vicinity of
this or any gas appliance.

Summary of Contents for GG Series

Page 1: ...nal injury or death Model GG Series The purpose of this manual is twofold one to provide the installer with basic directions and recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater and two for the owner operator to explain the features operation safety precautions maintenance and trouble shooting of the water heater This manual includes a parts list It is imperative that...

Page 2: ...m on a label on the appliance Staple sales slip or cancelled check here Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty IMPORTANT Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is in the back of this manual If you do need service you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away For service call 800 431 1549 IF YOU NEED SERVICE Your safety and...

Page 3: ...THE WATER HEATER Gasoline as well as other flammable materials and liquids adhesives solvents etc and the vapors they produce are extremely dangerous Do not handle use or store gasoline or other flammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater Be sure to read and follow the warning label pictured below and other labels on the water heater as well as the warning...

Page 4: ...GER Hotter water increases the Potential for Hot Water SCALDS D A N G E R HOT Water temperature over 125 F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds Children disabled and elderly are at highest risk of being scalded See instruction manual before setting temperature at water heater Feel water before bathing or showering Temperature limiting valves are available see manual BURN DANGER WA...

Page 5: ...ted by federal state and or local laws rules regulations or customs LP gas must be used with great caution It is heavier than air and will collect first in lower areas making it hard to detect at nose level Before attempting to light the water heater make sure to look and smell for gas leaks Use a soapy solution to check all gas fittings and connections Bubbling at a connection indicates a leak th...

Page 6: ...ed to a qualified technician SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING WARNING For your safety the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion electric shock or to prevent property damage personal injury or loss of life FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA California Law requires that residential water heate...

Page 7: ...kits must comply with local codes The water heater must be located so it is not subject to physical damage for example by moving vehicles area flooding etc The water heater should be installed as close as practical to the gas vent or chimney Long hot water lines should be insulated to conserve water and energy The water heater and water lines should be protected from exposure to freezing temperatu...

Page 8: ...ombustion and ventilation air supplied from outdoors or a freely ventilated attic or crawl space If air is supplied from outdoors directly or through vertical ducts there must be two openings located as specified above and each must have a minimum net free area of not less than one square inch per 4000 BTUH of the total input rating of all the appliances in the enclosure If horizontal ducts are us...

Page 9: ...ushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available Contact your installing contractor water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject 9 Safety Instructions Installation Instruc...

Page 10: ...end of the discharge line should not be threaded or concealed and should be protected from freezing No valve of any type restriction or reducer coupling should be installed in the discharge line To Fill the Water Heater Make certain that drain valve is closed then open the shut off valve in the cold water supply line Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the water heater ...

Page 11: ...esting 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 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 Gas Supply The branch...

Page 12: ...d energy saving devices may shorten the life of the water heater and may endanger life and property The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for such loss or injury resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices CAUTION If local codes require the application of an external insulation blanket to this water heater pay careful attention to the following so as not to restrict the proper func...

Page 13: ...ements Heat Traps For increased energy efficiency some water heaters have been supplied with factory installed 3 4 NPT heat traps in the hot outlet line and cold water inlet line These heat traps may require a minimum of one 1 90 3 4 NPT elbow and may require an additional 90 3 4 NPT elbow or a 3 4 coupling depending on your installation needs See illustration of nipples and heat traps on page 25 ...

Page 14: ...c clear of the base of the heater Gas Supply Gas line equipped with shut off valve union and sediment trap Approved pipe joint compound used Soap and water solution used to check all connections and fittings for possible gas leak Gas Company inspected installation if required Relief Valve Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve properly installed and discharge line run to open drain Discharge line p...

Page 15: ...al and take precedent over these instructions Tee fitting for vertical hot water supply lines Combination Potable and Space Heating Application Tee fitting must be installed as shown This insures that any air in the water lines will be purged through the domestic water faucets and showers WARNING When this system requires water for space heating at elevated temperatures above 125 F a mixing or tem...

Page 16: ...gs printed in this manual Failure to do so can result in unsafe operation of the water heater resulting in property damage bodily injury or death Should you have any problems reading or following the instructions in this manual STOP and get help from a qualified person Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions 16 ...

Page 17: ...l Failure to do so can result in unsafe operation of the water heater resulting in property damage bodily injury or death Should you have any problems reading or following the instructions in this manual STOP and get help from a qualified person STRIKER STRIKER Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service This option i...

Page 18: ...s must be used open doors and windows for ventilation and all gas burning appliances in the vicinity should be shut off including their pilot lights to avoid vapors lighting NOTICE Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from surrounding areas to the water heater If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning section it is recomme...

Page 19: ...e sure to read and follow the warnings outlined in this manual and on the label on the water heater This label is located on the water heater near the gas control thermostat access panel Mixing valves are available for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information The cha...

Page 20: ...ways supervise young children or others who are incapacitated The gas control thermostat is constructed with a built in safety shut off device designed to shut off the gas supply to the burner if the pilot flame is extinguished for any reason The gas control thermostat is also equipped with a single use gas shut off device that will shut off the gas supply to the burner if the water heater exceeds...

Page 21: ...the water It is therefore not uncommon for hard water deposits to accumulate in the bottom of the tank If allowed to accumulate these solids can cover the gas control thermostat sensors causing the sensors to operate erratically Because accumulated solids can prevent the gas control thermostat sensors from accurately reading the water temperature the water at the fixture can be hotter than the gas...

Page 22: ...performed only by qualified service personnel Figure A Main burner and pilot flame pattern Cast iron burner Figure B Main burner and pilot flame pattern Sheet metal burner Care and cleaning of the water heater Vacation and Extended Shut Down If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended period of time the power and water to the appliance should be turned off to conserve energy and prevent ...

Page 23: ...ection of this the pilot correctly positioned manual Pilot orifice clogged The pilot should be cleaned or replaced by a qualified service technician Pilot tube pinched or The pilot should be cleaned repaired or replaced by a clogged qualified service technician Air in gas line Contact a qualified service technician to purge the air from the gas line Pilot does not stay Loose thermocouple The conne...

Page 24: ...it for the water heater to recover after an abnormal no hot water exceeded the capacity demand of the water heater Low gas pressure Check gas supply pressure and manifold pressure The pilot may be out Check the pilot If necessary relight using the instructions in the Lighting the water heater section of this manual The gas control thermostat See the Temperature regulation of the water heater may b...

Page 25: ...sonnel Draft hood Drain valve shroud Burner supply tube Inner door Flue baffle hanger Anode rod Flue baffle collar Flue baffle Dip tube Dip tube gasket Pilot supply tube Thermocouple Piezo Ignitor Striker Wire Mounting Bracket Piezo Ignitor Striker Temperature and pressure relief valve Drain valve Gas Control Thermostat Burner Pilot burner Jacket door Burner Burner orifice Pilot Burner Thermocoupl...

Page 26: ...ontacting the manufacturer the following information will be requested Model and serial number of the water heater as shown on the rating plate attached to the jacket of the heater Address where the water heater is located and physical location Name and address of installer and any service agency who performed service on the water heater Date of original installation and dates any service work was...

Page 27: ...27 Rheem Manufacturing Company Warranty Registration Department P O Box 34070 Louisville KY 40232 4070 Please place in envelope and mail to Cut here Cut here ...

Page 28: ... Mr Ms Mrs Miss Street Address City State Date Placed In Use Month Day Year Zip Code Apt Last Name Phone Number _ _ Complete and mail this Consumer Product Ownership Registration today After mailing the registration below store this document in a safe place It contains information you will need should you require service Read your Owner s Manual carefully It will help you operate your new applianc...

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