lp-441 Rev. 004 Rel. 000 Date 7.2.21
35
Part 9 - Start-Up Preparation
A. Check / Control Water Chemistry
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
• 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 less than 7 grains (120 mg/L) (Commercial Use
- water temperatures of 140
o
F and greater)
• 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 effect.
*NOTE:
To promote appliance service life, it is strongly recommended
to follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.
B. Check for Gas Leaks
Before starting the appliance, and during initial operation, smell near
the floor and around the appliance for gas odorant or any unusual
odor. Remove appliance front door and smell interior of appliance
enclosure. Do not proceed with startup if there is any indication of a
gas leak. Repair any leaks at once.
PROPANE ONLY – The propane supplier mixes an odorant with the
propane to make its presence detectable. In some instances the
odorant can fade, and the gas may no longer have an odor. Before
startup (and periodically thereafter), have the propane supplier verify
the correct odorant level in the gas.
If you discover any evidence of a gas leak shut down the appliance at
once. Find the leak source with a bubble test and repair immediately.
Do not start the appliance again until the leak is repaired. Failure to
comply could result in substantial property damage, severe personal
injury, or death.
Thoroughly clean and flush any system before installing the water
heater.
C. Fill and Test Water System
The water heater must be full of water and the system fully purged
BEFORE powering the water heater. When filling the water heater,
open a hot water tap to release air in the water heater and piping.
All air has been purged from the system when water runs freely from
the faucets.
Applying power to the water heater when it is not full of water will
damage the heat exchanger, and could result in property damage,
serious personal injury, or death. Such damages ARE NOT covered by
water heater warranty.
• Ensure any drain valves are completely closed.
• Open the shut-off valve in the cold water supply line.
• Open the hot water faucets to allow air to vent from the heater
and piping.
• Allow sufficient time for the heater to completely fill with
water.
D. Condensate Removal
1. The water heater is a high efficiency condensing water heater.
Therefore, the unit has a condensate drain. Condensate fluid is nothing
more than water vapor, derived from combustion products, similar to
that produced by an automobile when it is initially started.
Condensation is slightly acidic (typically with a pH of 3 to 5) and must
be piped with the correct materials. Never pipe the condensate using
steel, copper, brass or other materials that will be subject to corrosion.
Plastic PVC or CPVC pipe are the only approved materials.
A condensate neutralizer, if required by local authorities, can be made
up of lime crystals, marble or phosphate chips that will neutralize the
condensate. This may be done by the installer or you may purchase a
condensate neutralizer (7450P-212).
2. The water heater is equipped with a ¾ female socket weld fitting
connection that must be piped to a local drain. It is very important that
the condensate line is sloped downward away from the water heater
to a suitable inside drain. If the condensate outlet on the appliance
is lower than the drain, you must use a condensate removal pump
(554200). This pump is equipped with two leads that can be connected
