14 Installing the Water Heater
3.1 Choosing an Installation
Location
When choosing an installation location, you must
ensure that the location provides adequate clearance
for the water heater, adequate venting and drainage
options, and sufficient access to gas, water, and
electrical supplies. Carefully consider the following
factors when choosing an installation location:
CAUTION
Review the entire installation information in this
manual before starting installation. Consider all
the requirements for venting, piping, and wiring.
WARNING
Do not install this water heater in a recreational
vehicle, trailer, boat or other vehicular type unit
as it will result in a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Hazard.
About Water Quality
Proper maintenance of the water heater is required
when water quality does not meet EPA standards.
Damage caused by poor water quality is not
covered under warranty. The following table shows
the maximum contaminant levels allowed, based
on the EPA National Secondary Drinking Water
Regulations (40 CFR Part 143.3). If you suspect that
your water is contaminated in any way, discontinue
use of the water heater and contact an authorized
technician or licensed professional.
Contaminant
Maximum Allowable Level
Total Hardness
Up to 200 mg/l (12 grains/gallon)
Aluminum
0.05 to 0.2 mg/l
Chloride
Up to 250 mg/l
Copper
Up to 1.0 mg/l
Iron
Up to 0.3 mg/l
Manganese
Up to 0.05 mg/l
pH
6.5 to 8.5
Sulfate
Up to 250 mg/l
Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS)
Up to 500 mg/l
Zinc
Up to 5 mg/l
Chlorine
Up to 4 mg/l
If your local water is hard, please review the
following recommended treatment and flushing
guidelines.
Hardness Level
Treatment
Method
Flush
Frequency*
Soft
0-4 grains/gal
(0-60 mg/L)
None
None
Moderately
Hard
4-7 grains/gal
(61-120 mg/L)
Water Softener**
or Navien
PeakFlow is
Recommended
Once/Year
Hard
7-9 grains/gal
(121-160 mg/L)
Residential:
Once/Year
Very Hard
9-12 grains/gal
(161-200 mg/L)
Water Softener**
or Navien
PeakFlow
is HIGHLY
Recommended
Extremely
Hard
>12 grains/gal
(200 mg/L)
Water Softener**
or Navien
PeakFlow is
Required
*
Flushing is recommended if a treatment device is
not installed.
This procedure should be performed
using white vinegar or solutions that are specifically
formulated for use on tankless water heaters. See Water
Heater Flush Procedures.
**Check local codes for any restrictions on use of water
softeners
Water Heater Flushing Procedures
CAUTION
Flushing the Heat Exchanger is a somewhat
complicated procedure. Read the following
instructions carefully before attempting this
procedure. If you are uncertain about any of the
steps in the procedure, contact an authorized
technician or licensed professional. Keep in
mind that improper maintenance can void your
warranty.
Refer to “Dimensions” on page 11 for details about
part locations.
Before flushing the Heat Exchanger, gather the
following items:
●
A bucket that is 5 gallons or larger
●
Cleaning solution diluted with water
●
3 hoses
●
A water circulation pump
3. Installing the Water Heater
