6
C. Water Chemistry Requirements
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
Part 3 - Piping
A. Plumbing
It is mandatory that all plumbing be done in accordance with
federal, local, and state plumbing codes and practices. Failure to
properly install the water heater WILL VOID the warranty. It is also
necessary to use both thread tape and pipe dope on all mechanical
plumbing connections.
When filling the water heater, open a hot water tap to release air in
the tank and piping. Failure to do so could lead to improper water
heater operation and damage to components.
B. Boiler Connections
Use two wrenches when tightening water piping at the heater.
Use one wrench to prevent the heater return or supply line from
turning. Failure to prevent piping connections from turning could
cause damage to water heater components.
Use a 1” nominal minimum pipe size when piping with zone valves
or circulators.
On the water heater, the boiler supply connects to the outlet of the
circulator. The circulator inlet is to be connected to the hot outlet
side of the boiler. Be sure that the arrow on the circulator is facing
the correct flow direction. (See pressure drop sizing for circulator,
this manual.) On the tank, the boiler return connects to the return
side of the boiler. The return(s) from heating loop(s) should have
a flow check or swing check valve installed before the return pipe
from the tank.
Steam boiler applications:
Use only with Peerless Series 63
TM
or Series 64
TM
steam boilers,
which include tappings for the application. See also Series 63
TM
and
Series 64
TM
installation manual for special installation and operation
instructions.
In steam boiler applications, the tank supply must be connected to
the boiler well below the minimum water level. A strainer and drain
valve should be installed at the boiler for periodic draining of scale
and sludge.
• 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 affect.
*NOTE: To promote appliance service life, it is strongly
recommended to follow the maintenance procedures in this
manual.
• 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.
Banging and steam bound traps will occur if the boiler water
supplied to the heat exchanger has steam or is slightly above the
low water cut-off.
Tank performance is reduced in steam boiler applications.
