REGULAR CARE
11
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its
safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water
through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the
water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.
Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to
“Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running”
on page 16).
Warning:
Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line for
any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve
once every six months.
It is very important you raise and lower
the lever gently.
DANGER:
Failure to do this may result in the water heater
cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
Warning:
Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as
water discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the
drain line‟s point of discharge when operating the valve‟s lever.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is
lifted, then the water heater must be checked. Phone Rheem
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at
intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where
there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to
“Water Supplies”
on page 12).
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water areas, an expansion control
valve is fitted to the cold water line to the water heater. The expansion control valve may discharge a small
quantity of water from its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve
on the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six months.
It is very important you
raise and lower the lever gently.
The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of
water deposits.
COLLECTOR GLASS
Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may reduce the
effectiveness of the solar collectors. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the solar collectors
are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collectors are cool.
Have any trees trimmed which may shade the solar collectors.
Rheem solar collectors have passed the AS/NZS 2712 requirements for resistance to hailstone damage, so
it is not normally necessary to fit a guard to a collector. Stone Guards are available to provide a level of
protection to the collectors against vandalism or accidental damage. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for
details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
On a regular basis, inspect around the water heater for insect infestations, such as ants. Insects may look for
a warm place to nest, particularly in wet weather. Insects encroaching into or nesting in the water heater can
interfere with the operation of the water heater and also damage components. Spray insecticide around the
water heater if necessary to rid the area of insects.
water
heater
drain
line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line
–
lower gently
