or external to the building. In cold climates, it is recommended that the discharge pipe be terminated at an adequate drain inside the building.

• Shall not have any valve between the relief valve and tank.

When installing the temperature-pressure relief valve, use two or three turns of teflon tape or other suitable thread sealer around the threaded end of the valve.

Figure 2

The temperature-pressure relief valve should be manually opened once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that

(1)no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged will not cause any bodily injury or property damage because the water may be extremely hot.

If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.

If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps this may be due to thermal expansion. The water supply serving this solar water heater may have a check valve installed. Contact the water supplier or local plumbing contractor on how to control this situation. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief valve.

CLOSED SYSTEM/THERMAL EXPANSION

As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system, the volume of water will grow. As the volume of water grows, there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent temperature- pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up. The temperature- pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This condition is not covered under the limited warranty.

A properly-sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion. Contact a plumbing service agency or your retail supplier regarding the installation of a thermal expansion tank..

LOCATING THE SOLAR WATER HEATER

If you have a choice of where to install the solar water heater, these ideas may help you decide.

1.Put the solar water heater indoors as close as possible to where you use the most hot water. This water heater

is not intended for outdoor installation.

2.It is handy to have a floor drain, tub or sink nearby. That will make it easy to drain water from the water heater. It is also a good place to end the drain line of the temperature-pressure relief (T & P) valve.

3.The solar water heater or the pipes and the connections may, in time, leak. Put the solar water heater in a place where a water leak will not damage anything.

4.You must not put the water heater in an area where it might freeze You must turn off the electricity to the water heater before you drain it, to protect the heating elements.

5.Make sure that you are able to reach the drain valve and all access panels when the water heater is in place. This will make it easy to service the water heater.

6.The water heater must be level before you begin the piping.

WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK. The installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause damage to the area adjoining the water heater or to lower floors of the structure. When such locations can’t be avoided, a suitable metal drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Such a pan should be no greater than 1 1/2 inches deep, have a minimum length and width of at least two inches greater than the heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain.

This solar water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provisions where water flow will cause damage. Note: normal condensation from a solar water heater may appear to be a leaking tank.

WATER PIPING

This solar water heater is design certified to be used with a potable water system. When connecting water piping with solder joints use only lead free solder.

The indirect coil in this unit is a single wall and may only be used in a closed loop - fill only with a mixture of propylene glycol containing corrosion inhibitors (such as Dowfrost™ HD) (50% by volume maximum) and distilled or de-mineralized water. Never fill with a toxic liquid. Use of any heat transfer fluid other than that specified or failure to operate the heat exchanger in a closed loop will void the warranty, and may result in poor performance, equipment damage, or risk to health and safety.

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American Water Heater 318281-000 Closed SYSTEM/THERMAL Expansion, Locating the Solar Water Heater, Water Piping
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318281-000 specifications

The American Water Heater 318281-000 is a highly regarded product in the realm of residential water heating, providing a perfect blend of efficiency, reliability, and advanced technology. Designed to deliver hot water conveniently and effectively, this model is suitable for various home sizes and needs.

One of the standout features of the 318281-000 is its energy efficiency. This water heater is built to comply with stringent energy regulations, helping households reduce their utility costs without compromising on performance. It typically features a high Energy Factor (EF) rating, indicating more efficient energy use for heating water. This technology not only helps in saving on energy bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of the home.

The 318281-000 employs advanced insulation techniques that minimize heat loss, ensuring that hot water is readily available whenever needed. Its design often includes a high-quality tank with foam insulation, providing better retention of heat and, consequently, more hot water availability.

Moreover, the water heater showcases a robust build quality, often incorporating a glass-lined tank for enhanced durability and protection against corrosion. This feature extends the life of the unit and reduces the need for frequent maintenance. In addition, a sacrificial anode rod is typically included to further prevent rust and enhance tank longevity.

The installation of the American Water Heater 318281-000 is designed to be user-friendly, with flexible venting options and straightforward plumbing requirements. Many models come ready for either natural gas or propane configurations, providing homeowners with choices that suit their specific needs.

Another appealing aspect of this water heater is the availability of modern safety features. It generally includes a pressure relief valve and a temperature dial, making it easier for users to manage and maintain safe operation levels.

In conclusion, the American Water Heater 318281-000 stands out in the crowded water heating market by marrying high efficiency, advanced technology, and user-centered design. Its ability to provide a consistent hot water supply while being environmentally friendly makes it an attractive option for homes looking to upgrade or replace their existing water heating systems. With its blend of durability and smart features, this model is indeed a wise investment for those seeking longevity and efficiency in their home hot water solutions.
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