American Water Heater 50-60K BTU, 40-42K BTU Water System Piping, Piping Installation

WATER SYSTEM PIPING

Piping Installation

Piping, fittings, and valves should be installed according to the installation drawing (Figure 8). If the indoor installation area is subject to freezing temperatures, the water piping must be protected by insulation.

Water supply pressure should not exceed 80 psi. If this occurs a pressure limiting valve with a bypass may need to be installed in the cold water inlet line. This should be placed on the supply to the entire house in order to maintain equal hot and cold water pressures.

IMPORTANT: Heat cannot be applied to the water fittings on the heater as they may contain nonmetallic parts. If solder connections are used, solder the pipe to the adapter before attaching the adapter to the hot and cold water fittings.

IMPORTANT: Always use a good grade of joint compound and be certain that all fittings are drawn up tight.

1.Install the water piping and fittings as shown in Figure 8. Connect the cold water supply (3/4” NPT) to the fitting marked “C”. Connect the hot water supply (3/4” NPT) to the fitting marked “H”. IMPORTANT: Some models may contain energy saving heat traps to prevent the circulation of hot water within the pipes. Do not remove the inserts within the heat traps.

2.The installation of unions in both the hot and cold water supply lines is recommended for ease of removing the water heater for service or replacement.

3.The manufacturer of this water heater recommends installing a tempering valve or an anti-scald device in the domestic hot water line as shown in Figure 9. These valves reduce the point of use temperature of the water by mixing cold and hot water and are readily available for use. Point of use devices for reducing scald hazards that attach to faucets and shower heads are also available from plumbing supply houses. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

4.If installing the water heater in a closed water system, install an expansion tank in the cold water line as specified under “Closed System/Thermal Expansion”.

5.Install a shut-off valve in the cold water inlet line. It should be located close to the water heater and be easily accessible. Know the location of this valve and how to shut off the water to the heater.

6.A temperature and pressure relief valve must be installed in the opening marked “Temperature and Pressure (T & P) Relief Valve” on the water heater. Add a discharge line to the opening of the T & P relief valve. Follow the instructions under Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve”.

FIGURE 8

Typical Water Piping Installation

FIGURE 9	Cold
Typical Tempering
Valve Installation	Water
	Inlet
Tempering Valve
(set to 120°F
or lower)
	Tempered Water
	to fixtures

Please note the following:

•The system should be installed only with piping that is suitable for potable (drinkable) water such as copper, CPVC, or polybutylene. This water heater must not be installed using iron piping or PVC water piping.

•Use only pumps, valves, or fittings that are compatible with potable water.

•Use only full flow ball or gate valves. The use of valves that may cause excessive restriction to water flow is not recommended.

•Use only 95/5 tin-antimony or other equivalent solder. Any lead based solder must not be used.

•Piping that has been treated with chromates, boiler seal, or other chemicals must not be used.

•Chemicals that may contaminate the potable water supply must not be added to the piping system.

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