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SECTION VI: GAS CONNECTIONS
WARNING
Connect this water heater only to the type of gas as shown on the rating plate. Use clean black iron
pipe or equivalent material approved by local codes and ordinances. Dirt and scale from the pipe
can enter the gas valve and cause it to malfunction. The inlet gas line must have at least a 3 in.
(7.62 cm) drip leg (sediment trap) installed as close to the water heater’s gas valve as possible. A
ground joint union must be installed in the gas supply line, as close to the water heater as possible,
to permit servicing of the water heater. Compounds used on the threaded joints of the gas piping
must be resistant to the action of liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas. DO NOT apply pipe dope
to the gas valve inlet, and make certain that no pipe dope has become lodged in the inlet screen of
the gas valve. Extreme care must be taken to ensure no pipe dope enters the gas valve and to
avoid excessive torque when tightening the gas supply line to the gas valve. Excessive torque may
result in cracking of the gas valve housing. The suggested maximum torque is 31.5 ft-lbs. (4.4 kg-
m). The manufacturer of this water heater will not be liable for any damage or injury caused as a
result of a cracked gas inlet as a result of excessive torque.
This water heater and its gas connection must be leak tested before placing the water heater in
operation. Check for gas leaks with a soap and water solution and a brush or a commercial leak
detector fluid. NEVER USE A MATCH OR OPEN FLAME FOR TESTING!
The water heater is not intended for operation at higher than 10.5 inches water column for natural
gas or 13.5 inches water column for L.P. supply gas pressure. Higher gas supply pressures require
supplemental reducing service regulation. Exposure to higher gas supply pressure may cause
damage to the gas controls, which could result in fire or explosion. If overpressure has occurred,
such as through improper testing of gas lines or emergency malfunction of the supply system, the
gas valve must be checked for safe operation. Make sure that the outside vents on the supply
regulators and the safety vent valves are protected against blockage. These are parts of the gas
supply system, not the water heater.
WARNING
Conversion of this unit from natural gas to L.P. or L.P. to natural gas CANNOT be done in the field.
If the gas supply does not match the type shown on the water heater rating plate, then contact your
supplier for the proper water heater for the building gas supply.
CAUTION
The water heater and individual shut-off valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping
system during any pressure testing of the system at test pressures in excess of ½ psi (3.5 kPa).
The water heater must be isolated from the gas supply piping system by closing its manual shutoff
valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply system at test pressures equal to or less than ½
psi (3.5 kPa). The supply line must be capped when not connected to the water heater.
If copper supply lines are used, they must be internally tinned and certified for gas service.
The gas supply lines must meet all requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1-Latest
Edition, or in Canada Natural Gas Installation Code CAN/CGA B149.1-Latest Edition or Propane
Installation Code CAN/CGA B149.2-Latest Edition. The gas supply line may need to be larger for
EverHot water heaters than a storage water heater in the case of a replacement installation. Refer to
the piping capacity tables at the end of Section VI, “Gas Connections” and in the codes referenced above.
A 3 in. (7.6 cm) drip leg (sediment trap) is required ahead of the gas inlet connection to the water heater.
Install a manual gas shut-off valve before the gas inlet connection to the water heater before connecting
to the gas line. A union should be installed before the water heater gas connection for disconnection for
servicing.