WARNING: Do not attempt to convert this water heater for use with a different type of gas other than the type shown on the rating plate. Such conversion could result in hazardous operating conditions.
Gas Supply
The supplied Manual Gas Appliance Shutoff Valve must be installed at the gas connection of the water heater at the time of installation (see diagram to the left).
The branch gas supply line to the water heater should be clean 3/4 
black steel pipe or other approved gas piping material.
A ground joint union or ANSI design certified
If flexible connectors are used, the maximum length shall not exceed 36 
.
If lever type gas shut offs are used, they shall be
Compound used on the threaded joints of the gas piping must be of the type resistant to the action of LP gas. Use compound sparingly on male threads only.
A sediment trap should be installed at the bottom of the gas line.
Do not use excessive force (over 31.5 ft lbs.) in tightening the pipe, particularly if teflon pipe compound is used, as the unit may be damaged.
The inlet gas pressure to the water heater must not exceed 10.5 
w.c. for natural or 14 
wc for LP gas. For purposes of input adjustment, the minimum inlet gas pressure (with main burner on) is shown on the water heater rating plate. If high or low gas pressures are present, contact your gas supplier for correction.
WARNING: Never use an open flame to test for gas leaks, as property damage, personal injury, or death could result.
Leak Testing
The water heater and its gas connections must be leak tested at normal operating pressures before it is placed in operation.
Turn on the gas
Use a soapy water solution to test for leaks at all connections and fittings. Bubbles indicate a gas leak that must be corrected.
The factory connections should also be leak tested after the water heater is placed in operation.
WARNING: Install a gas pressure regulator, in the gas supply line, which does not exceed the maximum supply pressure.
DO NOT use an industrial type gas regulator.
Pressure Testing the Gas Supply System
The water heater and its manual gas shutoff | The water heater must be isolated from |
valve must be disconnected from the | the gas piping system by closing the |
gas supply piping system during any | manual gas |
pressure testing of the system at | pressure testing of the gas supply |
pressures in excess of 1/2 psi (14 w.c.). | piping at pressures equal to or less than |
| 1/2 psi (14 w.c.) . |
High Altitude
Ratings of gas appliances are based on sea level operation and need not be changed for installations at elevations up to 3,000 feet.
NOTICE: For installations above 3,280 feet, the connector on the PC board must be replaced for High Altitude installations. Please contact your local distributor, dealer, or Rheem for replacement connector.
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