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14
WATER PIPING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD:
Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to
a temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing,
dish washing, cleaning and other sanitizing needs can scald and
permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely
to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These include
the elderly, children, the infi rm, or physically/mentally handicapped.
If anyone using hot water in your home fi ts into one of these groups
or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature
water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In
addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfi es
your hot water needs, a means such as a *mixing valve should be
used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater,
see Figure 2. Valves for reducing point of use temperature by mixing
cold and hot water are also available. Consult a Qualifi ed Installer or
Service Agency. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation
of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat,
read the “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.
This water heater shall not be connected to any heating systems or
component(s) used with a non-potable water heating appliance.
Toxic chemicals, such as those used for boiler treatment shall not
be introduced into this system.
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among
others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves,
check valves, back fl ow preventers, etc. to control these types of
problems. When these devices are not equipped with an internal
by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the devices cause the
water system to be closed. As water is heated, it expands (thermal
expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the expansion of
heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated and
increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point
of the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached,
the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The temperature-
pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of
thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must
be corrected.
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create a
closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an expansion
tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal expansion in the water
system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering through a local
plumbing contractor. Contact the local water supplier and/or a service
agency for assistance in controlling these situations.
NOTE: To protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold
water fi ttings, it is strongly recommended that di-electric unions
or couplings be installed on this water heater when connected
to copper pipe.
Figure 24 shows the typical attachment of the water piping to the
water heater. The water heater is equipped with 3/4 inch NPT water
connections.
FIGURE 24.
T & P VALVE AND PIPE INSULATION
1. Locate the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water
heater (also known as a T&P relief valve). See Figure 25.
2. Locate the slit running the length of the T&P relief valve
insulation.
3. Spread the slit open and fi t the insulation over the T&P relief
valve. See Figure 25. Apply gentle pressure to the insulation
to ensure that it is fully seated on the T&P Relief Valve. Once
seated, secure the insulation with duct tape. IMPORTANT: The
insulation or tape should not block or cover the T&P relief valve
drain opening. Also, the insulation or tape should not block or
hinder access to the manual relief lever (Figure 25).
4. Locate the hot water (outlet) & cold water (inlet) pipes to the
water heater.
5. Locate the slit running the length of a section of pipe insulation.
6. Spread the slit open and slip the insulation over the cold water
(inlet) pipe. Apply gentle pressure along the length of the
insulation to ensure that it is fully seated around the pipe. Also,
ensure that the base of the insulation is fl ush with the water heater.
Once seated, secure the insulation with duct tape.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the hot water (outlet) pipe.
8. Add additional sections of pipe insulation as needed.