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GAS-FIRED HEATER Installation Manual
PART 11. START-UP PREPARATION
A. CHECK/CONTROL WATER CHEMISTRY
Water pH between 6.0 and 8.0
1. Maintain heater water pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Check with litmus paper or have chemically
analyzed by water treatment company.
2. If pH differs from above, consult local water
treatment company for treatment needed.
Hardness less than 7 grains.
1. Consult local water treatment companies for
unusually hard water areas (above 7 grains
hardness).
Chlorine concentration less than 200 ppm
1. Filling with chlorinated fresh water should be
acceptable since drinking water chlorine
levels are typically less than 5 ppm.
2. Do not use the heater to directly heat
swimming pool or spa water.
3. Do not fill heater or operate with water
containing chlorine in excess of 200 ppm.
Clean system to remove sediment
1. You must thoroughly flush the system
(without heater connected) to remove
sediment. The high-efficiency heat exchanger
can be damaged by buildup or corrosion due
to sediment.
2. For zoned systems, flush each zone sepa-
rately through a purge valve. (If purge valves
and isolation valves are not already installed,
install them to properly clean the system.)
3. Flush system until water runs clean and you
are sure piping is free of sediment.
Test/replace freeze protection fluid
1. For systems using freeze protection fluids,
follow fluid manufacturer’s instructions to
verify inhibitor level and that other fluid
characteristics are satisfactory.
2. Freeze protection fluid must be replaced period-
ically due to degradation of inhibitors over time.
Follow all fluid manufacturer’s instructions.
B. FREEZE PROTECTION (WHEN USED)
1. Determine freeze protection fluid quantity
using total system water content, following
fluid manufacturer’s instructions. Remember
to include expansion tank water content.
2. Local codes may require back flow preventer
or actual disconnect from city water supply.
3. When using freeze protection fluid with
automatic fill, install a water meter to monitor
water makeup. Freeze protection fluid may
leak before the water begins to leak, causing
concentration to drop, reducing the freeze
protection level.
C. FILL AND TEST WATER SYSTEM
1. Fill system only after ensuring the water
meets the requirements of this manual.
2. Close manual and automatic air vents and
heater drain valve.
3. Fill to correct system pressure. Correct
pressure will vary with each application.
a. Typical cold water fill pressure for a
residential system is 12 psi.
b. Pressure will rise when heater is turned
on and system water temperature
increases. Operating pressure must
never exceed 25 psig.
4. At initial fill and during heater startup and
testing, check system thoroughly for any leaks.
Repair all leaks before proceeding further.
WARNING
NEVER use automotive or standard glycol
antifreeze, even ethylene glycol made for
hydronic systems. Use only freeze-prevention
fluids certified by fluid manufacturer as suitable
for use with stainless steel heaters, verified in
fluid manufacturer’s literature.
Throroughly clean and flush any system that
has has used glycol before installing the new
Contender Contender Heater.
Provide Munchkin Contender Heater owner
with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) on the
fluid used.
WARNING
Do not use petroleum-based cleaning or sealing
compounds in heater system. Damage to
elastomer seals and gaskets in system could
occur, resulting in substantial property damage.