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WATER SUPPLIES
38
Your Rheem water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most Australian
metropolitan supplies. However, there are some known water supplies which can have
detrimental effects on the water heater and its operation and/or life expectancy. If you are
unsure of your water quality, you can obtain information from your local water supply
authority.
ANODE
By using the correct colour coded anode this water heater can be used in areas where the
total dissolved solids (TDS) content in the water is up to 2500 mg/L. In areas where the
TDS exceeds 600 mg/L it is possible the black anode, which is the standard anode fitted to
the water heater, may be excessively active. To alleviate this, the black anode should be
replaced with one colour coded blue. Where the TDS of the water is less than 40 mg/L,
such as when the water has been deionised or is from an alpine supply, a high potential
anode, colour coded green, should be used. The changing of anodes must be carried out
by a plumber or authorised service person.
CAUTION
If your water supply has a TDS greater than 600 mg/L and the anode has not been
changed to a blue one, there is the possibility hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of
the water heater during long periods of no use.
If, under these conditions, the water heater has not been used for two or more weeks the
following procedure should be carried out before using any electrical appliances
(automatic washing machines and dishwashers) which are connected to the hot water
supply.
The hydrogen, which is highly flammable, should be vented safely by opening a hot tap
and allowing the water to flow. There should be no smoking or naked flame near the tap
whilst it is turned on. Any hydrogen gas will be dissipated. This is indicated by an unusual
spurting of the water from the tap. Once the water runs freely again, any hydrogen in the
system will have been released. In areas where this is likely to occur, the householder
should be instructed by the installer on how to dissipate the gas safely.
SATURATION INDEX
The saturation index is used as a measure of the water’s corrosive or scaling properties. In
a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is deposited out of the water onto any hot
metallic surface. When water has a saturation index greater than +0.40 an expansion
control valve* must be fitted on the cold water supply after the non-return valve and the
solar collectors should be covered when the water heater is not intended to be used for
extended periods.
Where the saturation index exceeds 0.80, a water softening device and a low watts density
element should be fitted. Where the saturation index is less than –1.0, a corrosion
resistant heating unit should be used (contact your nearest Rheem Service Department or
Accredited Service Agent).
* Refer to the cold water connection detail on page 21.
WATER HEATERS NOT INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ABOVE
ADVICE WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY.