Page 193 - 8170 Money Builder Binder for Owner_Neat

INSTALLATION

Follow these steps for proper ᅚ Water pressure
installaƟ on:
increase caused by
Step 1: thermal expansion

ᅚ Verify that your Verify that you have a properly sized

home is equipped Thermal Expansion Tank (Figure 5). We
recommend installing an expansion
and up-to-date for tank if your home does not have one.
proper operaƟ on Figure 4 -ര Use a Water Pressure Gauge to Codes require a properly pressurized,

make sure your home’s water pressure is properly sized Thermal Expansion Tank
Installing a new water heater is the not too high. in almost all homes. (See photo on
perfect Ɵ me to examine your home’s To limit your home’s water pressure: inside front cover.)
plumbing system and make sure the Locate your home’s Pressure Reduc-
system is up to current code standards. ing Valve (PRV) on the main incoming
There have likely been plumbing code (cold) water supply line and adjust the
changes since the old water heater was water pressure control to between 50
installed. We recommend installing the and 60 psi. If your home does not have
following accessories and any other a Pressure Reducing Valve, install a
needed changes to bring your home up PRV on the home’s main water supply
to the latest code requirements. line and set it to between 50 and 60
psi. Pressure Reducing Valves are avail-
Use the checklist below and inspect able at your local plumbing supplier .
your home. Install any devices you need INSTALLATION
to comply with codes and assure that BACKGROUND: Over the years, many
your new water heater performs at its uƟ liƟ es have increased water sup-
Figure 5 -ര A Thermal Expansion Tank helps
best. Check with your local plumbing ply pressures so they can serve more protect the home’s plumbing system from
oĸ cial for more informaƟ on. homes. In some homes today, pres- pressure spikes.
ᅚ Water pressure sures exceed 100 psi. High water HOW: Connect the Thermal Expansion
Tank (available at your local plumbing
pressures can damage water heaters,
We recommend checking your causing premature leaks. If you have supplier ) to the cold water supply line
home’s water pressure with a pressure replaced toilet valves, had a water near the water heater. The expansion
gauge (Figure 4.) Most codes allow a heater leak, or had to repair applianc- tank contains a bladder and an air
maximum incoming water pressure of es connected to the plumbing system, charge. To work properly, the Thermal
80 psi. We recommend a working pres- pay parƟ cular aƩ enƟ on to your home’s Expansion Tank must be sized accord-
sure no higher than 50-60 psi. water pressure. When purchasing a ing to the water heater’s tank capacity
PRV, make sure the PRV has a built-in and pressurized to match the home’s
HOW: Purchase an inexpensive water
bypass. incoming water pressure. Refer to the
pressure gauge available at your local
installaƟ on instrucƟ ons provided with
plumbing supplier . Connect the Water
the Thermal Expansion Tank for instal-
Pressure Gauge to an outside faucet
laƟ on details.
and measure the maximum water
pressure experienced throughout the
day (highest water pressures oŌ en oc-
cur at night).

ResidenƟ al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 7