Rheem PVR50-80 (NAT) User Manual

AP12668-5 (01/05)
FOR YOUR SAFETY!
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors or liquids or other
combustible materials in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance. To do so may result in an
explosion or fire.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
● Do not try to light any appliance.
● Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
● Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
● If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
● Do not return to your home until authorized
by the gas supplier or fire department.
— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury, or death . Refer to
this manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
!
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly,
a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.
!
The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the basic directions and
recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the
owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting
of the water heater. This manual also includes a parts list.
It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read the
instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not understand
these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional advice.
Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should be
directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the
section on “If you need service.”
Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future reference.
Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
!
!
Residential 30, 38, 40 and 50 Gallon
Use & Care Manual
With Installation Instructions for the Installer
Printed in USA
Water Heaters
Residential Gas
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Warning: This water heater is not
suitable for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!
!

Rheem PVR50-80 (NAT) Specifications

General

Fuel Type	Natural Gas
Capacity	50 Gallons
First Hour Rating	80 Gallons
Energy Factor	0.67
Diameter	22.25 inches
Weight	160 lbs
Warranty	6 years

Summary

Residential Gas Water Heaters

Residential 30, 38, 40 and 50 Gallon

Identifies the specific models covered by the manual.

FOR YOUR SAFETY!

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

Critical emergency procedure for gas leaks, detailing immediate actions.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

Safety Alert Symbols and Meanings

Explains the meaning of DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE symbols.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DANGER! INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT THE WATER HEATER

Critical instruction for installing draft hood and venting to prevent fire or CO.

WARNING! Flammable Vapors

Warning against storing or using flammable liquids near the water heater.

DANGER! WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Chart detailing scald risk based on water temperature and exposure time.

DANGER! LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP-PROPANE OR BUTANE) AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

Actions if a Gas Leak is Present or Suspected

Step-by-step emergency response for detecting and handling gas leaks.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Specific California legal requirements for water heater bracing and anchoring.

Installing the water heater

Location

Guidelines for choosing a safe and accessible location for the water heater.

Combustion and Ventilation Air

Requirements for air supply for proper combustion and ventilation.

Thermal Expansion

Explanation of thermal expansion and how to manage it in water systems.

Water Supply Connections

Instructions and diagrams for connecting water supply lines.

Relief Valve

Proper installation and requirements for the temperature and pressure relief valve.

Gas Supply

Details on gas supply line requirements, connections, and pressure.

Venting

Instructions for connecting the water heater to a vent or chimney.

Heat Trap

Information on heat traps for energy efficiency.

Installation Checklist

A. Water Heater Location

Checklist items for confirming proper water heater placement.

B. Water Supply

Checklist items for verifying water supply connections and filling.

C. Gas Supply

Checklist items for ensuring correct gas supply installation and testing.

D. Relief Valve

Checklist items for proper relief valve installation.

E. Venting

Checklist items for verifying proper venting system installation.

Supplemental instructions for gas water heaters installed in potable/space heating applications

Combination Potable and Space Heating Application

Specifics for using the water heater for both domestic hot water and space heating.

Lighting the water heater

LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

Step-by-step guide for safely lighting the water heater pilot light.

Operating the water heater

Safety Precautions

General safety rules to follow during operation.

Water Temperature Setting

How to adjust and set the water temperature for safety and efficiency.

Care and cleaning of the water heater

Draining the Water Heater

Procedure for safely draining the water heater tank.

Routine Preventative Maintenance

Recommended periodic checks and maintenance for the water heater.

Venting System Inspection

Annual inspection steps for the venting system.

Burner Inspection

Annual visual inspection of the pilot and main burners.

Vacation and Extended Shut-Down

Procedures for shutting down the water heater for extended periods.

Anode Rod

Information about the anode rod and its role in tank protection.

Before You Call For Service...

Troubleshooting Tips

Guide to diagnosing and resolving common water heater problems.

Replacement Parts

Instructions For Placing a Parts Order

Information needed to correctly order replacement parts.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

Contacting the Manufacturer's National Service Department

Procedure and required information for contacting the manufacturer for service.