Questions and Answers for Rheem Performance 40 Gal. Tall 6-Year 36,000 BTU Natural Gas Tank Water Heater

A:  Jesse, thank you for your question. No attempt should ever be made to convert the water heater from natural gas to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment damage, personal injury or fire, do not connect the water heater to a fuel type not in accordance with the unit data plate. LP for LP units. Natural gas for natural gas units. These units are not certified for any other fuel type.

A:  Hi Sconny and thank you for your question. The part is SP11526C Description: Anode Rod - 0.900 in. diameter x 44-3/8 in. long - Magnesium.

A:  GBMAX, Thank you for your question. The unit should be transported in vertical position to prevent damage to inside components.

A:  Hi Chris and thank you for your question. They are 11" apart.

A:  Hi Jones and thank you for your question. This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association, 400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI standard Z223.1 or National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA 54. Location Combustion Air Inlet Openings Max. 2” Diameter of water heater plus 2” min. The auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to local codes. Top View Alcove Rear Front Open Sides Top View Closet Rear Sides Front Enclosed WARNING: Combustible construction refers to adjacent walls and ceilings and should not be confused with combustible or flammable products and materials. Combustible and/or flammable products and materials should never be stored in the vicinity of this or any gas appliance. The water heater should not be located in an area where leakage from the tank or connections will result in damage to the area adjacent to the heater or to lower floors of the structure. When such areas cannot be avoided it is recommended that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, must be installed under the water heater. The pan must not restrict air flow to the combustion air inlet openings (perforation openings) located around the lower perimeter of the water heater. Catch pan kits are available from the store where the water heater was purchased, or any water heater distributor. Make certain the floor underneath the water heater is strong enough to sufficiently support the weight of the water heater once it is filled with water. A gas-fired water heater or any other appliance should not be installed in a space where liquids which give off flammable vapors are to be used or stored. Such liquids include gasoline, LP gas (butane or propane), paint or adhesives and their thinners, solvents or removers. When installed in a closet, DO NOT block or obstruct any of the combustion air inlet openings located around the perimeter of the water heater. A minimum of 1” is required between these combustion air inlet openings and any obstruction. Because of natural air movement in a room or other enclosed space, flammable vapors can be carried some distance from where liquids which give off flammable vapors are to be used or stored. The open flame of the water heater’s pilot or main burner can ignite these vapors and create a shut down condition of the water heater which will not allow the water heater to ignite until examined by a Qualified Service Technician. FVIR certified gas water heaters can be installed on a residential garage floor without the use of an 18-inch stand in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1, unless otherwise directed by State and Local code requirements. The water heater must be located so it is not subject to physical damage, for example, by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc ● The water heater should be installed as close as practical to the gas vent or chimney. ● Long hot water lines should be insulated to conserve water and energy. ● The water heater and water lines should be protected from exposure to freezing temperatures. ● DO NOT install the water heater in bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied rooms normally kept closed, or in unprotected outdoor areas. ● Minimum clearance from combustible construction: Location Front * Sides Rear Top ** Alcove 3” (7.62 cm) Closet 3” (7.62 cm) 0” (0 cm) 1” (2.5 cm) 0” (0 cm) 0” (0 cm) 12” (30.5 cm) 12” (30.5 cm) * "Front" clearance dimension is measure from the Combination Gas Control (Thermostat) to the closet door. ** "Top" clearence dimension is measure from the jacket top of the water heater to the ceiling. If the clearances stated on the Instruction/ Warning Label, located on the front of the heater differ, install the water heater according to the clearances stated on the label. ● If the water heater is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by a wood or metal panel. A minimum of 24” clearance from the front and top should be available for adequate inspection and servicing. ● The water heater may be installed on combustible floors, but not directly on carpeting. If the water heater must be installed on carpeting, place a metal or wood panel beneath the water heater, extending beyond its full width and depth at least 5” in all directions. Please also check local codes.

A:  Hi Lcpinck and thank you for your question. The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is .58.

A:  Noelle, Thank you for your question. This is not a direct vent model.

A:  Hu Mindy and thank you for your question. The unit you listed has a UEF of .58.

A:  Hi Jack, it would depend on how high your incoming water pressure is. We would suggest you contact a plumber about obtaining your water pressure reading, and the steps to obtain a thermal expansion tank if necessary.

A:  Hi Turbineking, the self cleaning feature is regarding to the dip tube inside the unit. There is a helix in the bottom of the dip tube, so when water reaches the bottom of the tube it is forced through the helix. This action makes the water swirl in the bottom of the water heater, which helps reduce sediment buildup.