Water Heater Specifications Guide
Overview
Quick-reference specifications for the water heater types Spartan installs. Use this card when quoting, ordering, or installing. Confirm current product line with Operations Manager as brands and models change. ## Tank Water Heaters (Standard)
### Common Sizes for Dayton Market
- 40-gallon: single occupant or 2-person home; most common service call replacement
- 50-gallon: family of 3–4; most common install job replacement
- 75/80-gallon: large family or high-demand situations
### Key Specs to Know
| Spec | Notes |
|------|-------|
| First Hour Rating (FHR) | Capacity in first hour of use — more useful than tank size for customer questions |
| Recovery Rate | GPH at 90°F rise — how fast it reheats |
| Energy Factor (EF) / UEF | Efficiency rating; newer units use Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) |
| Venting type | Category I (standard), Category III (positive pressure), or direct vent |
| Fuel type | Natural gas, propane (LP), or electric |
### AO Smith (Current Primary Brand — confirm with Operations Manager)
- Confirm current model lineup with Operations Manager before quoting
- AO Smith Signature series (standard) vs. ProLine series (commercial/high-demand)
- Note: LP conversion kits required for propane installations — on Navien, "the LP conversion kit is often found inside the unit itself, to the left of the gas valve" (Slack)
## Tankless Water Heaters
### Key Decision Points
- Sizing: based on simultaneous demand (fixtures running at same time) and temperature rise needed
- Gas line sizing: tankless units draw significantly more BTUs than tank units — gas line and meter upsizing often required
- Venting: most units are direct vent (2-pipe — intake and exhaust); some are power vent
- Condensing vs. non-condensing: condensing units produce acidic condensate requiring a drain
### Critical Field Notes from Slack
> "When a Rinnai tankless displays error code 12, check the gas meter to ensure adequate gas supply — especially when the issue occurs when hot water is turned on. Also check the BTU load of all gas appliances to ensure the meter is adequate. "
> "When installing multiple tankless water heaters: common vent two units and iso-vent the last one. Pipe in series, not on separate lines. "
> "When installing multiple tankless units, the gas regulator should be installed on the house line just before the first tee. The gas company may need to increase pressure and upsize the meter. "
> "Bosch tankless water heaters: the company generally avoids repairing them due to difficulty sourcing parts. Replacement is preferred. "
### Tankless Flush
- Flush procedure recommended annually to remove scale
- Haymaker kit includes instructions and makes the process straightforward even for first-timers
- Tech can reference flush procedure videos before doing their first flush
### Condensation Line Sizing
Always check the manufacturer manual for condensation drain tubing size — it varies by model. Field example: manual specified 1/2" or 3/8" but tech initially thought 5/8" was required. ## Expansion Tank Requirements
- Montgomery County (as of March 2024): Expansion tanks AND check valve at the meter required on all water heater replacements
- Other jurisdictions: verify with the Production Concierge before every water heater install
- Mounting: "Use two 90s up off the tee and strap to the tank with a tank bracket" (Slack) — strapping not always required for upright mounting on a tee connection
## Replacement Procedure Steps (Standard)
From Slack field documentation:
1. Drain old heater
2. Disconnect water and electrical/gas
3. Remove old unit
4. Install new shut-off valve on cold side
5. Install new flex lines and T&P relief drain line
6. Install expansion tank (where required)
7. Connect gas/electrical per manufacturer specs
8. Fill, purge air, check all connections
9. CO test (gas units) — document reading in ServiceTitan
10. Before and after photos to ServiceTitan
## Related SOPs
- CO Testing After Water Heater Install (Phase 2)
- Ohio Plumbing Code Essentials
- Tankless Water Heater Installation (Phase 2)
- Water Heater Diagnostics Flowchart (Phase 2)