25• This water heater is a high ef¿ciency, fully condensing appliance which produces acidic condensateduring operation. The water heater incorporates a collection and removal system which must beproperly drained in order to ensure proper operation of this appliance.• The pH level of the condensate is approximately 2-3. An external neutralizer must be installed on thedrain piping prior to disposal when required by local code or when the condensate could cause damage.• If an external neutralizer is installed, periodic replacement of the neutralizing agent will be required.Refer to the instructions supplied with the neutralizer for suggested replacement intervals.• In order to drain the condensate, a 1/2" threaded ¿tting is provided at the base of the water heater.Do not reduce the size of this ¿tting or the drain piping to less than 1/2".In cold climates, do not drain the condensate to the outdoors. If the drain pipe freezes during coldweather, the pipe will not drain condensate and the unit will stop operating.• Use plastic pipe, such as PVC, for the drain line. Do not use steel, black iron, or any other materialwhich can corrode when placed into contact with acidic condensate.• Keep the length of the drain pipe as short as possible. Long runs or applications where the nearestdrain is above the water heater will require the use of a condensate pump. Size the pump to allow fora maximum condensate discharge of 2 GPH from the water heater.• Horizontal runs must be sloped 1/4" per foot towards the drain or condensate pump. The condensatewill be discharged by gravity force only. Make the drain pipe run as short as possible.• The end of the drain pipe must not be submerged in water or blocked in any way. To ensure properdrainage, leave the end of the drain pipe open to the atmosphere. Do not have a trap. Also, makesure that there are no obstructions blocking the drain line from discharging condensate.• Be sure to check that condensate is freely Àowing from the drain piping after the system has beeninstalled. Condensate will begin Àowing out of the water heater within 15 minutes after operation hasstarted.• Take measures to prevent the condensate drain lines from freezing (insulation, heat tape, electricheaters, etc.).11. Condensate PipingDrain pipeDrain connectingsupplyHeat insulationmaterialWater heaterDo not pitch the drain line uponce a horizontal section hasbeen introduced.Always pitchthe drain line down to ensureproper drainage.Drain pipeDue to the acidic nature of the condensate, be sure to properly drain and if necessary, treat thecondensate prior to disposal. Damage caused by improperly handled condensate is not coveredby the warranty.CAUTION