1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your VAV 3/4-Inch IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve Kit with Pressure Relief Valve. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure proper function and safety. Retain this manual for future reference.
2. Product Overview
The VAV 3/4-Inch IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve Kit is designed to facilitate the maintenance and operation of tankless water heater systems. It includes hot and cold valves rated at 500 WOG (Water, Oil, Gas) and a pressure relief valve (150 PSI/200K BTU). The kit features 1/4 turn colored valve handles for easy identification of hot (red) and cold (blue) lines. The full port brass ball valves are equipped with an adjustable packing gland for improved flow rate.
Constructed from lead-free brass, all components meet federal and state standards for lead levels in drinking water system components, ensuring potable water safety. The kit also carries CSA certification, verifying its authenticity and compliance with safety standards. The one-piece forged brass body design effectively prevents leakage or dripping, and the main isolation valve set is factory tested to be leak-free. An integrated drain valve with a brass safety cap is included for convenient maintenance procedures, such as flushing.
Figure 2.1: Overview of the VAV 3/4-Inch IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve Kit, showing the hot and cold valves and the pressure relief valve.
Figure 2.2: Key features of the valve kit, highlighting its lead-free construction, ease of installation, and CSA certification for safety and quality.
Figure 2.3: Close-up view of the one-piece forged brass body, illustrating its robust construction designed to prevent leaks and drips.
Video 2.1: A demonstration of the VAV 3/4 IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve Kit, showcasing its components and design.
3. Safety Information
WARNING: Installation and service of this product must be performed by a qualified professional. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Always turn off the water supply and power to the water heater before beginning any installation or maintenance.
- Depressurize the system before disconnecting any plumbing.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves.
- Ensure all connections are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
- Verify local plumbing codes and regulations before installation.
4. Components Included
The VAV 3/4-Inch IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve Kit typically includes the following components:
- One (1) Hot Water Isolation Valve (with red handle)
- One (1) Cold Water Isolation Valve (with blue handle)
- One (1) Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
- Drain caps for isolation valves
- EPDM Union Gaskets (as applicable for union connections)
5. Setup and Installation
The tankless kit is designed for use with 3/4 inch NPT thread connections, making it suitable for most American residential and commercial gas tankless water heater brands such as Noritz, Rinnai, Rheem, and Takagi.
5.1 Installation of Isolation Valves
- Ensure the water supply and power to the water heater are completely shut off.
- Identify the hot and cold water lines connected to your tankless water heater. The VAV valves are color-coded: red for hot, blue for cold.
- Connect the appropriate isolation valve to each water line. The valves feature NPT female threaded connections for the water heater side and NPT male threaded connections for the house plumbing side.
- Apply thread sealant (e.g., PTFE tape or pipe dope) to all male NPT threads before making connections.
- Tighten all connections securely, but do not overtighten.
- Ensure the 1/4 turn colored lever handles are positioned so they will not obstruct the wall or other components when operated.
Figure 5.1: Diagram illustrating the compatible design and standard port threaded connections for easy installation with major tankless water heater brands.
Figure 5.2: An example installation of the VAV valve kit on a tankless water heater, demonstrating how the 1/4 turn colored lever handles are positioned to avoid hitting the wall.
5.2 Installation of Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
The pressure relief valve is designed to release pressure at 150 PSI and has a maximum heat input of 200,000 BTUs per hour. It requires a vertical mount.
- Locate the designated port for the pressure relief valve on your water heater.
- Apply thread sealant to the male NPT threads of the PRV.
- Thread the PRV into the water heater port, ensuring it is vertically mounted with the inlet clearly marked for proper orientation.
- Connect a discharge pipe to the outlet of the PRV. This pipe must be sized correctly, sloped for drainage, and terminate in a safe location where discharge will not cause harm or property damage. Do not cap or plug the discharge pipe.
Video 5.1: A detailed look at the VAV 3/4-inch Pressure Relief Valve, highlighting its NPT threads and 150 PSI rating, and demonstrating its internal mechanism.
5.3 Post-Installation Check
- Slowly turn on the main water supply to the water heater.
- Inspect all connections for leaks. Tighten any leaking connections as necessary.
- Once satisfied that there are no leaks, restore power to the water heater.
6. Operation
The VAV isolation valves are designed for simple operation with 1/4 turn lever handles:
- To Open: Turn the lever handle 90 degrees until it is parallel with the pipe.
- To Close: Turn the lever handle 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
The pressure relief valve operates automatically to prevent excessive pressure buildup within the water heater system. It is designed to open and discharge water if the pressure exceeds 150 PSI.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your tankless water heater and the VAV service valve kit is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The integrated drain valves facilitate easy flushing of the water heater.
7.1 Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater
Refer to your tankless water heater's manufacturer instructions for specific flushing procedures. The VAV service valve kit simplifies this process:
- Shut off the water supply and power to the tankless water heater.
- Close both the hot (red handle) and cold (blue handle) isolation valves.
- Remove the brass safety caps from the drain valves located on the isolation valves.
- Connect hoses to the drain ports and direct them to a suitable drain.
- Open the drain valves to allow water to drain from the water heater.
- Follow your water heater manufacturer's instructions for introducing a descaling solution (if required) and flushing the system.
- Once flushing is complete, close the drain valves, remove the hoses, and replace the brass safety caps.
- Slowly open the cold and then the hot isolation valves.
- Restore water supply and power to the water heater.
7.2 Pressure Relief Valve Testing
It is recommended to test the pressure relief valve annually to ensure it is operating correctly. Consult your water heater manufacturer's manual for specific testing procedures. Generally, this involves lifting the test lever on the PRV to allow a small amount of water to discharge, then releasing it. If no water discharges or the valve does not reseat properly, it may need replacement.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water leak at valve connections | Loose connection, insufficient thread sealant, damaged threads. | Tighten connections. If leak persists, disassemble, reapply thread sealant, and reassemble. Inspect threads for damage. |
| Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) dripping | Excessive system pressure, debris under valve seat, faulty PRV. | Check water supply pressure. Flush PRV by lifting test lever briefly. If dripping continues, replace PRV. |
| No water flow through isolation valves | Valves are closed, obstruction in the line. | Ensure valve handles are parallel to the pipe (open position). Check for blockages in the plumbing system. |
9. Specifications
- Material: Brass (Lead-Free)
- Inlet Connection Size: 0.75 Inches
- Inlet Connection Type: National Pipe Tapered (NPT)
- Outlet Connection Size: 0.75 Inches
- Outlet Connection Type: NPT
- Maximum Operating Pressure (Isolation Valves): 500 WOG
- Pressure Relief Valve Set Pressure: 150 PSI
- Pressure Relief Valve Maximum Heat Input: 200,000 BTU/hr
- Certification: CSA Listed
- Number of Ports: 2 (for isolation valves)
- Item Weight: Approximately 4.02 pounds
- Package Dimensions: Approximately 9.72 x 7.36 x 4.37 inches
Figure 9.1: Dimensional drawing of the VAV hot/cold isolation valve, showing key measurements such as 5 inches height and 2.25 inches width, with 3/4 inch NPT female threaded connections.
Figure 9.2: Dimensional drawing of the VAV pressure relief valve, indicating its 1.5 inch width and 3/4 inch NPT male and female threaded connections.
10. Warranty and Support
VAV is committed to customer satisfaction. If you encounter any problems during the use of this product, please contact us directly online. We will endeavor to resolve your issue as soon as possible.
