1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 High Efficiency Outdoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater. This unit is designed to deliver continuous hot water for homes with 2-3 bathrooms, offering high efficiency and space-saving benefits. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any procedures.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) can cause severe burns instantly or death from scald. Children, disabled, and elderly individuals are at highest risk of being scalded. Consult the instruction manual for safe bathing or showering temperatures.
- Vapors from flammable liquids will explode and catch fire, causing death or severe burns. Ensure no flammable materials are stored near the water heater.
- If this product is not installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, it could cause fire or explosion.
- Always ensure proper ventilation and gas connections are secure and leak-free.
- Only qualified professionals should perform installation and major servicing.
3. Product Overview
The Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 is an outdoor, non-condensing tankless liquid propane water heater. It provides continuous hot water on demand, featuring a compact design and advanced safety features.
Key Features:
- Hot Start Programming: Minimizes cold water bursts during back-to-back uses.
- Overheat Film Wrap: Provides heat exchanger overheat protection, shutting down the unit to prevent damage if overheating occurs.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Allows for flexible outdoor wall mounting.
- High Efficiency: Delivers up to 7.0 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) of hot water.
- Liquid Propane Powered: 160,000 BTUs for reliable performance.
This image shows the main unit of the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 tankless water heater, highlighting its sleek, gray exterior and the Rheem logo.
This image illustrates the compact dimensions of the water heater, measuring 13.5 inches wide by 20.75 inches high and 9.4 inches deep.
This chart provides a performance guide for various RTG series models, showing water flow (GPM) at different temperature rises. For the RTG-70 model, it indicates 7.0 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise.
This image highlights key features such as LeakGuard™ leak detection, versatile venting options, and sustainable operation, noting that RTG Series units use up to 25% less energy than a standard 50-gallon tank.
Official Product Video:
This video provides an overview of the Rheem RTG Series of High Efficiency Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters, detailing their features, benefits, and installation flexibility.
4. Setup and Installation
The Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 is designed for outdoor installation. Proper installation is crucial for safety and optimal performance. It is highly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified professional.
Pre-Installation Checklist:
- Inlet & Exhaust Connections: Verify the required connection sizes and materials for your specific setup.
- Vent Run Length: Confirm the maximum allowed length for the vent run.
- Water Temperature Output: Ensure the selected unit can deliver your required water temperature in your region.
- Installation Clearance: Adhere to all required installed unit clearances for safe operation and maintenance access.
Replacing a Gas Tank with Tankless Checklist:
- Venting: Existing exhaust venting from a tank-type water heater may not be suitable. Non-condensing tankless units typically require stainless steel exhaust venting.
- Main Gas Line: A 3/4-inch natural gas line is recommended for optimal performance; a 1/2-inch line may be insufficient.
- Electricity: Tankless gas water heaters require an electrical power supply to function, which may not have been present with your old tank unit.
- Piping: Inlet and outlet piping may require alterations to connect to the tankless gas water heater.
This image shows the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 unit mounted on an exterior wall of a house, demonstrating a typical outdoor installation scenario.
5. Operating Instructions
Your Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 water heater is equipped with an external control panel for easy temperature adjustment and power management.
Powering On/Off:
- To turn the unit ON, press the 'POWER ON/OFF' button on the control panel.
- To turn the unit OFF, press the 'POWER ON/OFF' button again.
Setting Water Temperature:
- Use the 'UP' and 'DOWN' arrow buttons on the control panel to adjust the desired water temperature.
- The current temperature setting will be displayed on the digital screen.
- The recommended temperature setting for most households is 120°F (49°C) to balance comfort and safety, especially to prevent scalding.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient operation of your tankless water heater. It is recommended to have a qualified technician perform annual maintenance.
Annual Maintenance Tasks:
- Flushing the Heat Exchanger: This is critical to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. Follow the manufacturer's specific flushing procedure.
- Inspecting Gas and Water Connections: Check for any signs of leaks or corrosion.
- Cleaning the Air Intake Filter: Ensure the filter is free of dust and debris to maintain proper airflow.
- Checking the Venting System: Verify that the exhaust and intake vents are clear and unobstructed.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your tankless water heater. For complex problems, contact a qualified service technician.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water or inconsistent temperature | Low water flow, gas supply issue, error code displayed, mineral buildup | Check water pressure, ensure gas valve is open, refer to error code in manual, flush unit. |
| Unit not turning on | No power, no gas, ignition failure | Verify electrical supply, check gas supply, contact technician for ignition issues. |
| Error Code 11 | Ignition failure, gas supply issue, low gas pressure | Check gas supply, ensure proper gas line sizing (e.g., 3/8" ID line for 160,000 BTU), contact gas supplier or technician. |
| Water hammer noise | Sudden water flow stoppage | Install a check valve on the inlet water line if not already present. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rheem |
| Model Number | RTG-70XLP-3 |
| Product Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.5" x 20.75" x 9.4" |
| Weight | 39.2 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Liquid Propane |
| Heat Output | 160,000 BTUs |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 7.0 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) |
| Maximum Temperature | 140 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Mounting Type | Wall |
| Efficiency | High |
| Included Components | Display |
| UPC | 020352761220 |
9. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product or visit the official Rheem website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support:
If you require technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty service, please contact Rheem customer support or a certified Rheem service provider. Contact information can typically be found on the Rheem website or in your product packaging.
