Propane is a popular fuel choice for water heaters, offering a reliable and efficient heating solution. However, converting a natural gas water heater to use propane requires careful attention to technical details to ensure safe and proper operation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of converting your water heater to propane, covering the necessary equipment, adjustments, and safety considerations.
Understanding the Propane Conversion Process
Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand the key differences between natural gas and propane that necessitate the changes. Propane has a higher energy density and pressure compared to natural gas, requiring adjustments to the water heater’s components to accommodate these differences.
The primary steps involved in converting a natural gas water heater to propane include:
- Disconnecting the natural gas supply line
- Installing a propane regulator
- Replacing the orifice
- Replacing the gas valve
- Adjusting the burner
- Testing the conversion
Let’s explore each of these steps in detail to ensure a successful and safe conversion.
Disconnecting the Natural Gas Supply Line
The first step in the conversion process is to disconnect the natural gas supply line from the water heater. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent any potential gas leaks or accidents during the conversion. Ensure that the gas supply is turned off at the main valve before proceeding.
Installing a Propane Regulator
Propane has a significantly higher pressure than natural gas, typically ranging from 10 to 15 pounds per square inch (PSI). In contrast, natural gas operates at a much lower pressure, typically around 0.5 to 7 inches of water column (WC). To safely use propane in your water heater, you’ll need to install a propane regulator to reduce the pressure to a level that the appliance can handle, typically around 11 inches WC.
When selecting a propane regulator, consider the following specifications:
- Inlet pressure: 10-15 PSI
- Outlet pressure: 11 inches WC
- Flow rate: Ensure the regulator can handle the maximum BTU input of your water heater
The regulator should be installed as close to the propane tank as possible to ensure accurate pressure regulation.
Replacing the Orifice
The orifice is a small brass disk with a tiny hole that regulates the flow of gas to the burner. Since propane has a higher energy density than natural gas, the orifice size needs to be smaller to accommodate the higher pressure and maintain the correct fuel-air mixture.
To replace the orifice, you’ll need to:
- Locate the orifice, which is typically accessible by removing the burner assembly.
- Measure the existing orifice size and replace it with a propane-specific orifice that has a smaller diameter. The appropriate orifice size will depend on the BTU rating of your water heater and can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications or by consulting a professional.
- Carefully reinstall the new orifice, ensuring a tight and secure fit.
Replacing the Gas Valve
The gas valve is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the burner. Since propane has a higher water column (WC) than natural gas, the gas valve needs to be rated for propane use.
To replace the gas valve:
- Locate the existing gas valve, which is typically accessible by removing the front panel of the water heater.
- Disconnect the gas line and electrical connections from the valve.
- Replace the valve with a propane-rated gas valve that matches the specifications of your water heater.
- Reconnect the gas line and electrical connections, ensuring a tight and secure fit.
Adjusting the Burner
The burner may need to be adjusted to accommodate the lower flow rate of propane compared to natural gas. This adjustment is typically done by adjusting the air shutter on the burner assembly to achieve the proper fuel-air mixture.
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a qualified technician to determine the appropriate burner adjustment for your specific water heater model.
Testing the Conversion
After completing the conversion process, it’s essential to thoroughly test the water heater to ensure it is working correctly and safely. This includes:
- Checking for gas leaks using a leak detection solution or spray.
- Verifying the proper gas pressure at the regulator and burner.
- Observing the burner flame to ensure a clean, blue flame without any yellow tips or soot buildup.
- Monitoring the water heater’s operation to ensure it is heating the water to the desired temperature.
If any issues are detected during the testing process, it’s crucial to address them immediately and consult a qualified technician if necessary.
Technical Specifications for Propane Water Heaters
When using propane for your water heater, it’s important to be aware of the following technical specifications:
Propane Pressure:
– Inlet pressure: 10-15 PSI
– Outlet pressure (regulator): 11 inches WC
Orifice Size:
– The orifice size needs to be smaller for propane compared to natural gas to accommodate the higher pressure.
– Typical orifice sizes for propane water heaters range from 0.028 to 0.035 inches in diameter.
Gas Valve Rating:
– The gas valve needs to be rated for propane, which has a higher water column (WC) than natural gas.
– Propane gas valves typically have a rating of 11 inches WC or higher.
Burner Adjustment:
– The burner may need to be adjusted to accommodate the lower flow rate of propane compared to natural gas.
– Adjustments are typically made by adjusting the air shutter on the burner assembly.
By understanding these technical specifications and following the proper conversion process, you can safely and effectively use propane to power your water heater.
Conclusion
Converting a natural gas water heater to use propane requires careful attention to detail and the proper equipment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful and safe conversion, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of propane-powered water heating. Remember, it’s always best to have a qualified technician perform the conversion to avoid any potential safety hazards or warranty issues.
References:
– Propane Water Heater Conversion Guide
– Hooking Up a Portable Propane Tank to a Water Heater
– Can I Run a Gas Hot Water Heater on Propane?
– How Do You Switch a Water Heater to LP Gas from Electric?
– Propane Water Heater Conversion Video