Water Heaters - Conversion of fuel type

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Doublejack
12-13-07, 08:15 PM
Can a natural gas water heater be converted to use propane with just an orfice change similar to a clothes dryer conversion? Or do you have to buy a whole new gas valve control unit which I think would not be practical.

Who
12-13-07, 09:14 PM
I would contact the manufacturer.
hankhill6018
12-14-07, 07:56 AM
While there are convertible water heaters on the market, I doubt that you have one. The convertible water heaters are primarily for mobile home use. To know for sure please post the make and model of the water heater.

To convert a standard residential water heater you would not only need to change the pilot and burner orifices, you would also need to change the gas control valve. As you stated, it is not likely a practical thing to do. To get a replacement gas control valve, you need to know the shaft size and if it's right or left handed threads.

594tough
12-16-07, 08:38 PM
This technical bulletin from Rheem provides the definitive answer ( NO CONVERSION ALLOWED ) to that question. I believe most manufacturers take the same position:

http://waterheating.rheem.com/content/resources/documents/tech%20bulletins/1400%20Series/1407.pdf