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    gl_redskin's Avatar
    gl_redskin Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jun 2, 2009, 01:37 PM
    Water Heater
    I would like to Know if its possible to covert a propane water heater to a natural gas water heater, is there a conversion kit I can purchase. I have been advice that I have to replaced my propane water heater to a natural gas water heater.

    THANK U IN ADVANCE

    George
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #2

    Jun 2, 2009, 02:15 PM

    Most gas heater will work on either propane of NG but you need different orifice kits to make the switch. Carefully inspect the area around the burner, often they come set for NG and a new orifice is supplied. Whoever made the switch may have saved the old orifice on a thin wire.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #3

    Jun 2, 2009, 02:38 PM

    What brand water heater do you have? Most of the water heaters I have dealt with are not convertible. Usually you have to order the water heater for ng, or lp. But I only usually deal with residential ao smith, rheem, bradford white, and reliance. The problem with converting these is you can't convert the gas vavle.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #4

    Jun 2, 2009, 02:47 PM

    Naturalgasman covered his conversions directions some time ago. If he is wrong then I am wrong because I have passed on his advice several times. I have converted stoves and dryers but nobody ever asked me to convert a heater so its possible I am out of line? https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/applia...it-233835.html
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #5

    Jun 2, 2009, 02:58 PM

    Bob, I can only go off personal experience here. The water heaters I deal with are not convertible, but I have heard of ones that are, just not sure what brand they are, or if they even make them anymore. Most other gas appliences are convertible. Furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, dryers and the like. Im not really sure why water heaters are the exception, but they seem to be. Hope some of the other guys here can give us a little more input.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #6

    Jun 2, 2009, 03:07 PM

    I do mostly installation, remodeling and bathroom plumbing. I install whatever the HO bought and had to convert stoves and artificial fireplaces logs. When they buy water heaters they usually do come as either Ng or propane right out of the box but have heard of convertibles. Redskin George may do better by contacting his manufacyurer direct via their website just to be sure.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #7

    Jun 2, 2009, 03:07 PM

    Just had a flashback. I think some mobile home approved water heaters can be converted. Now you got me thinking. Hope someone can clarify this.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #8

    Jun 2, 2009, 03:11 PM

    Speedball1 used to work in a mobile home factory. Bet he stops by later today and will help our thinking. I'll give him a ring.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #9

    Jun 2, 2009, 04:09 PM
    Hey George,
    It would be cheaper to buy a new appliance than to try and properly convert one that is designed for use with either propane or natural gas. Even if appliance conversion kits are available for certain equipment, the conversion should be handled by licensed technicians so that all necessary adjustments can be made prior to placing the converted appliance into operation.
    Having said that if you will give me the brand name and model of your heater we'll see what the manufacture has to say. There are conversion kits,(see image) on the market bur manufactures ,such as A.O. Smith, are being very cautious about them. Regards, Tom
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