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    wiz4oz's Avatar
    wiz4oz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 4, 2008, 12:01 PM
    How convert Propane water heater into Natural Gas unit
    How to convert an Propane water heater into Natural Gas? I have Whirlpool unit for LP. It has a regular valve with an adapter for LP. If I remove this adapter, will it then work? Is burner the same or needed to be replace? Is valve had to be replaced and will the thread be the same if IO reinstall the valve from my old Natural Gas heater that leaked?
    Credendovidis's Avatar
    Credendovidis Posts: 1,593, Reputation: 66
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    #2

    Jul 5, 2008, 07:33 AM
    Actually that is not too difficult to do, but you require the advice of a specialist.
    You have to replace the inserts in each burner that controls the air and gas content mixture.
    Take the inserts out, and ask a specialist for the correct inserts.

    Success !

    :)
    NaturalGasMan's Avatar
    NaturalGasMan Posts: 14, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 6, 2008, 11:24 AM
    Well that is close to the correct answer, there is a step or two that you will need to do besides that. LP runs at a much higher pressure than NG. There for you will have to regulate the pressure differently. Depending on the regulator that is on the appliance if there is one or if there is one in line, it may have to be replaced, some have a spring in them and all you have to do is replace the spring. Some are even easier. On some models the cap just needs to be turned over. There is a different size plug that pushes further into the opening and thus creating more pressure on the spring. Natural gas into a hot water heater should be delivered at 6" wc to 7" wc (water column) 6.5" wc is appox. 1/4 lb psi. The pressure after the gas valve to the burner should be around 3 to 3.5" wc. LP runs in the 10 to 14 range. Make sure your pressures are correct.
    The previous answer is correct as well. The Orifices will need to be replaced on the burner, on a water heater there should only be one. It will most likely be brass. If you can get the specs for that model you can drill out the orifice to work on Natural gas. Best bet is to buy one for that model. Very important to get it the proper size. IF your going to buy the orifice you might as well pick up a conversion kit if one is made for that model. (best practice) The burner will work for either fuels.
    jim50o's Avatar
    jim50o Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Aug 17, 2010, 08:22 AM
    Well your all most right but you also have to ream the pilot light & adjust the air on the burner ? & its not wise to run nat.gas in any propane appliance if you need me to do your conversion email me [email protected]
    317lrthompson's Avatar
    317lrthompson Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Mar 29, 2012, 08:57 AM
    OK Jom give me a call and lets talk , I have abrand new Rheem 50 which is lp and I need to hook up to natural gas I know conversion kits are available for 20.00 dollars so what do you charge to do it for me
    Lee Thompson 413-0788 Indy
    lauriec49's Avatar
    lauriec49 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 13, 2012, 08:34 AM
    I am being given a propane water heater, and need to convert it to natural gas. I see that the converter kit is about 20.00. What should be the approximate charge to have it installed? I know that this depends on where you live, but an estimate would be great.
    robertl63's Avatar
    robertl63 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 19, 2012, 06:44 PM
    Can you convert a propane water heater to natural gas
    junkboxt's Avatar
    junkboxt Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Nov 23, 2012, 08:05 PM
    Always check with the heater manufacturer. Some units can be converted and some cannot. If the unit can be converted the manufacturer will have a conversion kit with all the necessary items to accomplish the work.

    On top of that, you want to do it correctly and to manfacturer specs. If something fails and there is an investigation by the fire marshalls, you don't want to be the cause or the libel party.

    A $25.00 conversion kit installed in accordance with it's instructions is a lot less hassle and will give you peace of mind that the right things were done

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