TEMPERATURE REGULATION
HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature that will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law requiring a specific hot water temperature at the tap, then you must take special precautions. Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the water temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.
Figure 110 shows the approximate water temperatures produced at various thermostat settings. Short repeated heating cycles caused by small hot water uses can cause temperatures at the point of use to exceed the thermostat setting by up to 30°F (17°C). If you experience this type of use you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.
Valves for reducing the point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available. See Figure 2.Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.
NOTE: A water temperature range of
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its lowest position (PILOT LIGHTING). It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald injury. The mark (
) indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) is preferred starting point. Some States have a requirement for a lower setting.
Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( 
) to decrease the
temperature, or counterclockwise ( 
) to increase the temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
FIGURE 109.
FIGURE 110.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
START UP CONDITIONS
CONDENSATE
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some condensate will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensation. This usually happens when:
a.A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
b.Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures are lower.
c.Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the refill water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” or “frying” noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water running down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting out the pilot. Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation water may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the water in the tank warms up (about
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family’s demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.
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