GE SG Series, HG Series warranty Before you call for service…, Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

This water heater incorporates a combustion shut off device that shuts the operation of the water heater down if undesirable combustion conditions occur. Such as the presence of flammable vapors or blockage of the combustion air inlet openings. Please contact a Qualified Service Technician if this occurs.

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Condensation	This usually happens when	● This is normal. After the water in the tank warms
	a new water heater is	up the condensation will disappear. If, however, the
	filled for the first time.	condition persists, examine the piping and fittings
		for possible leaks.
	Moisture from the products	● This is normal and will disappear in time. Excessive
	of combustion condensing	condensation can cause pilot outage.
	on the tank surface.
	An undersized water	● Use a water heater size that meets the requirements
	heater will cause	of your needs.
	condensation.
Yellow flame	Scale on top of the burner.	● Call a qualified service technician to remove scale.
or soot
	Flue or combustion air inlet	● Remove obstruction or debris from flue or
	openings are restricted.	combustion air inlet openings on jacket.
	Not enough combustion or	● Proper operation of the water heater requires air for
	ventilation air supplied to	combustion and ventilation. See the Combustion and
	the water heater location.	Ventilation Air information in the “Installing The Water
		Heater” section of this manual.
Unable to light	Air in gas line.	● Contact a qualified service technician to purge the air
the pilot		from the gas line.
	Pilot orifice clogged.	● The pilot should be cleaned or replaced by a qualified
		service technician.
	Pilot tube pinched or	● The pilot should be cleaned, repaired or replaced by a
	clogged.	qualified service technician.
	Gas Cock Knob not	● See the “Lighting The Water Heater” section of this
	correctly positioned.	manual.
Pilot does not stay	Loose thermocouple.	● The connection at the gas control (thermostat) should
lit when the RED		be tightened by a qualified service technician.
button is released
	Thermocouple defective.	● The thermocouple should be replaced by a qualified
		service technician.
	Safety magnet defective.	● The gas control (thermostat) should be replaced by a
		qualified service technician.
	Gas control (thermostat)’s	● The gas control (thermostat) should be replaced by a
	single use gas shut-off	qualified service technician.
	device has opened.
	Combustion Shutoff Device	● The combustion shutoff device should be replaced
	Tripped.	by a qualified service technician

!CAUTION: For your safety DO NOT attempt repair of gas piping, gas control (gas control (thermostat)),

burners, vent connectors or other safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel. 21

Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service