American Water Heater 318935-003 Clearances and Accessibility, State of California

IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of the water, the tank will eventually leak after an extended period of time. Also any external plumbing leak, including those from improper installation, may cause early failure of the tank due to corrosion if not repaired. If the homeowner is uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified person should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should be installed under the water heater as shown below,

to help protect the property from damage which may occur from condensate formation or leaks in the piping connections or tank. The pan must limit the water level to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches wider than the heater and piped to an adequate drain. NOTE: The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. Locate the water heater near an adequate indoor drain. The discharge pipe must terminate a maximum of six inches above a floor drain or external to the building. In cold climates, it is recommended that the discharge pipe be terminated at an adequate drain inside the building. Outside drains are subject to freezing temperatures which can obstruct the drain line. The piping should be at least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage. Under no circumstances will the manufacturer or seller of this water heater be held liable for any water damage which is caused by your failure to follow these instructions.

Figure 1	DISCHARGE PIPE
Drain Pan Installation	(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG)

METAL

DRAIN

PAN

6” MAXIMUM

AIR GAP

AT LEAST 2” GREATER THAN THE

DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER. PIPED TO AN

ADEQUATE DRAIN

•The water heater should be located in an area not subject to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located in unconditioned spaces (i.e., attics, basements,

etc.) may require insulation of the water piping and drain piping to protect against freezing. The drain and controls must be easily accessible for operation and service. Maintain proper clearances as specified on the data plate.

•Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving device. The operation of air-moving devices such as exhaust fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers, fireplaces, etc., can affect the proper operation of the water heater. Special attention must be given to conditions these devices may create. Flow reversal of flue gases may cause an increase of carbon monoxide inside of the dwelling.

•If the water heater is located in an area that is subjected to lint, dirt, and oil, it may be necessary to periodically clean the flame-trap (see “External Inspection & Cleaning of the Flame-trap” section).

Figure 1A

Air-moving

Devices

Exhaust

Fan

Reverse flow

of gases

Clearances and Accessibility

NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible surfaces are stated on the data plate adjacent to the gas control valve/ thermostat of the water heater.

The water heater is certified for installation on a combustible floor.

•IMPORTANT: If installing over carpeting, the carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath the water heater. The protective panel must extend beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by at least three inches (76.2mm) in any direction; or if in an alcove or closet installation, the entire floor must be covered by the panel.

•Figure 2 may be used as a reference guide to locate the specific clearance locations. A minimum of 24 inches of front clearance should be provided for inspection and service.

Figure 2
Minimum Clearance
Locations				Vent
	Back	Sides	Top
			to
			ceiling

Front

24” minimum Sides for service

Top

View

State of California

NOTE: For California installation, this water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake. Correct installation procedure in- structions may be obtained from California’s Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your com- puter at www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.

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