Locating the NEW Water Heater

Facts to Consider About the Location

This manufactured home gas-fired water heater is for use in a manufactured home. You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the appliance. This water heater is for use only in manufactured homes and is not intended for outdoor installation.

The installation of this water heater must be within an enclosure so as to separate the appliance combustion system and venting system from the interior atmosphere of the manufactured home. There shall not be any door, removable access panel, or other opening into the enclosure from the inside of the manufactured home.

Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.

1.An enclosure with an exterior access door incorporating a single opening positioned a maximum of 6 inches above the lower edge of the access door and which may incorporate either 1/4 inch wire mesh or louvers. When 1/4 inch wire mesh is used, the size of the opening must be a minimum of 20 square inches. When the louvers are used, the free area must be a minimum of 20 square inches, see Figure 2 page 6.

2.An optional enclosure incorporating a solid exterior access door, when a 5 inch or 8 inch diameter, or 20 square inch minimum equivalent free air opening is located in the floor of the enclosure. The opening must be covered by a 1/4 inch wire mesh, see Figure

2 page 6.

Install water heater into closet so as to have 0 inches minimum clearance at sides and back. Clearance of 4 inches is needed to front to accommodate the gas control valve, see Figure 3. Be sure to allow adequate clearance for servicing the water heater and for access to the piping and temperature-pressure relief valve.

The water heater should be secured to the floor and to the wall of the enclosure with the mounting brackets provided. For bracket location refer to “Securing Water Heater to Floor and Wall” in the “Installing the New Water Heater” section.

When a manufactured home is skirted, an air intake opening with a minimum free area of 32 square inches must be provided in the skirt. Other gas fired appliances in the home will require additional free air openings; consult these manufacturers for correct sizing.

If the opening is covered by louvers or screen, the total free area must be 32 square inches.

Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When

such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:

•Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.

•Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.

•Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes connected to the water heater.

•Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while at the same time shutting off its water supply.

INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or butane, etc.] and other substances such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area. Even though this water heater is a flammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and is designed to reduce the chances of flammable vapors being ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance.