A.O. Smith Water Heater Installation Checklist, Vent Pipe System, Water System Piping

This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a flammable vapor ignition incident. The new technology used in meeting these standards makes this product more sensitive to installation errors. Please review the following checklist and make any required installation upgrades or changes.

Questions? Contact Residential Technical Assistance by referencing the phone number on the water heater.

Installation Checklist

Water Heater Location

Water heater location is important and can affect system performance. Please check the following:

[] Installation area free of corrosive elements and flammable materials.

[] Centrally located with the water piping system (For new installations). Located as close to the gas piping and vent pipe system as possible.

[] Located indoors and in a vertical position. Protected from freezing temperatures.

[] Proper clearances from combustible surfaces maintained and not installed directly on a carpeted floor.

[] Provisions made to protect the area from water damage. Metal drain pan installed and piped to an adequate drain.

[] Sufficient room to service the water heater. See Clearances and Accessibility section of this manual.

[] Water heater not located near an air moving device.

[] Is the installed environment dirty (excessive amounts

of lint, dirt, dust, etc.)? If so, the base-ring filter located on the bottom of the water heater will need to be

cleaned periodically. Refer to the Maintenance of your Water Heater section of this manual for information on

cleaning the base-ring filter. Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation

Check for sufficient combustion air supply. Insufficient air for the combustion of gas will result in the flame becoming "lazy", thereby allowing heat to build up in the combustion chamber. This excessive heat will cause a thermal switch on the door assembly to trip. Is the water heater installed in a closet or other small, enclosed space? If so:

[] Are there openings for make-up air to enter and exit the room/area?

[] Are the openings of sufficient size? Remember, if there are other gas-fired or air-consuming appliances in the same room, you need more make-up air. Refer to the Location Requirements section of this water heater manual for specific requirements.

Fresh air not taken from areas that contain negative pressure producing devices such as exhaust fans, dryers, fireplaces, etc.

[] Is there a furnace/air handler in the same room space as the water heater? If so, has a return air duct system been attached that exits the room? If so, check for leaks on the air duct system. If no air duct system is present, correct immediately by contacting a local Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) authorized service provider.

[] Fresh air supply free of corrosive elements and flammable vapors.

[] Fresh air openings sized correctly with consideration given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles.

[] Ductwork is the same cross-sectional area as the openings.

Vent Pipe System

Check for proper drafting at the water heater draft hood. Refer to the "Checking the Draft" section of this manual for the test procedure. If the procedure shows insufficient draft is present, please check the following.

[] Draft hood properly installed.

[] Vent connectors securely fastened with screws and supported properly to maintain six inch clearance.

[] Vent connector made of approved material and sized correctly.

[] Vent pipe system installed according to all local and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes, the "National Fuel Gas Code", ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)-current edition.

[] Flue baffle properly positioned in the flue tube.

[] Check the vent system for restrictions/obstructions

and check the vent termination height. Refer to the Combustion Air and Ventilation section of this water

heater manual for specific requirements.

[] Recheck for sufficient combustion air supply.

Water System Piping

[] Temperature and pressure relief valve properly installed with a discharge line run to an open drain and protected from freezing.

[] All piping properly installed and free of leaks.

[] Heater completely filled with water.

[] Closed system pressure build-up devices installed.

[] Tempering valve (when applicable)installed per manufacturer's instructions (See Water Temperature Regulation section).

Gas Supply and Piping

[] Gas type is the same as that listed on the water heater rating plate.

[] Gas line equipped with shut-off valve, union, and drip leg.

[] Use pipe joint compound or teflon tape marked as being resistant to the action of petroleum [Propane (L.R)] gases.

[] Adequate pipe size and approved pipe material.

[] An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution used to check all connections and fittings for possible gas leaks. Correct any leak found.

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