A.O. Smith Water Heater Backs,Oes, Ce,L, Pmpey Damage Hazard, Clearances and Accessibility

Pmpe_y Damage Hazard

•AJlwater heaterseventually leak

•Do notinstall without adequate drainage,

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 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 technician 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 a suitable indoor drain. 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.

METAL

DRAIN

PAN

PIPED TO AN

ADEQUATE DRAIN

\ ATLEAST2"GREATERTHAHTH '

DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water usage, water temperature 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 water 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.

EXHAUST FAN

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REVERSE FLOW

L. OF GASES

FIGURE 1.

Clearances and Accessibility

NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible materials

are stated on the rating 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 inch-

es of front clearance should be provided for inspection and service.

_VENT

TOP

;--BACKS,OES		CE,L,	I!
	T
U _ U	FOR SERVICE
TOP --	IMUM	SIDESll f
VIEW	t

FIGURE 2.

State of California

NOTE: The water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid moving during an earthquake. Contact local utilities for code requirements in your area, visit http:// www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov, or call 1-916-445-8100 and request instructions.