20
NOTICE
Before beginning installation of any vent pipe, read the vent pipe manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Do not install the water heater in any location where the ambient temperature may fall below freezing.
Water heater must be protected from freezing downdrafts during shutdown periods.
Provide protection of the building materials from degradation by flue gases from the exhaust vent terminal.
CAUTION
Check to make sure flue gases do not recirculate into the air intake terminal when using direct venting. If
the water heater is having service issues, flue recirculation may be a contributing factor. Even when the
minimum vent terminal separation distances are followed, recirculation may still occur depending upon the
location outside the building, the distance from other buildings, proximity to corners, weather conditions,
wind patterns, and snow depth. Periodically check to make sure that flue recirculation is not occurring.
Signs of flue gas recirculation include frosted or frozen intake terminals, condensate in the intake terminal
and venting system, oxidation or white chalk material on the flame sensor or igniter shield. Correction to
flue recirculation may involve angling the intake away from the exhaust terminal, increasing the distance
between them, relocating the air intake to another side of the building, or using inside air for combustion.
Check to be sure the intake and exhaust terminals are not obstructed, especially during periods of below
freezing weather.
All intake and exhaust venting components must have the same diameter size. Do not use a different size
on the intake and exhaust venting. For 3 inch (7.6 cm) and 4 inch (10.2 cm) venting, use the supplied 2
inch (5.1 cm) vent terminals.
Be sure the condensate runs freely to a drain and does not accumulate inside the water heater. In cold
climates, precautions may need to be taken to insure that the condensate drain does not freeze. Make
sure the condensate trap or drain loop is installed to prevent flue gases from being discharged into the
room. Refer to the Venting section of the Installation and Operating Instructions Manual for complete
instructions on venting and condensate drainage.
High levels of dust and debris such as road and construction dust, insects, and tree pollen may clog the
burner resulting in poor performance and damage to the water heater. Avoid air intake locations where
debris can be created such as exhaust ventilation hoods, gravel parking lots, and near outdoor spotlights
that attract bugs. For these installations, an air intake filter kit, part number 239-47330-00A, is available as
an accessory service part from the installer of this water heater. The air intake filter kit is not designed to
filter out airborne contaminants or chemicals that may damage the water heater.
CAUTION
The vent must terminate a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) above expected snowfall level to prevent
blockage of vent termination.
The horizontal centerline of the exhaust vent terminal (if applicable) must not be located lower than the
horizontal centerline of the air intake terminal if vented through the same wall.
A service drain loop must be installed in the drain tubing to serve as a condensate trap to prevent flue
gases from escaping into the room.
DO NOT position the air intake above the exhaust terminal.
NEVER locate the air intake where exhaust gases can be introduced.