Checking the Draft
WARNING
Burn Hazard
Do not touch vent.
Doing so can result in burns.
After successfully lighting the water heater, allow the unit to operate for 15 minutes and check the draft hood relief opening for proper draft (Figure 26). Make sure all other appliances in the area are operating and all doors are closed when performing the draft test. Pass a match flame around the relief opening of the draft hood. A steady flame drawn into the opening indicates proper draft.
DRAFT HOOD
RELIEF
OPENING
MATCH
FIGURE 26.
If the flame flutters or is blown out, combustion products are escaping from the relief opening. If this occurs, do not operate the water heater until proper adjustments or repairs are made to the vent pipe system and/or air supply requirements.
Burner Flames
Inspect the burner flames through the viewport and compare them to the drawing in Figure 27. A properly operating burner should produce a soft blue flame. Blue tips with yellow inner cones are satisfactory. The tips of the flame may have a slight yellow tint. The flame should not be all yellow or have a sharp
FIGURE 27.
Emergency Shut Down
IMPORTANT: Should overheating occur or the gas supply fails to shut off, turn off the water heater’s manual gas control valve and call a qualified technician.
Water Temperature Regulation
Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) can cause servere burns instantly resulting in severe injury or death.
Children, the elderly, and the physically or mentally disabled are at highest risk for scald injury.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
Read instruction manual for safe temperature setting.
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the water temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30°F (16.7 °C) higher or lower at the point of use such as, bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing valve should be used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or hardware stores. See Figure 23. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, see Figure 28. Using the lowest hot water temperature that meets your needs will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
NOTE: A water temperature range of
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its lowest position. It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald injury. The 
mark is indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) and is the preferred starting point. See Figure 28 on the next page. Some states have a requirement for a lower setting.
Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( 
) to decrease
the temperature, or counterclockwise ( 
) to increase the temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
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