Lochinvar MFH-I&S-02 Locating The Water Heater, Minimum Clearances, What To Do If You Smell Gas

MFH-I&S-02
Make sure that you check the rating plate and combination gas control on the	WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
water heater to be certain that the type of gas being supplied corresponds with
	• Do not try to light any appliance.
the marking on the rating plate and combination gas control.
	• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
A sacrificial anode is used to extend tank life. The removal of this anode, for	telephone in your building.
	• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
any reason, will nullify the warranty. In areas where water is unusually active,	telephone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
an odor may occur at the hot water faucet due to a reaction between the	• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
sacrificial anode and the impurities in the water. If this should happen, an	department.
alternative anode may be purchased from the supplier that installed this water
heater. This will minimize the odor while protecting the tank. Additionally, the	WARNING
water heater should be flushed with appropriate dissolvers to eliminate any
bacteria.	DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT ANY GAS APPLIANCE IF YOU ARE
	NOT CERTAIN OF THE FOLLOWING:

INSTALLATION		• Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas and natural gas have an
Locating The Water Heater		odorant added by the gas supplier that aids in detection of the gas.
		• Most people recognize this odor as a “sulfur” or “rotten egg” smell.
	WARNING	• Other conditions, such as “odorant fade” can cause the odorant to
		diminish in intensity, or “fade”, and not be as readily detectable.
Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury there shall
be no materials stored against the water heater or vent-air intake system and		• If you have a diminished sense of smell, or are in any way unsure of
proper care shall be taken to avoid unnecessary contact (especially by children) with		the presence of gas, immediately contact your gas supplier from a
the water heater and vent-air intake components. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES		neighbor’s telephone.
SHALL FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS GASOLINE OR PAINT THIN-		• Gas detectors are available. Contact your gas supplier or plumbing
NER BE USED OR STORED IN THE VICINITY OF THIS WATER HEATER,		professional for more information.
VENT-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OR IN ANY LOCATION FROM WHICH FUMES
COULD REACH THE WATER HEATER OR VENT-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM.		This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank, water
		line connections, or the combination temperature and pressure relief valve will
This water heater shall NOT be installed in any location where gasoline or		not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors
flammable vapors are likely to be present, unless the installation is such to		of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
eliminate the probable ignition of gasoline or flammable vapors.		must be installed under the water heater. The drain pan must be no greater
		than 1-½ inches (3.8 cm) deep and have a minimum length and width of at
The location of this water heater is of the utmost importance. Before installing		least 4 inches (10.2 cm) measured from the jacket of the water heater. The
this water heater, you should read the Installation section of these instructions.		drain pan, as described above, can be purchased from your plumbing
DO NOT locate the water heater where water lines could be subjected to		professional. The drain pan must be piped to an adequate drain. The piping
freezing temperatures. Make sure the cold water pipes are not located directly		must be at least 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter and pitched for proper
above the gas control so that condensate during humid weather does not drip		drainage.
on the controls.		It is recommended that a minimum clearance of 4 inches (10.2 cm) be
Water heater corrosion and component failure can be caused by the heating		provided on the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the
and breakdown of airborne chemical vapors. Examples of some typical		combination temperature and pressure relief valve.
compounds that are potentially corrosive are: spray can propellants, cleaning
solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals,		MINIMUM CLEARANCES
calcium and sodium chloride, waxes and process chemicals. These materials
are corrosive at very low concentration levels with little or no odor to reveal
their presence. NOTE: DAMAGE TO THE WATER HEATER CAUSED BY		WARNING
EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE VAPORS IS NOT COVERED BY THE
		Failure to adhere to these installation and operating instructions
WARRANTY. DO NOT OPERATE THE WATER HEATER IF EXPOSURE		may create a hazard to life and property and will nullify the
HAS OR WILL OCCUR.	DO NOT STORE ANY POTENTIALLY	warranty.
CORROSIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE WATER HEATER.
For exact venting specifications, please consult the Venting section, located on		This installation shall allow access to the front of the water heater and adequate
page 3, of these Installation and Operating Instructions.		clearance shall be provided for servicing and operating this water heater. The
		water heater may be installed on either a combustible or non-combustible
	WARNING	floor. If the water heater is to be installed directly on carpeting, it shall be
		installed on top of a metal or wood panel (or equivalent) extending beyond
Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas are heavier than air and will remain at floor
level if there is a leak. Basements, crawl spaces, closets and areas below ground level		the full width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in any
will serve as pockets for accumulation of leaking gas. Before lighting, smell all around		direction or, if the appliance is to be installed in an alcove or closet, the entire
the appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor.		floor shall be covered by the panel.

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