Whirlpool W10123251, 315422-000 Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat

IMPORTANT: The gas control valve/thermostat is a standard valve with a right-hand thread thermocouple. Use only factory authorized replacement parts.

Removing the Gas Valve:

1.Turn the gas control knob on the combination gas control valve/thermostat clockwise to the “OFF” position. NOTE: Depress the dial stop on Robertshaw valves before turning the gas control knob. See Lighting Instructions on the water heater.

2.Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve on the gas supply pipe (Figure 3).

3.Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of “Draining and Flushing” section and follow the procedure.

4.Disconnect the igniter wire from the igniter. NOTE: There are two types of igniters. If you have the round igniter, first remove the igniter from the bracket by depressing front and rear holding tabs and lift. Next remove igniter bracket from the gas valve. If you have the square igniter, slide the igniter bracket backwards away from the gas valve to remove it. Disconnect the thermocouple (right-hand threads), pilot tube, and manifold tube at the gas control valve/thermostat (Figure 22).

5.Refer to “Gas Piping” section (Figure 3) and disconnect the ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the remaining pipe from the gas control valve/thermostat.

6.To remove the gas valve, thread a correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas valve (counterclockwise.) Do not use pipe wrench or equivalent to grip body. Damage may result, causing leaks. Do not insert any sharp objects into the inlet or outlet connections. Damage to the gas valve may result.

Replacing the Gas Valve:

To replace the gas control valve/thermostat, reassemble in reverse order. When replacing the gas valve, thread a correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas valve (clockwise.) DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN, damage may result.

•Be sure to use approved Teflon® tape or pipe joint compound on the gas piping connections and fitting on the back of the gas control valve that screws into tank.

•Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control valve/thermostat.

•Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks. Test all connections by brushing on an approved noncorrosive leak-detection solution. Bubbles will show a leak. Correct any leak found.

•Be sure tank is completely filled with water before lighting and activating the water heater. Follow the “Lighting Instructions”

•If additional information is required, contact the Service Department at: 1-877-817-6750.

TEFLON® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

Flame Lock™Safety System Operational Checklist

1.Burner door gasket properly sealed.

2.Viewport not damaged or cracked.

3.Flame-trap free of debris and undamaged.

4.Two piece wire connector properly installed.

5.No leaks at pilot and manifold connection.

6.Burner door screws securely tightened.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

PROBLEM		POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)		CORRECTIVE ACTION
BURNER WILL NOT IGNITE	1.	Pilot not lit	1.	Light pilot
	2.	Thermostat set too low	2.	Turn temp. dial to desired temperature
	3.	No gas	3.	Check with gas utility company
	4.	Dirt in the gas lines	4.	Notify utility-install trap in gas line
	5.	Pilot line clogged	5.	Clean, locate source and correct
	6.	Main burner line clogged	6.	Clean, locate source and correct
	7.	Non-functioning thermocouple	7.	Replace thermocouple
	8.	Non-functioning thermostat	8.	Replace thermostat
	9.	Heater installed in a confined area	9.	Provide fresh air ventilation
SMELLY WATER	1.	Sulfides in the water	1.	Replace the anode with a special anode
PILOT WILL NOT LIGHT	1.	Air in gas line	1.	Bleed the air from the gas line
	2.	No gas	2.	Check with gas utility company
	3.	Dirt in gas lines	3.	Notify utility-install dirt trap in gas line
	4.	Pilot line or orifice clogged	4.	Clean, locate source and correct
	5.	Cold drafts	5.	Locate source and correct
	6.	Thermostat ECO switch open	6.	Replace thermostat
	7.	Non-functioning igniter	7.	Replace igniter pilot assembly
	8.	Flammable vapors incident, Flame	8.	Eliminate flammable vapor source(s)
	9.	LockTM function utilized	9.	Call 1-877-817-6750
		Low gas pressure		Check with gas utility company
	10.	Air for combustion obstructed	10.	See maintenance section for inspection and
	11.	Pilot dirty	11.	cleaning of flame-trap & burner
				Clean pilot

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