Leakage Checkpoints - American Water Heater 52 Series Instruction Manual

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS

INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS ILLUSTRATION AS A GUIDE WHEN CHECKING FOR SOURCES OF WATER LEAKAGE.
Drain valve leakage could be from the valve itself. Either correct the prob-
lem or replace the valve*. To check for leakage where threaded portion
enters tank, insert Q-tip or similar absorbent material between jacket
opening and valve to swab spud area. Remove valve* if leak is indicated
and repair with pipe joint compound.
Contact a Quali ed Service Agency as it is necessary to
shut o electricity and drain tank to perform procedure.
Where possible, remove or lift top cover to
examine threads of ttings installed into tank
for evidence of leakage. Correct tting leaks
as necessary.
Relief valve operation and leakage may be
due to water expansion during heating cycle
or foreign material on seat of valve. If the
valve is not piped to an open drain, the
released water could be mistaken for a
leaking heater.
To check where threaded portion enters tank,
insert Q-Tip® or similar absorbent material
between jacket opening and valve to swab
spud area. Remove valve* if leak is indicated
and repair with pipe joint compound.
Water on the side of the tank may be
condensation due to the panel or insulation not
being in place.
Water leaks at the elements may be due to:
1. Defective elements which leak at terminals or
through ange. Replace element*.
2. Loose element/gasket leak:
Tighten element with element wrench.
If leak continues, remove element* and
discard gasket. Clean gasket seating
areas and reinstall element with new
gasket.
Condensation and dripping may appear on
pipes when inlet water temperature is low.
Pipe tting may be leaking.
All water which appears at the heater bottom or on
the surrounding oor may be caused by condensa-
tion, loose connections or relief valve operation
and leakage. Do not replace the heater until a full
inspection of all potential leak points is made and
corrective steps taken to stop the leak.
Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or
ground seepage
should also be suspected until proved otherwise.
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