Leakage Checkpoints; Service - A.O. Smith 186589-004 Instruction Manual

SERVICE

If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the operation of
the water heater contact a service agency.
Use this guide to check a "Leaking" water heater. Many sus-
pected "Leakers" are not leaking tanks. Often the source of the
water can be found and corrected.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with gas codes, your water
heater, and safety practices, contact your gas supplier or quali-
fi ed installer to check the water heater.
Read this manual fi rst. Then before checking the water heater
make sure the gas supply has been turned "OFF", and never turn
the gas "ON" before the tank is completely full of water.
Never use this water heater unless it is completely fi lled with wa-
ter. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be fi lled with
water. Water must fl ow from the hot water faucet before turning
"ON" gas to the water heater.
A. *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or
pipe connections may be leaking.
B. *The anode rod fi tting may be leaking (anode is located under
the Blower Assembly).
C. Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure relief
valve may be due to thermal expansion or high water pres-
sure in your area.
D. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at the
tank fi tting.
E Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being
slightly opened.
F. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fi tting.
G. Combustion products contain water vapor which can con-
dense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets form and
drip onto the burner or run on the fl oor. This is common at
the time of start-up after installation and when incoming water
is cold.
H. Water in the water heater bottom or on the fl oor may be from
condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve. DO
NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection of all pos-
sible water sources is made and necessary corrective steps
taken.
Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage
should also be checked.
* To check where threaded portion enters tank, insert cotton
swab between jacket opening and fi tting. If cotton is wet,
follow "Draining" instructions in the "Periodic Maintenance"
section and then remove fi tting. Put pipe dope or Tefl on tape
on the threads and replace. Then follow "Filling the Water
Heater" instructions in the "Installing the New Water Heater"
section.

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS

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