Locating The New Water Heater; Facts To Consider About Location - A.O. Smith 186589-004 Instruction Manual

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater,
because the placement is a very important consideration for the
safety of the occupants in the building and for the most eco-
nomical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for use in
manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:
1. Select a location indoors as close as practical to the vent
terminal or location to which the water heater vent piping is
going to be connected, and as centralized with the water pip-
ing system as possible.
2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances for ser-
vicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the fl ow
will not cause damage to the structure or any property. For this
reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic
or upper fl oor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suit-
able drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain
pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a drain
pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 51mm (2
in.) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped
to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air
fl ow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Wa-
ter heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage
may result in property damage, even with the use of a drain
pan piped to a drain. The manufacturer assumes no liability for
damages resulting from leaks. However, unanticipated damage
can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-
off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. These
devices, strongly recommended for installations where damage
from a leak is possible, are available from some plumbing sup-
ply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in
various ways:

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER

7
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or
turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage
is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water sup-
ply to the entire home when water is detected in the drain
pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the wa-
ter pressure differential between the cold water and hot water
pipes connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath
the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the
appliance by at least 76mm (3 in.) in any direction, or if the ap-
pliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire fl oor must be
covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result
in a fi re hazard.