Leakage Checkpoint - A.O. Smith AOSRE50100 Owner's Manual

INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS ILLUSTRATION AS A GUIDE WHEN CHECKING FOR SOURCES OF WATER LEAKAGE.
YOU OR YOUR DEALER MAY BE ABLE TO CORRECT WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM.
Cover and Insulation shown
removed to reveal tank top
Where possible, remove or lift top cover
to examine threads of fittings installed
into tank for evidence of leakage.
Correct fitting leaks as necessary.
Water leaks at the elements may be due to:
1. Defective element which leaks at
terminals or thru flange. Replace
element*.
2. Loose element/gasket leak:
(a) Screw-in type: tighten with 1 1/2"
socket wrench or Part No. 21163 or
23985 wrench. If leak continues,
remove element*, discard gasket
and clean thread areas. Apply
non-hardening Permatex No. 2 to
thread areas, install new gasket and
screw element into fitting until it
seats. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn with
wrench.
(b) Flange type: tighten screws with
wrench. If leak continues remove
element* and discard gasket. Clean
gasket seating areas and reinstall
element with new gasket.
NOTE: Part No. 40000-1 scale cleaning
replacement screws available where
threads have become rusted or
damaged, preventing tightening.
All water which appears at the heater
bottom or on the surrounding floor may be
caused by condensation, loose connec-
tions 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 proven otherwise.
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Anode Rod
Temperature & Pressure
Relief Valve
10
To Open Drain
Condensation and dripping may appear
on pipes when cold water temperature
is low. Pipe fitting may be leaking.
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.
To Open Drain
Water on the side of the tank may
be condensation due to the panel
or insulation not being in place.
Drain valve leakage could be from
the valve itself. Either correct the
problem 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 your dealer as it is
necessary to shut off electricity and
drain tank to perform procedure.