A.O. Smith G6-PVT4050NV Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual page 17

INSTALLATION
Step: 2
Verify that the Location
is Appropriate
WARNING! Do not store or use
flammable materials, vapors, or
liquids in the same location where
this water heater is installed.
Before installing your water heater,
ensure that it will be located:
• Indoors in an area with adequate air
supply.
• In an area that will not freeze.
• In a location as close to a wall as
practicable and as centralized with
the water piping system as possible.
• In a metal drain pan piped to an ad-
equate floor drain or external to the
building (Figure 36 on page 19).
• In an area with adequate space
(clearances) for periodic servicing.
There must be a minimum of 5-1/2
inches of front clearance, however,
24 inches of clearance is recom-
mended.
• In an area that allows minimum
clearances between the water
heater and combustibles. Minimum
clearances are 0 inches at the sides
and rear, 5-1/2 inches from the front
and 12 inches from the top. Mini-
mum clearances from vent piping
to combustibles is 1 inch except as
noted in Figure 9.
• On a floor that can support the
weight of a full water heater.
You will also want to follow these
guidelines while considering an
appropriate location:
• Do not install near air-moving devic-
es such as exhaust fans, ventilation
systems, or clothes dryers.
• Do not obtain ventilating air for the
furnace/air handler from the same
space as the water heater. Ensure
that any return air ducts near the
water heater are sealed.
• Do not install in a bathroom,
bedroom, or any occupied room
normally kept closed.
• If the water heater is installed
directly on carpeting, it shall be
installed on a metal or wood panel
extending beyond the full width
and depth of the water heater by at
least 3 inches in any direction. If the
water heater is installed in an alcove
or closet, the entire floor shall be
covered by the aforestated panel.
• If your area is prone to earthquakes,
use special straps as required by
local building codes.
NOTICE: The state of California
requires bracing, anchoring, or
strapping the water heater to avoid its
moving during an earthquake. Contact
local utilities for code requirements in
your area, visit http://www.dsa.dgs.
ca.gov, or call 1-916-445-8100 and
request instructions. Other locations
may have similar requirements. Check
with your local and state authorities.
• Do not install in a location prone to
physical damage by vehicles, flood-
ing, or other risks.
Vehicle
Stop
Drain
Pan
Figure 29 - In a garage, install a vehicle stop to
avoid water heater damage.
• Avoid locations such as attics, upper
floors, or where leaks might damage
the structure or furnishings. Due
to the normal corrosive action of
water, the tank will eventually leak.
To minimize property damage from
leaks, inspect and maintain your
water heater in accordance with this
manual's instructions. Install a metal
drain pan under the water heater
piped to an adequate drain. Inspect
the drain pan, pipes, and surround-
ing area regularly and fix any leaks
found. Drain pans are available at
your local plumbing supplier. Leaks
are frequently in the plumbing sys-
tem itself and not the water heater.
Step: 3
Removing the Old
Water Heater
Read each installation step
1
and decide if you have the
necessary skills to install the
water heater. Only proceed if you are
comfortable you can safely perform
the work. If you are not sure, have a
qualified person perform the
installation.
On the old water heater, turn
2
the control knob on the gas
control valve to the OFF
position.
Press down to turn
CAUTION:
RISK OF SCALDING
INCREASES WITH
HOTTER WATER
S TAT U S L I G H T C O D E
F L A M E S S TAT U S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Drain SCALDING RISK INCREASES
WITH HOTTER WATER
TO LIGHT PILOT:
PRESS / HOLD KNOB IN POSITION STATUS
PRESS IGNITER BUTTON UNTIL PILOT LIGHTS
RELEASE KNOB WHEN STATUS LIGHT BLINKS
LOW
VAC
PILOT OFF
RED
Figure 30 - Turn gas control/temperature knob
OFF.
Residential Gas Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 17
Mechanical Valve
Turn to
pilot
Electronic Valve
SCALDING RISK INCREASES
WITH HOTTER WATER
TO LIGHT
PRESS / HOLD
PRESS
IGNITER
RELEASE KNO
LOW
WHITE
VAC OFF
PILOT