Locating The New Water Heater; Facts To Consider About Location - A.O. Smith RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATER Instruction Manual

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER

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 economical 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 piping system as possible.
2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing
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 flow will not cause
damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install
the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot
be avoided, a suitable 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 clearance of at least 1.0" (2.5cm) greater
than any point on the water heater's outer jacket and must be piped
to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
For example, if a circular pan is used, it must be a minimum of 27"
(69cm) in diameter. See Figure 1.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water
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. 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 are available
from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect
and react to leakage in various ways:
• 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 supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
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.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable
liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.)
and other substances (such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater's hot surface
igniter or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can cause
death or serious burns to anyone in the area.
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 3" (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed
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