Leakage Checkpoints; Service - A.O. Smith RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS Installation And Operating 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
suspected "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
qualifi ed installer to check the water heater.
Ensure the venting is properly attached and secured.
Never use this water heater unless it is completely fi lled
with water. 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. Water at the blower assembly is water vapor which
has condensed out of the combustion products. This
is caused by a problem in the vent. A drainage port is
included at the vent pipe connection. Contact the gas
utility.
B. *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather
or pipe connections may be leaking.
C. *The anode rod fi tting may be leaking.
D. Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure
relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high
water pressure in your area.
E. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking
at the tank fi tting.
F. Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being
slightly opened.
G. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fi tting.
H. Combustion products contain water vapor which can
condense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets
form and drip onto the burner. This is common at the
time of start-up after installation and when incoming
water is cold.
I. Water in the water heater bottom may be from
condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve.
DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection
of all possible water sources is made and necessary
corrective steps taken.

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS

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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.
A
E
F
Figure 56
B
C
G
H
I
D
49