Leakage Checkpoint - A.O. Smith ELECTRIC WATER HEATER 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.
Where possible, remove or lift top cover
to examine threads of fittings installed into
tank for evidence of leakage. Correct fit-
ting leaks as necessary.
Water leaks at the elements may be due to:
1. Defective element which leaks at termi-
nals 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, re-
move element*, discard gasket and
clean thread areas. Apply non-hard-
ening 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 el-
ement* and discard gasket. Clean
gasket seating areas and re-install el-
ement 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 bot-
tom or on the surrounding floor may be
caused by condensation, loose connections
or relief valve operation and leakage. Do
not replace the heater until a full inspection
of all potential leak points is made and cor-
rective steps taken to stop the leak. Leak-
age from other appliances, water lines or
ground seepage should also be suspected
until proven otherwise.
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Cover and Insulation
shown removed
to reveal tank top
Anode Rod
Temperature & Pressure
Relief Valve
7
To Open Drain
Condensation and dripping may
appear on pipes when cold wa-
ter temperature is low. Pipe fit-
ting may be leaking.
Relief valve operation and leakage may
be due to water expansion during heat-
ing 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 mate-
rial 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 in-
sulation 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.