Service; Leakage Checkpoints - A.O. Smith Gphe 50 Instruction Manual

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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.
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If you are not thoroughly familiar with gas codes, your water heater,
and safety practices, contact your gas supplier or qualified installer
to check the water heater.
Read this manual first. Then before checking the water heater make
sure the gas supply has been turned "OFF", and never turn the gas
"ON" before the tank is completely full of water.
Never use this water heater unless it is completely filled with water.
To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be filled with water.
Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning "ON" gas
to the water heater.
A *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or pipe
connections may be leaking.
B. *The anode rod fitting may be leaking.
C. Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure relief valve
may be due to thermal expansion or high water pressure in your
area.
D. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at the
tank fitting.
E . Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being slightly
opened.
F. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.
G. Combustion products contain water vapor which can condense
on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets form and drip onto
the burner or run on the floor. This is common at the time of
start-up after installation and when incoming water is cold.
H. Water in the water heater bottom or on the floor 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 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 fitting. If cotton is wet, follow
"Draining" instructions in the "Periodic Maintenance" section and
then remove fitting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads
and replace. Then follow "Filling the Water Heater" instructions
in the "Installing the New Water Heater" section.
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