22
TROUBLESHOOTING
Please check guidelines below. For your safety, water heater service should be performed only by a qualified service technician.
Read the GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION section first.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION
SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
NO HOT WATER
1) No pilot
A. No gas to pilot
Check gas supply
Turn on, check pressure
Check gas valve
Turn on or replace if needed
Check pilot orifice for obstruction
Clean with air or replace
Check pilot tube for kink or leaks
Replace pilot tube
B. Pilot will not stay lit
Check gas pressure
Check thermostat MV drop-out voltage
Check thermocouple connection and
Tighten if loose, replace
MV output
as necessary
Check thermocouple placement in pilot flame
3/8- should be in flame
Check pilot for proper flame
Change pilot orifice
Check ECO operation
Replace gas valve
Check for air in pilot tube
Bleed as necessary
C. Pilot blows out
Leaking joints
Check all vent joints for proper seal.
Make sure to check inner and outer
pipe and check rear air tube seals.
Refer to installation manual.
Check for proper vent cap
Install A. O. Smith provided vent cap
Check for bent, missing, or mislocated
pilot shield (natural gas units only)
Replace or reposition
Check outer door seal
Replace gasket if missing
Tighten screws if loose
Install gasket properly if misinstalled
NOT ENOUGH
1) Incorrect burner orifice
Check orifice size
Replace with correct size
HOT WATER
2) No gas to main burner
Check gas supply
Correct as needed
Check thermostat operation
Replace as needed
3) Heater too small
Confirm sizing requirements
Replace with larger heater, add
another heater, or decrease
water usage.
YELLOW FLAMES
1) Excessive or low gas
Check gas pressure
OR SOOT
pressure
2) Combustion air restricted
Check vent for restrictions
Correct as necessary
Check venting for extra piping
Re-install as recommended in
the installation manual
CONDENSATION
1) Water on floor under heater
See page 21 “CONDENSATION”
BURNER WILL
1) Low gas pressure
Check gas supply pressure
NOT STAY LIT
Check thermostat operation
2) Downdraft or
Check for proper vent cap
Install proper vent cap
backdraft condition
Check location of heater
Re-install in correct location
Check for proper vent sealing
Reseal venting
Check top and/or bottom air supply
Seal as necessary
box for air leaks
Check outer door seal
Replace gasket, tighten screws
or re-install gasket as necessary
