A.O. Smith GDV, Instruction Manual

Page: 9 / 36

9
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 eco-
nomical 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:
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 pip-
ing system as possible.
Selected location must provide adequate clearances for ser-
vicing 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
fl ow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it
is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper
fl oor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a metal drain pan
should be installed under the water heater. Metal drain pans are
available at your local hardware store. Such a metal drain pan
must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 in. greater
that the water heater dimensions, a maximum height of 1.75 in.
and must be piped to an adequate drain.
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 metal 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 metal drain pan. These devices
are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retail-
ers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:
Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an alarm
or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leak-
age is detected.
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Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that turn off the wa-
ter supply to the entire home when water is detected in the
metal drain pan.
Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the wa-
ter 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.
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 water heater extending beyond the full width and depth of
the water heater by at least 3 in. in any direction, or if the water
heater is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire fl oor must be
covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in
a fi re hazard.
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LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER