22
Water Temperature Regulation
Water temperature over 125°F (52°C)
can cause servere burns instantly
resulting in severe injury or death.
Children, the elderly, and the
physically or mentally disabled are at
highest risk for scald injury.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are
available.
Read instruction manual for safe
temperature setting.
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the water
temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30°F
(16.7 °C) higher or lower at the point of use such as,
bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a
temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes
washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can
scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some
people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot
water than others. These include the elderly, children,
the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone
using hot water in your home fits into one of these groups
or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain
temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must
take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest
possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water
needs, a means such as a mixing valve should be used
at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water
heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or
hardware stores. See Figure 14. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing
the factory setting on the thermostat, see Figure 19A.
Using the lowest hot water temperature that meets your
needs will also provide the most energy efficient operation
of the water heater.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or
to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or
handicapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
NOTE: A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F
(49°C-60°C) is recommended by most dishwasher
manufacturers.
The thermostat is adjusted to the pilot position when it
is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can be
regulated by moving the temperature dial to the preferred
setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F at the “HOT”
setting. Align the knob with the desired water temperature
as shown in Figure 19A. There is a hot water scald
potential if the thermostat is set too high.
NOTE:
Temperatures shown on the gas control valve/
thermostat are approximates. The actual temperature of
the heated water may vary.
IMPORTANT:
Adjusting the thermostat past the 120°F
mark on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald
injury. Hot water can produce first degree burns within:
Checking the Draft
WARNING
Burn Hazard
Do not touch vent.
Doing so can result in burns.
After successfully lighting the water heater, allow the unit to
operate for 15 minutes and check the draft hood relief
opening for proper draft (Figure 17). Make sure all other
appliances in the area are operating and all doors are closed
when performing the draft test. Pass a match flame around
the relief opening of the draft hood. A steady flame drawn
into the opening indicates proper draft.
MATCH
RELIEF
OPENING
DRAFT HOOD
FIGURE 17.
If the flame flutters or is blown out, combustion products are
escaping from the relief opening. If this occurs, do not operate
the water heater until proper adjustments or repairs are made
to the vent pipe system and/or air supply requirements.
Burner Flames
Inspect the burner flames through the viewport and
compare them to the drawings in Figure 18. A properly
operating burner should produce a soft blue flame. Blue
tips with yellow inner cones are satisfactory. The tips
of the flame may have a slight yellow tint. The flame
should not be all yellow or have a sharp blue-orange
color. Contaminated air may cause an orange colored
flame. Contact a qualified technician if the flame is not
satisfactory.
FIGURE 18.
Emergency Shut Down
IMPORTANT: Should overheating occur or the gas supply
fails to shut off, turn off the water heater’s manual gas
control valve and call a qualified technician.
