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28

tight in the gas control valve/thermostat.  Finally, start 

the thermocouple nut and turn it all the way in by hand.  

An additional quarter turn with a 3/8” open-end wrench 

will then be sufficient to seat the lockwasher.  When 

you are finished, connect the two wire leads that go to 

the thermal switch.

7.  Reconnect the igniter wire.

8.  Turn gas supply on and refer to the Lighting Instruc-

tions.

9.  With the burner lit, check the gas control valve/

thermostat supply line, two piece wire connector, 

manifold tube, and pilot tube connections for 

leaks. Check for leaks by brushing on an approved 

noncorrosive leak detection solution. Bubbles forming 

indicate a leak. Correct any leak found. IMPORTANT: 

All leaks must be fixed immediately.

10.  Replace the outer door.

DOOR GASKET

FLAME ARRESTOR

BRACKET

TIP

FIGURE 30.

MANIFOLD TUBE

TIP

BRACKET

SLOT

CLOSE-UP INSIDE VIEW OF

THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.

FIGURE 31.

Piezoelectric Igniter System                                   

The piezoelectric igniter system consists of the igniter 
button, electrode, and wire.  The pilot is ignited by an 
electric spark generated when the igniter button is 
pressed. The spark gap of 0.125 inch is set when the 
electrode is installed at the factory. (Figure 32 ). Use 
only factory authorized piezoelectric igniter parts for 
replacement.

SNAP-ON CONNECTOR

IGNITER
BUTTON

WIRE

TO

ELECTRODE

THERMOCOUPLE

PILOT

PILOT

BRACKET

ELECTRODE

TIP

.125” *

* NOTE: SPARK GAP DISTANCE MEASURED FROM ELECTRODE TIP TO PILOT.

 

FIGURE 32.

Testing the Igniter System                                      

Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas 

shut-off valve. Watch the electrode tip while activating the 

igniter. A visible spark should jump from the electrode. To 

avoid shock, do not touch the burner or any metal part 

on the pilot or pilot assembly. If no spark is visible, check 

the wire connections and make sure the electrode is not 

broken. Replace the igniter if defective. Dirt and rust on the 

pilot or electrode tip can prevent the igniter spark. Wipe 

clean with a damp cloth and dry completely. Rust can be 

removed from the electrode tip and metal surfaces by 

lightly sanding with an emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control 
Valve/Thermostat                                                             

IMPORTANT: This water heater has a resettable thermal
switch installed. Do not attempt to disable or modify this
feature in any way. Use only factory authorized 

replacement parts.

Removing the Gas Valve:

1.  Turn off the gas supply to the water heater at the 

manual gas shut-off valve. This valve is typically located 

beside the water heater. Note the position of the shut-

off valve in the open/on position then proceed to turn it 

off (Figure 3).

2.  On the lower front of the water heater locate the 

gas control valve/thermostat (see Figure 23). Before 

performing any maintenance, it is important to turn the 

temperature dial on the gas control valve/thermostat to 

its lowest setting.

3.  On top of the gas control valve/thermostat turn the gas 

control knob to the “OFF” position. NOTE: On the White 

Rodgers gas control valve/thermostat the knob stop 

must first be depressed before turning the gas control 

knob. See Lighting Instructions on the water heater.

4.  Drain the water heater. Refer to the section of 

“Draining and Flushing” section and follow the 

procedure.

5.  Disconnect the piezo igniter wire from the piezo igniter 

button. NOTE: There are two types of igniters. If 

you have the square igniter, slide the igniter bracket 

backwards away from the gas valve to remove it. If 

you have the round igniter, first remove the igniter 

from the bracket by depressing front and rear holding 

tabs and lift. Next remove igniter bracket from the 

gas valve. Disconnect the thermocouple, pilot tube, 

the two connectors attached to the thermal switch, 

and manifold tube at the gas control valve/thermostat 

(Figure 22). NOTE: L.P. gas systems use reverse (left-

hand) threads on the manifold tube.

6.  Refer to “Gas Piping” section (Figure 3) and disconnect 

the ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the 

remaining pipe from the gas control valve/thermostat.

7.  To remove the gas control valve/thermostat, thread a 

correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas 

control valve/thermostat (counterclockwise.) Do not use 

pipe wrench or equivalent to grip body.  Damage may 

result, causing leaks. 

 

Do not insert any sharp objects into the inlet or outlet 

connections. Damage to the gas control valve/thermostat 

may result.

Summary of Contents for FVIR GAS WATER HEATER

Page 1: ...diately call your gas supplier from a neighbor s phone Follow the gas supplier s instructions If you cannot reach your gas supplier call the fire department Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer service agency or the gas supplier WARNING If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly a fire or explosion may result causing property damage personal inj...

Page 2: ... 17 Combination Space Heating Potable Water System 17 18 Solar Installation 18 Important Information About this Water Heater 19 Operating Your Water Heater 20 25 White Rodgers Gas Valve Thernostat Lighting Instructions 20 RobertShaw Gas Valve Thermostat Lighting Instructions 21 Checking the Draft 21 Burner Flames 22 Emergency Shutdown 22 Water Temperature Regulation 22 23 Operational Conditions 23...

Page 3: ...ity equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing air supply venting and gas supply including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the installation of gas fired water heaters The service agency must also have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual and be able to perform repairs strictly in accordance with the servic...

Page 4: ...void all ignition sources if you smell Natural or LP gas Do not expose water heater control to excessive gas pressure Use only gas shown on rating plate Maintain required clearances to combustibles Keep ignition sources away from faucets after extended period of non use Read instruction manual before installing using or servicing water heater ...

Page 5: ...LED IN A CLOSED WATER SYSTEM M N L E P X Y MANIFOLD TUBE IGNITER WIRE MAIN BURNER PILOT TUBE THERMOCOUPLE IGNITER ROD U MANIFOLD BURNER ASSEMBLY MANIFOLD DOOR DISCHARGE PIPE DO NOT CAP OR PLUG 6 MAXIMUM AIR GAP FLOOR DRAIN GAS CONTROL KNOB WATER TEMPERATURE DIAL ADJUSTING DIAL TOP VIEW OFF POSITION PILOT POSITION ON POSITION S GAS CONTROL VALVE THERMOSTAT WHITE RODGERS GAS CONTROL KNOB WATER TEMPE...

Page 6: ... future users of this water heater will need it for future reference Service to the FVIR System should only be performed by a qualified technician Examples of a qualified technician include licensed plumbers authorized gas company personnel and authorized service personnel IMPORTANT The manufacturer and seller of this water heater will not be liable for any damages injuries or deaths caused by fai...

Page 7: ...n the area of the water heater leave the area immediately and call the fire department from a neighbor s home Do not attempt to clean the spill until all ignition sources have been extinguished Fire or Explosion Hazard WARNING Read instruction manual before installing using or servicing water heater Improper use may result in fire or explosion Maintain required clearances to combustibles Keep comb...

Page 8: ...used in conjunction with a piped drain pan These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers and detect and react to leakage in various ways Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when water is detected Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply to the entire home when water is det...

Page 9: ...tural gas water heater to an L P gas supply Do not connect an L P gas water heater to a natural gas supply Failure to follow these instructions can result in death explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning Explosion Hazard Gas Requirements IMPORTANT Read the rating plate to be sure the water heater is made for the type of gas you will be using in your home This information will be found on the rating...

Page 10: ... in the occurrence of a leak in the system the gas will settle at floor level Basements crawl spaces closets and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumulation of gas Before lighting an L P gas water heater smell all around the appliance at floor level If you smell gas follow the instructions as given in the warning on the front page When your L P tank runs out of fuel turn of...

Page 11: ...by a qualified technician using the installation instructions Examples of a qualified technican include gas technicians authorized gas company personel and authorized service persons Failure to so do can result in death or carbon monoxide poisoning IMPORTANT Air for combustion and ventilation must not come from a corrosive atmosphere Any failure due to corrosive elements in the atmosphere is exclu...

Page 12: ...e typical examples of each method Louvers and Grilles In calculating free area for ventilation and combustion air supply openings consideration must be given to the blocking effect of protection louvers grilles and screens These devices can reduce airflow which in turn may require larger openings to achieve the required minimum free area Screens must not be smaller than 1 4 mesh If the free area t...

Page 13: ...ied by CSA International this certification applies to the vent damper device only and does not mean they are certified for use on this water heater U L recognized fuel gas and carbon monoxide CO detectors are recommended in all applications and should be installed using the manufacturer s instructions and local codes rules or regulations IMPORTANT If you lack the necessary skills required to prop...

Page 14: ...ay is clear and free of obstructions The chimney must be cleaned if previously used for venting solid fuel appliances or fireplaces Also consult local and state codes for proper chimney sizing and application or in the absence of local and state codes the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223 1 NFPA 54 current edition The connector must be installed above the extreme bottom of the chimney to prevent po...

Page 15: ...e as specified under Closed System Thermal Expansion 5 Install a shut off valve in the cold water inlet line It should be located close to the water heater and be easily accessible Know the location of this valve and how to shut off the water to the heater 6 A temperature and pressure relief valve must be installed in the opening marked Temperature and Pressure T P Relief Valve on the water heater...

Page 16: ...The use of valves that may cause excessive restriction to water flow is not recommended Use only 95 5 tin antimony or other equivalent solder Any lead based solder must not be used Piping that has been treated with chromates boiler seal or other chemicals must not be used Chemicals that may contaminate the potable water supply must not be added to the piping system Closed System Thermal Expansion ...

Page 17: ...use with space heating applications If this water heater is to be used to supply both space heating and domestic potable drinking water the instructions listed below must be followed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Explosion Harzard Temperature pressure relief valve must comply with ANSI Z21 22 CSA 4 4 and ASME code Properly sized temperature pressure relief valve must be installed in openin...

Page 18: ...ts previously used with non potable water heating appliances when used to supply potable water Some jurisdictions may require a backflow preventer in the incoming cold water line This may cause the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater to discharge or weep due to expansion of the heated water A diaphragm type expansion tank suitable for potable water will normally eliminate thi...

Page 19: ...anges Questions Contact Residential Technical Assistance by referencing the phone number on the front of the Installation Instructions and Use Care Guide Installation Checklist Water Heater Location Water heater location is important and can affect system performance Please check the following Installation area free of corrosive elements and flammable materials Centrally located with the water pip...

Page 20: ... above on this label Set the thermostat to lowest setting PILOT LIGHTING Turn thermostat dial fully clockwise until it stops Push the gas control knob down slightly and turn clockwise to OFF SEE FIGURE A NOTE Knob cannot be turned from PILOT to OFF unless knob is pushed down slightly Do not force Wait ten 10 minutes to clear out any gas If you then smell gas STOP Follow B in the safety information...

Page 21: ...rve the pilot through the view port Do not release the reset button Repeat immediately if pilot does not light on the first try If the pilot does not light by the fourth attempt with the igniter repeat steps 4 7 Continue to hold the button for about 1 minute after the pilot is lit Release the reset button and it will pop back up Pilot should remain lit If the pilot light goes out repeat steps 3 7 ...

Page 22: ...our 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 19 Using the lowest hot water temperature that meets your...

Page 23: ...e limit switch or ECO Energy Cut Off in the tank is used to shut off the unit if the water temperature exceeds 195 F 91 C The ECO is a single use switch which if activated requires complete replacement of the entire gas control valve thermostat If the ECO should activate the water heater cannot be used until the gas control valve thermostat is replaced by a qualified technician Contact your local ...

Page 24: ...e the Repair Parts Illustration section for anode rod location TEFLON is a registered trademark of E I Du Pont De Nemours and Company Draining and Flushing It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up during operation The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures To drain the tank perform the follow...

Page 25: ...owing maintenance procedures are for the FVIR System components and should be performed by a qualified technician Replacement parts may be ordered through your plumber or the local distributor Parts will be shipped at prevailing prices and billed accordingly When ordering replacement parts always have the following information ready 1 model serial and product number 2 type of gas 3 item number 4 p...

Page 26: ...IGURE 25 FIGURE 26 Replacing the Pilot Pilot Tube Assembly 1 Remove the manifold burner assembly See Removing the Manifold Burner Assembly 2 Lift the retainer clip straight up from the back of the two piece wire connector using a flat blade screwdriver then remove the two piece wire connector from the manifold door Figure 25 IMPORTANT Be careful not to bend or alter the position of the pilot tube ...

Page 27: ...r Assembly Replacing the Manifold Burner Assembly WARNING Explosion Hazard Tighten both manifold door screws securely Remove any fiberglass between gasket and combustion chamber Replace viewport if glass is missing or damaged Replace two piece wire connector if missing or removed Replace door gasket if damaged Failure to follow these instructions can result in death explosion or fire 1 Check the d...

Page 28: ...h or fine grit sandpaper Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve Thermostat IMPORTANT This water heater has a resettable thermal switch installed Do not attempt to disable or modify this feature in any way Use only factory authorized replacement parts Removing the Gas Valve 1 Turn off the gas supply to the water heater at the manual gas shut off valve This valve is typically located beside th...

Page 29: ...rmal switch TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE S CORRECTIVE ACTION BURNER WILL NOT IGNITE 1 Pilot not lit 2 Thermostat set too low 3 No gas 4 Dirt in the gas lines 5 Pilot line clogged 6 Main burner line clogged 7 Non functioning thermocouple 8 Non functioning thermostat 9 Heater installed in a confined area 1 Light pilot 2 Turn temp dial to desired temperature 3 Check with gas utility c...

Page 30: ... inlet 8 Advise customer DRIP FROM RELIEF VALVE 1 Excessive water pressure 2 Heater stacking 3 Closed water system 1 Use a pressure reducing valve and relief valve 2 Lower the thermostat setting 3 See Closed System Thermal Expansion THERMOSTAT FAILS TO SHUT OFF 1 Thermostat not functioning prop erly 2 Improper calibration 1 Replace thermostat 2 Replace thermostat COMBUSTION ODORS 1 Insufficient se...

Page 31: ... manual for specific requirements NO Is the pilot tube damaged NO Does the flame arrestor show signs of discoloration and or debris Shut off the gas supply to the water heater at the manual gas shut off valve then contact Residential Technical Assistance by referencing the phone number on the front of the Installation Instructions and Use Care Guide YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO Contact a...

Page 32: ...BAFFLE 4 HEAT TRAP NIPPLES COLD SOME MODELS 5 HEAT TRAP NIPPLES HOT SOME MODELS 6 COLD WATER DIP TUBE 7 ANODE ROD 8 TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE LOCATED TOP OR SIDE 9 DRAIN VALVE 10 GAS CONTROL VALVE THERMOSTAT with wire leads 11 OUTER DOOR 12 PILOT PILOT TUBE ASSEMBLY KIT Natural Gas 13 PILOT PILOT TUBE ASSEMBLY KIT L P Gas 14 BURNER Natural Gas 15 BURNER L P Gas 16 MANIFOLD DOOR ASSEMBLY Na...

Page 33: ...ocouple two piece wire connector with retainer clip thermal switch and pilot assembly Natural Gas Low Nox Item 17 Manifold door assembly which contains the manifold tube gasket door pilot tube thermocouple two piece wire connector with retainer clip thermal switch and pilot assembly L P Gas Item 18 Contains two piece wire connector and retainer clip Item 19 Contains manifold door gasket Item 20 Co...

Page 34: ...34 NOTES ...

Page 35: ...d in a non corrosive and non contaminated atmosphere used with factory approved anode s installed in its original installation location in the United States its territories or possessions and Canada sized in accordance with proper sizing techniques for residential water heaters bearing a rating plate which has not been altered defaced or removed except as required by the warrantor used in an open ...

Page 36: ...PONSIBLE FOR WATER DAMAGE LOSS OF USE OF THE UNIT INCONVENIENCE LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE THE WARRANTOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE BY VIRTUE OF THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE FOR DAMAGE TO ANY PERSONS OR PROPERTY WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT AND WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT IF THE GLASS LINED TANK IN THIS WATER HEATER SHALL PROVE UPON EXAMINATION BY THE WARRANT...

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