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Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Technician
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
This section of the Service Handbook covers some of the critical installation requirements that, when
overlooked, often result in operational problems, down time and needless parts replacement. Costs to
correct installation errors are not covered under the limited warranty. Ensure all installation requirements and
instructions contained in the Instruction Manual that came with the water heater have been followed prior to
performing any service procedures.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Have a copy of the Instruction Manual that came with the water heater on hand for the model and series
number being serviced. Installation information given in this Service Handbook is not a complete installation
instruction. Installation information given in this Service Handbook has a limited focus as it applies to servicing
the water heater. This Service Handbook does not replace or supersede the Instruction Manual that came
with the water heater. Always refer to the Instruction Manual for complete installation instructions. If the
Instruction Manual is not on hand, copies can be obtained from the manufacturers web site or by calling the
technical support phone number shown on the back cover of this Service Handbook.
CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS
Water supply systems may, because of code requirements or such conditions as high line pressure, among
others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back flow preventers.
Devices such as these cause the water system to be a closed system.
THERMAL EXPANSION
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). As the volume of water grows there will be a corresponding
increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure
(leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause
intermittent Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to excessive
pressure build up. This condition is not covered under the limited warranty. The Temperature-Pressure Relief
Valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. A properly sized thermal expansion tank
must be installed on all closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion. Contact a local
plumbing service agency to have a thermal expansion tank installed.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
Carefully review the requirements for combustion and ventilation air in the Instruction Manual that came
with the water heater. Failure to meet these requirements when the water heater is installed or overlooking
their importance when servicing the water heater often results in needless down time, unnecessary parts
replacement, and customer dissatisfaction. An inadequate supply of air for combustion and ventilation can
cause recirculation of combustion products resulting in contamination that may be hazardous to life. Such
a condition often will result in a yellow, luminous burner flame, causing sooting of the combustion chamber,
burners and flue tubes and creates a risk of asphyxiation.
CONTAMINATED AIR
Combustion air that is contaminated can greatly diminish the life span of the water heater and water heater
components such as hot surface igniters and burners. Propellants of aerosol sprays, beauty shop supplies,
water softener chemicals and chemicals used in dry cleaning processes that are present in the combustion,
ventilation or ambient air can cause such damage.
Do not store products of this sort near the water heater. Air which is brought in contact with the water heater
should not contain any of these chemicals. If necessary, uncontaminated air should be obtained from remote
or outdoor sources.
