20
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 17. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing
the factory setting on the thermostat, see Figure 29. 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 of this water heater has been factory set
at the VAC (Vacation) position. It is adjustable and must
be reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce
the risk of scald injury. The HOT mark is indicative of
approximately 120°F (49°C) and is the preferred starting
point. See Figure 22 on the next page. Some states have
a requirement for a lower setting.
Turn the water temperature dial clockwise (
) to
increase the temperature, or counterclockwise (
) to
decrease the temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off,
turn off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
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 20). 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
Vent
Pipe
FIGURE 20.
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 21. 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 21.
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.
