Owner's Manual

14
• Locate the water heater near the existing gas piping. If
installing a new gas line, locate the water heater to minimize
the pipe length and elbows.
• The water heater should be located in an area not subject
to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located in
unconditioned spaces (i.e., attics, basements, etc.) may
require insulation of the water piping and drain piping
to protect against freezing. The drain and controls must
be easily accessible for operation and service. Maintain
proper clearances as specified on the rating plate.
• Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving device.
The operation of air-moving devices such as exhaust fans,
ventilation systems, clothes dryers, fireplaces, etc., can
affect the proper operation of the water heater. Special
attention must be given to conditions these devices may
create. Flow reversal of flue gases may cause an increase
of carbon monoxide inside of the dwelling (Figure 9).
• If the water heater is located in an area that is subjected to
lint and dirt, it may be necessary to periodically clean the
base-ring filter and flame-arrestor (see External Inspection
& Cleaning of the Flame-arrestor).
• This water heater is not for use in manufactured (mobile)
homes or outdoor installation.
NOTE: This water heater must be installed according to all local
and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes, the
“National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)-current edition.
REVERSE FLOW
OF GASES
EXHAUST FAN
FIGURE 9.
IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an area
where leakage of the tank or connections will not result in damage
to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the
structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of water, the tank will
eventually leak after an extended period of time. Also any external
plumbing leak, including those from improper installation, may
cause early failure of the tank due to corrosion if not repaired. If
the homeowner is uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified
technician should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater as shown below, to help protect
the property from damage which may occur from condensate
formation or leaks in the piping connections or tank. The pan must
limit the water level to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches
wider than the heater and piped to an adequate drain. NOTE: The
pan must not restrict combustion air flow. Locate the water heater
near a suitable indoor drain. Outside drains are subject to freezing
temperatures which can obstruct the drain line. The piping should
be at least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage.
METAL
DRAIN
PAN
AT LEAST 2” GREATER THAN THE
DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER.
PIPED TO AN
ADEQUATE DRAIN
6” MAXIMUM
AIR GAP
DISCHARGE PIPE
(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG)
FIGURE 10.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water usage,
water temperature 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 retailers, 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 water is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that turn off the
water supply to the entire home when water is detected in
the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the
water 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.
Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets available to the general public for external
use on gas water heaters are not necessary with Kenmore
products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the
standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your
Kenmore water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance
Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation
and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket
unnecessary.