American Water Heater 30 Gallon UltraLow NOx Natural Gas Water Heater GU6130T30 User Manual

							11
Chimney Connection
IMPORTANT: Before connecting a vent to a chimney, 
make sure the chimney passageway 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 potentially blocking 
the flue gases.
•  The connector must be firmly attached and sealed to 
prevent it from falling out.
•  To aid in removing the connector, a thimble or slip joint 
may be used.
•  The connector must not extend beyond the inner edge 
of the chimney as it may restrict the space between it 
and the opposite wall of the chimney (Figure 10).
Do not terminate the vent connector in a chimney that has 
not been certified for this purpose. Some local codes may 
prohibit the termination of vent connectors in a masonry 
chimney.
Vertical Exhaust Gas Vent
Vertical exhaust gas vents must be installed with U.L. listed 
type B vent pipe according to the vent manufacturer’s 
instructions and the terms of its listing. 
It must be connected to the water heater’s draft hood by a 
listed vent connector or by directly originating at the draft 
hood opening.
Vertical gas vents must terminate with a listed cap or 
other roof assembly and be installed according to their 
manufacturer’s instructions.
Gas vents must be supported to prevent damage, joint 
separation, and maintain clearances to combustible 
materials (Figures 11 and 12).
IMPORTANT: This gas vent must be terminated in a 
vertical position to facilitate the removal of the burnt gases.
An unused chimney flue or masonry enclosure may be 
used as a passageway for the installation of a gas vent 
(Figure 12).
Common (combined) venting is allowable with vertical type 
B vent systems and lined masonry chimneys as long as 
proper draft for the water heater is established under all 
conditions of operation.
IMPORTANT: Do not common vent this water heater with 
any power vented appliance.  
Figures 10-12 are examples of vent pipe system 
installations and may or may not be typical for your specific 
application. Consult the “National Fuel Gas Code”, NFPA 
54, ANSI Z223.1-current edition and the guidelines set forth 
by prevailing local codes.
* Maintain vent pipe clearance requirements to local, state 
and/or the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 
54)-current edition.
** NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, 
and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances states that these 
chimneys are intended to be installed in accordance with 
the installation instructions provided with each chimney 
support assembly. Minimum air space clearance to 
combustible materials should be maintained as marked on 
the chimney sections.
Slope up 
1/4 in. 
per ft. 
minimum  3 ft. minimum 2 ft. minimum above any  
            object within10 ft.  
               horizontally 
2 ft. minimum above any  
            object within10 ft.  
               horizontally  3 ft. minimum 
Ve n t  
connector 
slope up 
1/4 in. per ft. 
minimum 
* 
* 
**  Listed Lined 
Chimney 
Support Strap
Support 
Strap
Figure 12
Venting Through
a Chimney
with Type B
Double Wall
Vent Pipe.
MAINTAIN MANUFACTURER’S 
SPECIFIED MINIMUM CLEARANCE
LISTED VENT CAP
VENT  CONNECTOR
UNUSED CHIMNEY
FLUE OR MASONRY
ENCLOSURE
SEAL
*MAINTAIN
CLEARANCE
VENT
CONNECTOR
SLOPE UP 
1/4 IN. PER FT.
MINIMUM**MAINTAIN
SPECIFIED
CLEARANCE
SUPPORT
STRAP 
						

							12
Water System Piping
Piping Installation
Piping, fittings, and valves should be installed according to 
the installation drawing (Figure 13). If the indoor installation 
area is subject to freezing temperatures, the water piping 
must be protected by insulation.
The water supply pressure should not exceed 80 psi. If this 
occurs, a pressure reducing valve with a bypass should be 
installed in the cold water inlet line. This should be placed 
on the supply to the entire house in order to maintain equal 
hot and cold water pressures.
IMPORTANT: Heat cannot be applied to the water fittings 
on the heater as they may contain nonmetallic parts. If 
solder connections are used, solder the pipe to the adapter 
before attaching the adapter to the hot and cold water 
fittings.
IMPORTANT: Always use a good grade of joint compound 
and be certain that all fittings are drawn up tight.
1.  Install the water piping and fittings as shown in 
Figure 13. Connect the cold water supply (3/4” NPT) 
to the fitting marked “C”. Connect the hot water supply 
(3/4” NPT) to the fitting marked “H”.
IMPORTANT:  Some models may contain energy saving 
heat traps to prevent the circulation of hot water within the 
pipes. Do not remove the inserts within the heat traps.
2.  The installation of unions in both the hot and cold water 
supply lines is recommended for ease of removing the 
water heater for service or replacement.
3.  The manufacturer of this water heater recommends 
installing a mixing valve at each point of use.  See 
Figure 14. These valves reduce the point-of-use 
temperature of the water by mixing cold and hot water 
and are readily available for use. 
4.  If installing the water heater in a closed water system, 
install an expansion tank in the cold water line as 
specified under “Closed System/Thermal Expansion” 
section.
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. 
A discharge line must be added to the opening of 
the T&P Relief Valve. Follow the instructions under 
“Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve” section. 7.  After piping has been properly connected to the water 
heater, remove the aerator at the nearest hot water 
faucet. Open the hot water faucet and allow the tank to 
completely fill with water. To purge the lines of any ex-
cess air, keep the hot water faucet open for 3 minutes 
after a constant flow of water is obtained. Close the 
faucet and check all connections for leaks.
Metal
Drain Pan
1 3/4” depth maximum
Floor Drain
Drain line 3/4” 
ID minimumDischarge Pipe
Do Not Cap or Plug
Temperature and
Pressure Relief Valve
In a closed system use a
thermal expansion tank
Cold Water
Supply to Fixtures
Cold Water
Inlet ValvePressure reducing
valve with bypass
Union
Hot Water
Outlet
Massachussetts:
Install a vacuum relief
in cold water line per
section 19 MGL 142.
Figure 13
Water Piping Installation
Main water supply
6” Maximum
Air Gap
1”minimum
Figure 14
Mixing  Valve
Follow the mixing
valve manufacturer’s
instructions. 
						

							13 Please note the following: 
•  The system should be installed only with piping that is 
suitable for potable (drinkable) water such as copper, 
CPVC, or polybutylene. This water heater must not be 
installed using iron piping or PVC water piping.
•  Use only pumps, valves, or fittings that are compatible 
with potable water.
•  Use only full flow ball or gate valves. 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
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve 
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified 
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company 
personnel, and authorized service 
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can 
result in death, or explosion.
WARNING
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In 
a closed system, the volume of water will grow. 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. The temperature-pressure relief valve is not 
intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This 
condition is not covered under the limited warranty.
A properly-sized thermal expansion tank should be 
installed on all closed systems to control the effects of 
thermal expansion.  Contact a plumbing service agency or 
your retail supplier regarding the installation of a thermal 
expansion tank. 
						

							14
Temperature and Pressure 
Relief Valve
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve 
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified 
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company 
personnel, and authorized service 
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can 
result in death, or explosion.
WARNING
For protection against excessive pressures and 
temperatures, a temperature and pressure relief valve must 
be installed in the opening marked “T & P RELIEF VALVE” 
(see Figure 15). This valve must be design certified by 
a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains 
periodic inspection of the production of listed equipment or 
materials as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and 
Automatic Shut-off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, 
ANSI Z21.22. The function of the temperature and pressure 
relief valve is to discharge water in large quantities in the 
event of excessive temperature or pressure developing 
in the water heater. The valve’s relief pressure must not 
exceed the working pressure of the water heater as stated 
on the data plate.IMPORTANT: Only a new temperature and pressure relief 
valve should be used with your water heater. Do not use an 
old or existing valve as it may be damaged or not adequate 
for the working pressure of the new water heater. Do not 
place any valve between the relief valve and the tank.
The Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve:
•  Must not be in contact with any electrical part.
•  Must be connected to an adequate discharge line.
•  Must not be rated higher than the working pressure 
shown on the data plate of the water heater.
The Discharge Line: 
•  Must not be smaller than the pipe size of the relief 
valve or have any reducing coupling installed in the 
discharge line.
•  Must not be capped, blocked, plugged or contain any 
valve between the relief valve and the end of the dis-
charge line.
•  Must terminate a maximum of six inches above a floor 
drain or external to the building. In cold climates, it is 
recommended that the discharge pipe be terminated at 
an adequate drain inside the building.
•  Must be capable of withstanding 250°F (121°C) without 
distortion.
•  Must be installed to allow complete drainage of both 
the valve and discharge line.
Special Applications
Combination Space Heating/Potable 
Water System
Some water heater models are equipped with inlet/outlet 
tappings suitable for combination water (potable) heating 
and space heating and not suitable for space heating 
applications only. 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.
•  Be sure to follow the manual(s) shipped with the air 
handler system.
•  This water heater is not to be used as a replacement 
for an existing boiler installation.
•  Do not use with piping that has been treated with 
chromates, boiler seal or other chemicals and do not 
add any chemicals to the water heater piping.
•  If the space heating system requires water tempera-
tures in excess of 120°F, a mixing valve or an anti-
scald device should be installed per its manufacturer’s 
instructions in the domestic (potable) hot water sup-
ply to limit the risk of scald injury.  Also, install mixing 
valves at each point of use.
•  Pumps, valves, piping and fittings must be compatible 
with potable water.
•  A properly installed flow control valve is required to pre-
vent thermosiphoning. Thermosiphoning is the result 
of a continuous flow of water through the air handler 
circuit during the off cycle. Weeping (blow off) of the 
temperature and pressure relief valve  (T & P) or higher 
than normal water temperatures are the first signs of 
thermosiphoning.Figure 15
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve Installation
Discharge Pipe
(Do not cap or plug.)
6 Maximum
Air Gap
Metal Drain Pan
Temperature and
Pressure Relief Valve Optional location
some models only
Floor
Drain
Drain Line
3/4” ID minimum 
						

							15 •  The domestic hot water line from the water heater 
should be vertical past any mixing valve or supply line 
to the air handler to remove air bubbles from the sys-
tem. Otherwise, these bubbles will be trapped in the air 
handler heat exchanger coil, reducing the efficiency.
•  Do not connect the water heater to any system or 
components previously used with non-potable water 
heating appliances when used to supply potable water.
NOTE: Water heaters covered by this manual are suitable 
for combination water (potable) heating and space heating, 
but not suitable for space heating applications only.
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 this weeping condition. Please 
read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the 
installation of such tanks.Also see “Water System Piping” section for additional 
instructions on the proper installation and operation of this 
water heater. 
Solar Installation
If this water heater is used as a solar storage heater 
or as a backup for the solar system, the water supply 
temperatures to the water heater tank may be in excess of 
120°F. A mixing valve or other temperature limiting valve 
must be installed in the water supply line to limit the supply 
temperature to 120°F.  Also, install mixing valves at each 
point of use.  The unit must be set to Standard Mode (See 
Operating the Temperature Control System section).
NOTE: Solar water heating systems can often supply water 
with temperatures exceeding 180°F and may result in water 
heater malfunction.
IN 
REMOVE A MUST BE VERTICAL TO
IR BUBBLES
E
OUT 
COIL
AIR
HANDLER  TO
AIR
HANDLER
SHUT-OFF
VA LV E  
*
EXPANSION TANK
VACUUM 
RELIEF
VALVE
COLD WATER INLET
VA FLOW CONTROL 
LV
 PUMP   
SHUT-OFFCHECK VALVE † 
(1/8” HOLE 
DRILLED IN CLAPPER)VALVECHECK 
 VALVE † 
TEMP/
PRESSURE
RELIEF
VA LV E
TEMPERED WATER
TO FIXTURES
(MUST MEET TEMPS LISTED 
IN MASS. CODE 248 CMR 
† )
MIXING VALVE
(MUST BE INSTALLED BELOW 
TOP OF WATER HEATER
AS PER MANUFACTURER’S 
RECOMMENDATIONS)
UNIONUNION
HOT 
WATER
OUT
*   MASSACHUSETTS INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS: 
  1.) CONNECT ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED TIMER TO AN ALL-BRONZE PUMP.  PUMP MUST ACTIVATE  EVERY 6 HOURS  
  FOR 60 SECONDS.  TURN PUMP TIMER OFF BEFORE CLOSING PIPING LOOP SHUT-OFF VALVE.  
  2.) ALL WATER PIPING MUST BE INSTALLED AND INSULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MASSACHUSETTS CODE (248 CMR 
  & 780 CMR).  
  3.) PIPING LOOP BETWEEN WATER HEATER AND AIR HANDLER MUST BE INSTALLED IN COMPLIANCE WITH 248 CMR.   
†  REQUIRED FOR MASSACHUSETTS.
‡  PIPING FROM THE TOP OF THE WATER HEATER WITH TEES IS ACCEPTABLE.WATER HEATER ACCEPTED 
BY THE BOARD FOR 
INSTALLATION IN 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
†  
 
SEE 
NOTE ‡
100’-0” MAXIMUM DISTANCE 
FROM WATER HEATER 
TO FAN COIL AND BACK 
(DEVELOPED LENGTH) NOT 
INCLUDING COIL IN HEATING UNIT.
†
Figure 16
Typical Mixing Valve Installation
Combination Space Heating/Potable
Water Heating System 
						

							16
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 piping system. 
Located as close to the gas piping and vent pipe 
system as possible.
□   Located indoors and in a vertical position. Protected 
from freezing temperatures.
□   Proper clearances from combustible surfaces 
maintained and not installed directly on a carpeted 
floor.
□   Provisions made to protect the area from water 
damage. Metal drain pan installed and piped to an 
adequate drain.
□   Sufficient room to service the water heater. See 
“Clearances and Accessibility” section of this 
manual.
□   Water heater not located near an air moving device.
□  Is the installed environment dirty (excessive 
amounts of lint, dirt, dust, etc.)?  If so, the flame 
trap located on the bottom of the water heater 
will need to be cleaned periodically.  Refer to the 
“Maintenance of your Water Heater” section of this 
manual for information on cleaning the flame-trap. 
Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation
Check for sufficient combustion air supply.  Insufficient air 
for the combustion of gas will result in the flame becoming 
“lazy”, thereby allowing the burner operating temperature 
to decrease.  This causes the gas control to shut off the 
gas supply. Is the water heater installed in a closet or other 
small, enclosed space? If so:
□  Are there openings for make-up air to enter and 
exit the room/area? 
□ Are the openings of sufficient size?  Remember, 
if there are other gas-fired or air-consuming 
appliances in the same room, you need more 
make-up air.  Refer to the “Location Requirements” 
section of this water heater manual for specific 
requirements.
Fresh air not taken from areas that contain negative 
pressure producing devices such as exhaust fans, 
fireplaces, etc.
□   Is there a furnace/air handler in the same room 
space as the water heater?  If so, has a return air 
duct system been attached that exits the room? 
If so, check for leaks on the air duct system. If no 
air duct system is present, correct immediately 
by contacting a local Heating, Ventilation, Air-
Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) authorized 
service provider. 
□   Fresh air supply free of corrosive elements and 
flammable vapors.
□   Fresh air openings sized correctly with consideration 
given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles.
□   Ductwork is the same cross-sectional area as the 
openings.
Vent Pipe System
Check for proper drafting at the water heater draft hood. 
Refer to the “Checking the Draft” section of this manual for 
the test procedure. If the procedure shows insufficient draft 
is present, please check the following.
□   Draft hood properly installed.
□   Vent connectors securely fastened with screws and 
supported properly to maintain six inch clearance.
□   Vent connector made of approved material and 
sized correctly.
□   Vent pipe system 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.
□   Flue baffle properly positioned in the flue tube.
□   Check the vent system for restrictions/obstructions 
and check the vent termination height.  Refer to the 
“Air Supply and Ventilation” section of this water 
heater manual for specific requirements.
□  Recheck for sufficient combustion air supply.
Water System Piping
□   Temperature and pressure relief valve properly 
installed with a discharge line run to an open drain 
and protected from freezing.
□   All piping properly installed and free of leaks.
□   Heater completely filled with water.
□   Closed system pressure build-up devices installed.
□   Mixing valves recommended, installed at each point 
of use per manufacturer’s instructions (see “Water 
Temperature Regulation” section).
Gas Supply and Piping
□  Gas type is the same as that listed on the water 
heater data plate.
□   Gas line equipped with shut-off valve, union, and  
sediment trap.
□   Adequate pipe size and approved pipe material.
□   An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution 
used to check all connections and fittings for possible 
gas leaks. If such a solution is not available, use a 
mixture of dish washing soap and water (one part 
soap to 15 parts water) or children’s soap bubble 
solution. Bubbles forming indicate a leak. Correct 
any leak found.
TEFLON ® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.
Important Information About This Water Heater
This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a flammable vapor 
ignition incident. The new technology used in meeting these standards makes this product more sensitive to installation 
errors. Please review the following checklist and make any required installation upgrades or changes. 
Questions? Reference the number on the cover of this manual for service information.
Installation Checklist 
						

							17
OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER
Lighting Instructions
Read and understand these directions thoroughly before 
attempting to light or re-light the pilot. Make sure the 
viewport is not missing or damaged. (See Figure 23) Make 
sure the tank is completely filled with water before lighting 
the pilot. Check the data plate near the gas control valve/
thermostat for the correct gas. Do not use this water heater 
with any gas other than the one listed on the data plate. 
If you have any questions or doubts, consult your gas 
supplier or gas utility company.
Lighting the Pilot:
1.  Read and follow the lighting instructions on the water 
heater’s label.
2.  Turn the Control Knob to Pilot. Press the Knob in fully and 
hold it in. (The knob will travel in about 1/4-inch if it is set to 
Pilot correctly.)
3.  Click the Igniter button continuously for up to 90 seconds 
or until the Status Light begins to blink. If the Status Light 
does not begin to blink after 90 seconds, STOP. Wait 10 
minutes before attempting to relight the Pilot. Repeat these 
steps 2-3 times, if necessary
The circuitry in this gas valve requires that you wait 10 
minutes between lighting attempts. If the Status Light 
blinks, release the Control Knob and turn it to the desired 
setting. (“Hot” is approximately 120°F).
If the Status Light Does Not Blink:
1.  Wait 10 minutes before another lighting attempt.
2.  If the Status Light did not blink, repeat the lighting 
procedure by following the lighting instructions on the water 
heater’s label. Remove the outer door
The Control Knob must be set to Pilot and held in 
continuously while clicking the igniter button (about once 
per second for up to 90 seconds). To observe the Pilot, 
remove the outer door and look through the view port (sight 
glass). See Figure 23.
3.  Continue clicking the Igniter button (for up to 90 seconds) 
until Pilot lights.
4.  Once the Pilot is lit, continue to hold the Control Knob in 
until the Status Light begins to blink.
5.  Release Control Knob and set Knob to desired temperature 
setting. (“Hot” is approximately 120°F.)
6.  Replace the outer door.
If the Pilot Does Not Light:
1.  Wait 10 minutes before another lighting attempt. If the pilot 
does not light, the Igniter may not be sparking or the unit 
may not be getting gas (or for a new installation, there may 
still be air in the gas line).
Each time you click the igniter button, you should be able 
to see the spark by looking through the view port.See 
Figure 23. (You may have to darken the room lights to see WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Replace viewport if glass is missing 
or damaged.
Failure to do so can result in death, 
explosion or fire.
the spark.) You do not have to push the Control Knob in to 
check the Igniter button. Simply look through the sight glass 
while clicking the Igniter button and look for a spark. If you 
can’t see a spark when the Igniter button is clicked, check 
the wiring connections from the Igniter button and make 
sure that they are tight.
2.  If you see the Igniter spark, try relighting the pilot by 
following the instructions on the water heater’s label. 
Ensure that the gas supply is tuned on. There may be air in 
the gas line, and several lighting attempts may be needed 
to completely fill the line with gas and successfully light the 
pilot.
If the Pilot Lights but the Status Light Does Not Blink:
1.  If the pilot lights, continue to hold the Control Knob in until 
the Status Light blinks. If the pilot is lit and remains lit for 
90 seconds and the Status Light still does not blink, the 
thermopile connections may be loose or the thermopile 
may be defective.
2.  Wait 10 minutes and try to light the Pilot according to the 
instructions on the water heater’s label.
3.  While clicking the Igniter button continuously, the Control 
Knob must be set to Pilot and held in until the Status Light 
blinks. Once the Status Light blinks, release the Control 
Knob and set the Knob to the desired temperature setting. 
(“Hot” is approximately 120°F.) 
						

							18
1.  Turn the gas control/temperature knob  counterclockwise      to the OFF setting. The status light will stop blinking 
and stay on for a short time after the water heater is turned off. See Figure ‘A’.
IMPORTANT/IMPORTANTERead the manual for complete instructions and safety information. For a free manual, call 1-800-821-2017.
Lea el manual para instrucciones completas e información de seguridad. Manuales gratuitos, etiquetas, o rótulos en 
español se pueden obtener llamando al 1-800-821-2017.
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result 
causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
 CONTROL KNOB
FIGURE  A
OFF POSITIONFIGURE  B
PILOT POSITIONFIGURE  C
ON POSITION
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
GAS CONTROL
THERMOPILE
PILOTVAC
Gas Control/Temperature Knob
Status
Light
Igniter120°F
Mark120°F
Mark120°F
Mark120°F
Mark120°F
Mark120°F
Mark
BEFORE LIGHTING: ENTIRE SYSTEM MUST BE FILLED WITH WATER AND AIR PURGED FROM ALL LINES
A.  This appliance has a pilot which is lit by a piezo-electric 
spark gas ignition system.  Do not open the inner door 
of the appliance and try to light the pilot by hand.
B.   BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance  
area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because 
some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
•   Do not try to light any appliance.
•   Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any 
phone in your building.
•   Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbors 
phone. Follow the gas suppliers instructions.
•   If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire    
department.C.Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control 
knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or turn 
by hand, do not try to repair it, call a qualified service 
technician. Force or attempted repair may result in a fire 
or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been 
underwater. Immediately contact a qualified installer or 
service agency to replace a flooded water heater. Do not 
attempt to repair the unit!  It must be replaced!
E. DO NOT USE THIS APPLIANCE IF THERE HAS BEEN 
AN IGNITION OF VAPORS. Immediately call a qualified
  service technician to inspect the appliance. Water 
heaters subjected to a flammable vapors ignition will 
show a discoloration on the air intake grid and require 
replacement of the entire water heater.
1.   STOP! It is imperative that you read all safety warnings 
before lighting the pilot.
2.   Turn the gas control/temperature knob counterclock-
wise    to the OFF setting.
3.   Wait ten (10) minutes to clear out any gas. If you then 
smell gas, STOP!  Follow “ B” in the safety information 
above on this label. If you do not smell gas, go to the 
next step.
4.   Turn the gas control/temperature knob clockwise    to 
“PILOT”. See Figure ‘B’.
5.  Press the gas control/temperature knob all the way in 
and hold it in. The knob should travel in about 1/4 inch  
if it is set to PILOT correctly.  
 
While holding the gas control/temperature knob in, click the igniter button continuously (about once a second) for up to 90 seconds or until Status Light begins to blink.
6.  When the status light starts blinking, release the gas 
control/temperature knob.  Set the gas control/ 
temperature knob to the desired setting. See Figure ‘C’.
  If the status light does not start blinking within 90 
seconds, repeat steps 2 through 5 up to THREE (3) 
times, waiting 10 minutes between lighting attempts. 
  The circuitry in this advanced gas valve requires that 
you wait 10 minutes between lighting attempts.  If the status light turns a solid color, release the gas 
control/temperature knob and repeat steps 2 through 5 
(waiting 10 minutes before attempting to relight the 
pilot).
  If the status light does not start blinking after three 
lighting attempts, turn the gas control/temperature knob 
to OFF and call a qualified service technician or your 
gas supplier.
Install Thermostatic Mixing ValvesEven if you set the water heater thermostat to a low setting, higher temperatures may occur in certain circumstances. 
Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves (temperature limiting valves) at each point-of-use to reduce the risk of scalding. 
160ºF
150ºF
140ºF
130ºF
120ºFAbout 1/2 second
About 1 1/2 seconds
Less than 5 seconds
About 30 seconds
More than 5 minutes TIME TO PRODUCE SERIOUS 
BURNS ON ADULT SKIN WAT E R
TEMPERATURESee manual for more 
information about 
preventing burns 
from hot water.
The time to produce serious burns on the skin of infants, children, and the elderly can be even shorter.
HOT
BURN
Water temperature over 125ºF can cause 
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest 
risk of being scalded.
See instruction manual before setting 
temperature at water heater.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available, 
see manual.
DANGER 
						

							19
Burner Flames
Inspect the burner flames through the viewport. Flames 
should be very small with a blue haze and small amounts 
of yellow or orange at the edges. After several minutes 
of operation, the burner screen may glow red. If large 
flames are observed at any time, shut-off unit and call a 
qualified person.
Water Temperature Stacking
Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water 
(3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater tank. 
This causes increased cycling of the burner and can result 
in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet. 
This water heater’s temperature control has been designed 
to accurately regulate the water temperature. However, 
under certain operating conditions, the water temperature 
may temporarily exceed the dial setting. Consequently, in 
addition to setting the temperature no higher than 120°F, 
we recommend the installation of a mixing valve at each 
point of use to further reduce the risk of scald injury.  These 
devices can be obtained from a plumbing service agency or 
your retail supplier.
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 person.
Checking the Draft
After successfully lighting the water heater, allow the unit 
to operate for 15 minutes and check the drafthood relief 
opening for proper draft. 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 
drafthood. A  steady 
flame drawn into the 
opening indicates 
proper draft. 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.
Figure 17
MatchRelief
OpeningDrafthood
Figure 18
Flame Characteristics
Correct flame
soft blue
Burn Hazard
Do not touch vent.
Doing so can result in burns.
WARNING 
						

							20
Water Temperature Regulation
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 bar 
on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury. 
Hot water can produce first degree burns within:
Table 4:
Water 
Temperature °FTime for 1st 
Degree Burn 
(Less Severe Burns)Time for 
Permanent Burns 
2nd & 3rd Degree 
(Most Severe Burns)
11 0
11 6
11 6
122
131
140
149
154(normal shower temp.)
(pain threshold)
35 minutes
1 minute
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
instantaneous45 minutes
5 minutes
25 seconds
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
VAC
Figure 19A
Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
Settings
Gas Control/Temperature Knob
Status
Light
Igniter120°F
Mark
NOTE:  During low demand periods when hot water is not 
being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy 
losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. 
If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a 
higher thermostat setting may be required to meet the 
increased demand. When leaving your home for extended 
periods (vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to the 
vacation (VAC) setting. This will maintain the water at low 
temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the 
tank from freezing during cold weather. 
Water temperature over 125°F can cause 
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest 
risk of being scalded.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
WARNING