American Water Heater 40 Gallon 36000 BTU UltraLow Nox Direct Vent Natural Gas Water Heater DVUG6240S36NV user manual

							11
Inner Wall 
PlateScrews 
& Sealant
Outer 
Wall
Plate
HOTScrews
Vent Cap
ScrewsSealantSlope down 1/4” 
per foot
Figure 7
Vertical Installation
9.  Position and fasten the inner wall plate to the inside 
wall using an appropriate fastener for the specific wall  
construction.  Apply silicone sealant between the inner  
wall plate and the inside wall.  
10.  Make certain the 5” telescoping pipe has been fully  
engaged onto the 5 inch elbow.  Drill two 1/8” holes 
180° apart at the junction of the two joints. Secure 
with four #8 sheet metal screws and apply silicone 
sealant to the seams.  Make sure all the 5” pipe joints 
are sealed including the joint to the collar on the water 
heater’s air supply box (See Figure 8).
Optional Vertical Extension Kit
Installations requiring dimension “A” to be greater than 
62.75” (40 Gallon) or 71.00” (50 Gallon) will require the 
use of the optional vertical extension kit. The maximum 
height of the “A” dimension cannot exceed 98 inches. If the 
“A” dimension for your application is less than 98 inches, 
you will have to cut the 3 and 5 inch pipes in the vertical 
extension kit to the correct length. For example, if your 
applicable “A” distance is 80 inches, then 98 inches - 80 
inches = 18 inches. Therefore, you will need to cut 18 
inches from both the 3 and 5 inch vertical extension pipes. 
DO NOT CUT THE CRIMPED END OF THE 5 INCH PIPE.
After cutting both the pipes to the proper size, place the 3” 
vertical extension pipe over the flue pipe reducer on the 
upper air box and press it firmly downward until seated. 
Using a level, make sure the extension tube is pointing 
straight up. Drill 4 holes 90° apart with a 1/8” drill bit and 
fasten with four #8 sheet metal screws (provided). Apply 
silicone sealant to the seam.
Place the uncrimped end of the 5 inch extension pipe 
over the 3 inch extension pipe and seat it onto the collar 
on the air box. Making sure the 3 inch extension pipe is 
centered in the 5 inch pipe, drill four holes 90° apart with 
the 1/8” drill bit and fasten with four #8 sheet metal screws 
(provided). Apply silicone sealant to the seam. Place the 
flared end of the 3 inch elbow over the 3 inch extension 
pipe and press it firmly downward until seated. Drill four 
holes 90° apart with the 1/8” drill and fasten with four #8 
sheet metal screws (provided). Apply silicone sealant to 
the seam.
Install the 5 inch elbow over the 3 inch elbow and seat 
it down onto the crimped end of the 5 inch extension 
pipe. Temporarily place the 5 inch telescoping pipe onto 
the 5 inch elbow and adjust it to give a 1/4 inch per foot 
downward slope to the outside wall. Secure the 5 inch 
elbow to the extension pipe by drilling four holes 90° 
apart with the 1/8” drill and inserting four #8 sheet metal 
screws. Apply silicone sealant to the joint. Place the inner 
wall cover plate over the 5 inch elbow. This plate will be 
positioned later. Proceed to step 4.
Through The Roof Venting*
1.  Center the heater directly under the roof opening. This 
vent system must be installed vertically only.
2.  All the pipes needed to assemble the vent are 
included in the kit. Do not add to the length of the 
vent system. The total height is limited to 15 feet 
on a 50-gallon heater (See Figure 8). The 40-gallon 
heater is 8 and1/4” shorter. The total 15-foot height 
must stick through the roof a minimum of 2 feet. If 
the height needed is less than 15 feet, determine the 
height needed and subtract that from 15 feet. That 
amount needs to be cut off one of the 3” pipes and 5” 
pipes. Cut the non-flared end of the 3” pipe and the 
uncrimped end of the 5” pipe.
3.  Assemble the kit from the top down starting with the  
termination.  Attach a 3” pipe using 4 #8 sheet metal  
screws 90° apart and seal the joint with sealant. Then 
attach the 5” section in the same manor. Drill 1/8”    
pilot holes for the screws. Continue until the full length 
is assembled. Put the telescoping 5” section on last.
4.  Place the heater in position, feed the vent assembly  
down through the roof with the flashing in place, and  
allow it to rest with the 3” pipe attached to the 3” vent 
terminal on the heater. Use screws and sealant to    
secure that joint. Extend the 5” telescoping section to 
connect to the 5” termination on the heater. Secure    
that joint with screws. Seal that joint and the sliding   
joint with silicone to make an airtight assembly. 
5.  Secure the flashing and vent assembly to the roof.
(*Through the Roof Venting Kit available from manufacturer)
Roof Jack Assembly
8 Ft. Min.
15 Ft. Max Roof Flashing
Secure All 
Connection
s with 
Screws and 
Apply 
Silicone 
Sealant
2 Ft. Min.
From Any Object 
within A 10 Foot 
Horizontal Radius
Figure 8
Through the Roof Venting
VAC 
						

							12
Vent Cap Termination
The termination of the vent cap must be in accordance 
with the local code or the authority having jurisdiction, or 
in the absence of such, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI 
Z223.1, NFPA 54, Current Edition.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Follow all instructions to locate and install 
vent cap terminal.
Instructions can be found in this manual, in 
state and local codes (or the authority 
having jurisdiction), or in the absence of 
such, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI 
Z223.1, NFPA 54, Current Edition.
Failure to properly locate and install the 
vent terminal can result in death, carbon 
monoxide poisoning.
WARNING 
18” Min.
18” Min.
24” 
Max.
Figure 9
Alcove Installation Minimums
Do not terminate the vent cap in areas containing acid 
forming chemicals.  Inlet air must not contain any corrosive 
elements. Any water heater failure due to corrosive 
elements in the atmosphere is excluded from warranty 
coverage.
See Figures 7 and 8 for correct Vent Cap Termination 
Locations.
A.  12 in (30 cm) min. clearance above grade, veranda, porch, deck, 
balcony, or maximum anticipated snow level.
B.  9 in (23 cm) min. clearance on top and side of window or door 
that may be opened. Do not install below a window or door that 
may be opened. 
C.  Clearance to permanently closed window.**
D.  12 in (30 cm) min vertical clearance to ventilated soffit.
E.  12 in (30 cm) min. clearance to unventilated soffit.
F.  Clearance to outside corner **
U.S. Installation
**Clearance in accordance with local installation codes and the requirements of the gas supplierG.  12 in (30 cm) min. clearance to inside corner formed by two 
exterior walls.
H.  4 ft (122 cm) min. clearance to each side of center line extending 
above meter/regulator assembly.
I.  4 ft (122 cm) min. clearance to service regulator vent outlet.
J.  12 in (30 cm) min. clearance to nonmechanical air supply inlet to 
building or the combustion air inlet to any other appliance.
K.  3 ft (91 cm) above if within 10 ft (3 m) horizontally of mechanical 
air supply inlet.
Figure 10
Vent Cap Termination Locations
The Vent terminal is HOT when the water heater is in 
operation.  Do not touch the vent terminal or place any 
object where contact with the vent terminal may occur.  A 
protective louvered wall or fence is recommended when 
the hot vent cap is low enough to be touched accidentally 
(see Figure 5).  A Vent guard kit (Kit # 6907245) may 
be ordered by contacting the manufacturer of this water 
heater at 1-800-999-9515.
•  The exhaust outlet must not terminate under a patio, 
deck, or any covered area.
•  Do not terminate the exhaust outlet near walkways or 
into alleys or other publicly accessible areas.
•  Do not locate the vent terminal too close to shrubs or 
bushes.
•  Caulk all cracks, seams, and joints within 6 feet 
horizontally above and below the vent.
•  Do not terminate the vent within 12 inches of any other 
direct vented appliance vent
HOT
Hot Vent Cap
Protective 
Louvered
Wall or Fence
3 feet Min.
Figure 11
Protective Louvered Wall or Fence 
						

							13
Water System Piping
Piping Installation
Piping, fittings, and valves should be installed according to 
the installation drawing (Figure 12). 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 or an anti-scald device in the 
domestic hot water line as shown in Figure 13. 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.
Figure 13
Typical Mixing
Valve Installation
Follow the mixing
valve manufacturer’s
instructions.Cold
Water
Inlet
Hot
Water
Outlet
Tempered water
to fixtures
Mixing valve
(Set to 120°F)
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 12
Water Piping Installation
Main water supply
6” Maximum
Air Gap
1”minimum 
						

							14 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. 
						

							15
Temperature and Pressure 
Relief Valve
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 14A). 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.
T&P Relief Valve and Pipe Insulation (Some Models)
1.   Locate the temperature and pressure relief valve on 
the water heater (also known as a T&P relief valve).  
See Figure 14B.
2.   Locate the slit running the length of the T&P relief 
valve insulation.
3.   Spread the slit open and fit the insulation over the T&P 
relief valve.  See Figure 14B.  Apply gentle pressure 
to the insulation to ensure that it is fully seated on the 
T&P Relief Valve. Once seated, secure the insulation 
with duct tape.  
IMPORTANT: The insulation or tape should not block 
or cover the T&P relief valve drain opening. Also, the 
insulation or tape should not block or hinder access to 
the manual relief lever (Figure 14B).
4.   Locate the hot water (outlet) & cold water (inlet) pipes 
to the water heater.
5.   Locate the slit running the length of a section of pipe 
insulation.
6.   Spread the slit open and slip the insulation over the 
cold water (inlet) pipe. Apply gentle pressure along the 
length of the insulation to ensure that it is fully seated 
around the pipe. Also, ensure that the base of the 
insulation is flush with the water heater.  Once seated, 
secure the insulation with duct tape.  
7.   Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the hot water (outlet) pipe.
8.   Add additional sections of pipe insulation as needed.
Figure 14A
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
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
Figure 14B 
T&P Relief Valve Insulation 
T&P Relief Valve
T&P Relief Valve 
Drain LineManual Relief Lever
T&P Relief Valve Insulation 
						

							16
Special Applications
Combination Space Heating/Potable 
Water System
Some water heater models are equipped with inlet/
outlet  tappings  for  use  with  space  heating  applications.          
Note: This water heater is 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 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 supply 
to limit the risk of scald injury.
•  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.
•  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.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 
115°F. A mixing valve or other temperature limiting valve 
must be installed in the water supply line to limit the supply 
temperature to 115°F. The unit must be set to Standard 
Mode (See Operating theTemperature Control System 
section).
NOTE: Solar water heating systems can often supply water 
with temperatures exceeding 180°F and may result in water 
heater malfunction.
Hot
Water
Out
Unions
Metal Drain Pan
Floor Drain
6 Maximum
Air Gap
Discharge P ipe
Do Not Cap o r Plug
To
Air
Handler
Shut-off
ValveFlow Control
Valve
Pump Cold Water Inlet Domestic
Hot Water
Out
Mixing
Valve
Must be vertical to
remove air bubbles
Figure 16
Typical Mixing Valve Installation
Combination Space Heating/Potable
Water Heating System
OutIn
Coil
Air
Handler
Massachusetts code does 
not allow this type installation. 
						

							17
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.
Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation
□   Fresh air supply free of corrosive elements and 
flammable vapors.
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.
□   Proper location on an outside wall selected for    
Through the Wall Venting.
□   “A” Dimensions determined per water heater to   
determine whether a Vertical Extension kit is    
needed.
□   Optional Vertical Extension Kit Installed (if      
necessary).
□   Heater centered directly under the roof opening    
for Through the Roof Venting.
□   Through the roof venting has a 15 foot maximum  
height for the 50 Gallon direct vent water heater    
and a maximum of 14’ 3-1/4” for the 40 Gallon    
direct vent water heater.
□   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.
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 valve (when applicable) installed 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  
drip leg.
□   Adequate pipe size and approved pipe material.
□   An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution 
used to check all connections and fittings for possible 
gas leaks. 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 
						

							18
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.
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
A. This appliance has a pilot which is lighted by a 
piezoelectric igniter. When lighting the pilot, follow these
instructions exactly.
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 electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
‡Immediately 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.C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control 
temperature knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not 
push in or move by hand, don’t 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 under 
water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to
inspect the appliance. Water heaters subjected to flood
conditions or anytime the gas controls, main burner or
pilot h ave been submerged in water require replacement
of the entire water heater.
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 (bottom of combustion 
chamber) and require replacement of the entire water heater.
WARNING:  If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion
may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
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.
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
5.
1. STOP! It is imperative that you read all safety warnings
before lighting the pilot.
2. Turn the gas control/temperature knob counterclockwise
        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” .
Igniter
Button Gas control/
temperature knob
Status light120° F (48.9° C)
 Mark
Index mark
Press the gas control/temperature knob all the way in 
and hold it in. The knob should travel in about 1/4 inch 
(6.35 mm) 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.    
If the status light turns solid red, release the gas 
control/temperature knob and repeat steps 2 through 5 
(waiting 10 minutes before attempting to relight the pilot).
6.
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.
When the status light starts blinking, release the gas 
control/temperature knob.  Set the gas control/ tempera-
ture knob to the desired setting.
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.
Thermopile
Pilot
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Replace viewport if glass is missing 
or damaged.
Failure to do so can result in death, 
explosion or fire. 
						

							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 or an anti-
scald device in the hot water supply line or at the 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.
Figure 17
Flame Characteristics
Correct flame
soft blue 
						

							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 18. 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 3:
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 seconds
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
VAC
Figure 18
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