American Water Heater 40 Gallon 38000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Water Heater DVG6240S38NOV user manual

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 STRANGE  SOUNDS
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some 
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do 
not necessarily represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the 
burner area during heating and cooling periods and should 
be considered normal. See “Condensate” in this section.
Sediment collecting over time in the bottom of the tank 
can result in “rumbling” or “percolating” sounds....

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MAINTENANCE
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SATISFACTORY OPERATION, 
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS HEATER BE 
CHECKED ONCE A YEAR BY A COMPETENT SERVICE 
PERSON.
USERS OF THIS WATER HEATER SHOULD BE AWARE 
THAT GAS COMPONENTS WEAR OUT OVER A PERIOD 
OF TIME. THE GAS CARRYING COMPONENTS OF 
THIS WATER HEATER SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR 
PROPER OPERATION PERIODICALLY BY A QUALIFIED 
SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
 HOUSEKEEPING
• Do not obstruct combustion air 
openings at the vent termination...

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 BURNER  FLAMES
Inspect the burner flames through the viewport and 
compare them to the drawings in Figure 32. A properly 
operating burner should produce a soft blue fl ame.  Blue 
tips with yellow inner cones are satisfactory. The tips of the 
fl  ame may have a slight yellow tint. The fl  ame should not be 
all yellow or have a sharp blue-orange colo r. Contaminated 
air may cause an orange colo red fl  ame. Contact a qualifi ed 
service technician if the fl ame...

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free the manifold tube and pilot tube.
7.  Remove the screws (1/4” nut driver) securing the 
manifold/burner assembly to the combustion chamber 
(Figure 34).
8.  Carefully remove the manifold/burner assembly 
from the combustion chamber. BE SURE NOT TO 
DAMAGE ANY INTERNAL PARTS.
VIEWPORTPILOT TUBE
MANIFOLD 
DOOR
MANIFOLD COMPONENT 
BLOCKMANIFOLD 
TUBE
OUTER DOOR 
NOT SHOWNMANIFOLD
SCREW (2) GAS CONTROL 
VALVE/THERMOSTATTHERMOPILE
WIRE
CONNECTIONS GAS CONTROL/...

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8.  Using the pilot screw removed earlier, attach the new 
pilot/thermopile assembly. Reattach the burner to the 
manifold using the screws removed earlier.
9.  Reinstall the manifold component block in the 
manifold door. Ensure that the pilot tube and wires 
are positioned as shown in Figure 38.
MANIFOLD
COMPONENT
BLOCK
PILOT TUBE PASSES 
THROUGH TOP 
HOLE OF MANIFOLD 
COMPONENT BLOCK 
(LARGEST HOLE)IGNITER WIRE 
PASSES THROUGH 
CENTER OF MANIFOLD 
COMPONENT...

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 PIEZOELECTRIC IGNITER SYSTEM
The piezoelectric igniter system consists of the igniter 
button, electrode, and wire. The pilot is ignited by an 
electric spark generated when the igniter button is pressed 
(see Figure 39).
PILOT/
THERMOPILE
BRACKET
ELECTRODETHERMOPILE
PILOT
IGNITER BUTTONWIRE TO ELECTRODE
Figure 39 
 TESTING THE IGNITER SYSTEM
Turn “OFF” the gas to the water heater at the manual gas 
shut-off valve. Watch the electrode tip while activating the...

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 To  Refi ll The Water Heater Storage Tank
1.  Close the water heater drain valve.
2.  Remove the drain hose.
3.  Open a nearby hot water faucet and leave open to 
allow air to escape.
4.  Open the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.
5.  To purge the lines of any excess air, keep the hot 
water faucet open for 3 minutes after a constant fl ow 
of water is obtained.
6.  Turn “ON” the gas supply at the manual gas shut-off 
valve.
7.  Follow the lighting...

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Note: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odo r 
problems. The water supply system may require special 
fi ltration equipment from a water conditioning company to 
successfully eliminate all water odo r problems.
Artifi  cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because 
the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and 
calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease 
the life of the water heater tank. The anode rod (see Figure 
42) should...

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LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
 SERVICE
If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the 
operation of the water heater contact a service agency.
Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater (see 
Figure 44). Many suspected “Leakers” are not leaking 
tanks. Often the source of the water can be found and 
corrected.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with gas codes, your 
water heater, and safety practices, contact your gas 
supplier or qualifi ed installer to...

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REFERENCE PARTS LISTING
Replacement parts may be ordered 
through your plumber or the local 
distributor. When ordering replacement 
parts, always have the following 
information ready:
1.  Model, Serial and Product number
2.  Type of gas
3. Item number
4. Parts description
1 Vent Termination Hood
2 Wall Plate
3 ***Vent Pipe
4 Cold Water Inlet Nipple/Diptube
6 T&P Valve
7 Gas Control Valve/Thermostat 
(Honeywell)
9 *Discharge Pipe
10 Drain Valve
11 Outer Gas...