Kenmore 153.338073 - Manual (Page 9)

9
Facts to Consider About the Location
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater,
because the placement is a very important consideration for the
safety of the occupants in the building and for the most
economical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for
use in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:
• Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas vent
or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be
connected, and as centralized with the water piping system
as possible.
• Selected location must provide adequate clearances for
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow
will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not
advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor.
When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are
available at your local Sears or hardware store. Such a drain
pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches
(51 mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be
piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion
air flow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
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 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 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 drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn
off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is
detected.
• Sensors mounted in the 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.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.):
Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or
butane, etc.] and other substances such as adhesives, etc.) emit
flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s
pilot light or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can
cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as
property damage. If installation in such areas is your only option,
then the installation must be accomplished in a way that the pilot
flame and main burner flame are elevated from the floor at least
18 inches. While this may reduce the chances of flammable
vapors, from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline and other
flammable substances should never be stored or used in the
same room or area containing a gas water heater or other open
flame or spark producing appliance. NOTE: Flammable vapors
may be drawn by air currents from other areas of the structure to
the appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.