American Water Heater 316888-004 - Manual (Page 53)

www.americanwaterheater.com 53
SERVICE
If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the
operation of the water heater contact a qualifi ed service
agency.
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater. 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 check the water heater.
Read this manual fi rst. Then before checking the water
heater make sure the gas supply has been turned “OFF”,
and never turn the gas “ON” before the tank is completely
full of water.
G
D
C
G F
H
E
B
A
A
FIGURE 40
Never use this water heater unless it is completely fi lled
with water. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must
be fi lled with water. Water must fl ow from the hot water
faucet before turning “ON” gas to the water heater.
A *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather
or pipe connections may be leaking.
B. Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure
relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high
water pressure in your area.
C. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking
at the tank fi tting.
D. Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being
slightly opened.
E. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fi tting.
F. Water in the water heater bottom or on the fl oor may
be from condensation, loose connections, or the relief
valve. DO NOT replace the water heater until a full
inspection of all possible water sources is made and
necessary corrective steps taken.
G. *The hose from the tank to the heat engine may be
leaking at the tank fi tting.
H. *The fi ttings at the circulation pump may be leaking.
Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground
seepage should also be checked.
* To check where threaded portions enter the tank, insert
cotton swab between jacket opening and fi tting. If cotton
is wet, follow “Draining The Tank” section instructions in
the “Maintenance” section and then remove fi tting. Put
pipe dope or tefl on tape on the threads and replace.
Then follow the instructions in “Filling the Water Heater”
section.