Installation Guide
16 • Residen al Standard Gas Water Heater Use and Care Guide
INSTALLATION
16 • Residen al Standard Gas Water Heater Use and Care Guide
INSTALLATION
Step 2:
Verify that the loca on
is appropriate
WARNING! Do not store or use
fl ammable materials, vapors, or
liquids in the same loca on where this
water heater is installed.
Before installing your water heater,
ensure that it will be located:
• Indoors in an area with adequate
air supply.
• In an area that will not freeze.
• As close as possible to a chimney
or vent.
• In a metal drain pan piped to an
adequate drain.
• In an area suitable for ver cal
installa on.
• In an area with adequate space
(clearances) for periodic servicing
(there must be a minimum of 24
inches of front clearance).
• In an area that allows a minimum
clearance from combus ble sur-
faces as stated on the data plate.
• On a fl oor that can support the
weight of a water heater full of
water.
You will also want to follow these
guidelines while considering an appro-
priate loca on:
• Do not install near air-moving
devices such as exhaust fans,
ven la on systems, or clothes
dryers.
• Do not obtain ven la ng air for
the furnace/air handler from the
same space as the water heater.
Ensure that any return air ducts
near the water heater are sealed.
• If the water heater is located
in an area subject to lint, dust,
or oily vapors, at least annually
check and clean the air fi lter. See
Maintenance sec on for steps on
cleaning the air fi lter.
• Do not install in a bathroom,
bedroom, or any occupied room
normally kept closed.
• If the water heater is installed di-
rectly on carpe ng, it shall be in-
stalled on a metal or wood panel
extending beyond the full width
and depth of the water heater
by at least 3 in (76.2mm) in any
direc on. If the water heater is
installed in an alcove or closet,
the en re fl oor shall be covered
by the aforestated panel.
• If your area is prone to earth-
quakes, use special straps as
required by local building codes.
NOTICE: The state of California re-
quires bracing, anchoring, or strap-
ping the water heater to avoid its
moving during an earthquake. Contact
local u li es for code requirements in
your area, visit h p://www.dsa.dgs.
ca.gov, or call 1-916-445-8100 and
request instruc ons. Other loca ons
may have similar requirements. Check
with your local and state authori es.
• Do not install in a loca on prone
to physical damage by vehicles,
fl ooding, or other risks.
Vehicle
Stop
Drain
Drain
Pan
Figure 16 - In a garage, install a vehicle stop to
avoid water heater damage.
• Avoid loca ons such as a cs, up-
per fl oors, or where a leak might
damage the structure or furnish-
ings. Due to the normal corrosive
ac on of water, the tank will
eventually leak. To minimize prop-
erty damage from leaks, inspect
and maintain your water heater
in accordance with this manual’s
instruc ons. Install a metal drain
pan under the water heater piped
to an adequate drain. Inspect the
drain pan, pipes, and surrounding
area regularly and fi x any leaks
found.
Step 3:
Removing the old
water heater
1
Read each installa on step and
decide if you have the neces-
sary skills to install the water
heater. Only proceed if you are comfort-
able you can safely perform the work. If
you are not sure, have a qualifi ed person
perform the installa on.