Replacing and Installing an Energy Smart® Gas Water Heater
Energy Smart® Water Heaters use an electronic control system
which has self-diagnostics and an energy saving mode. The Energy
Smart® Mode setting provides for the best energy efficiency.
A newly installed gas water heater will have some air in the gas
line, and it may take several attempts to light the pilot. Make
sure the gas supply valve has been turned on. Follow the lighting
procedure on the water heater's label.
Newer water heaters are more energy efficient and have much
smaller pilot lights than older models. You may have to darken the
room and look carefully through the sight glass to see the
pilot.
If you are replacing the water heater yourself, get an
Installation Kit which contains most everything you'll need to
install the water heater. Most replacements require the use of
common plumbing tools, pipe joint compound or Teflon® tape approved
for potable water. If your house has copper pipes, consider
flexible connectors and compression fittings. For
non-professionals, compression fittings are easier to use than
soldering copper pipe. If you do plan to solder copper pipe, be
aware that the water heater connections may contain non-metallic
parts which can melt. Don't solder copper pipes directly attached
to the water heater. Instead, solder about a foot of pipe to an
adapter and attach the adapter to the inlet and outlet connections.
Then, make your final solder connection about a foot away from the
inlet and outlet fittings, using a wet rag to cool the
fittings.
You will also need gas leak detection solution. You can use
children's soap bubbles or make a solution using one part hand
dishwashing soap to 15 parts water.
The Installation Instructions have a comprehensive Check List.
Make sure you have successfully completed each step before lighting
the pilot.
Watch the Video "Replacing an Energy Smart® Gas Water
Heater"
IMPORTANT - Read and follow the printed
Installation Instructions that came with your water heater. The
printed Instructions and product labels contain model-specific
information, important warnings and safety notices. If you lack the
necessary skills to install, troubleshoot or repair the water
heater, get help from a qualified person.
Common Problems
Newly installed gas water heaters are normally trouble free. The
most common problem with gas water heaters is lighting the pilot
the first time. Newer water heaters are more energy efficient and
the smaller pilot light can be hard to see.
Leaks
Leaks are almost always due to faulty water supply
connections.
The first time a gas water heater is started up, it will produce
condensation. You may hear dripping sounds or see a small puddle of
water in the drain pan. Condensation is normal and will go away
once the water heater has reached its normal operating
temperature.
Go here for more information on Water Leaks