Whirlpool BFG1F5040T3PV 7K User Manual

16

Water heater location is important and can affect system 
performance. Please check the following:

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   Installation area free of corrosive elements and 

flammable materials.

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   Centrally located with the water piping system. 

Located as close to the gas piping and vent pipe 
system as possible.

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   Located indoors and in a vertical position. Protected 

from freezing temperatures.

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   Proper clearances from combustible surfaces 

maintained and not installed directly on a carpeted 
floor.

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   Provisions made to protect the area from water 

damage. Drain pan installed and piped to an 
adequate drain.

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   Sufficient room to service the water heater. See 

Clearances and Accessibility section of this manual.

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   Water heater not located near an air moving device.

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  Is the installed environment dirty (excessive 

amounts of lint, dirt, dust, etc.)?  If so, the flame 
arrestor located on the bottom of the water heater 
will need to be cleaned periodically.  Refer to the 
Maintenance of your Water Heater section of this 
manual for information on cleaning the flame-trap. 

Check for sufficient combustion air supply.  Insufficient air 
for the combustion of gas will result in the flame becoming 
“lazy”, thereby allowing heat to build up in the combustion 
chamber.  This excessive heat will cause a thermal switch 
on the door assembly to trip. Is the water heater installed in 
a closet or other small, enclosed space? If so:

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  Are there openings for make-up air to enter and 

exit the room/area? 

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Are the openings of sufficient size?  Remember, 
if there are other gas-fired or air-consuming 
appliances in the same room, you need more 
make-up air.  Refer to the Location Requirements 
section of this water heater manual for specific 
requirements.

Fresh air not taken from areas that contain negative 
pressure producing devices such as exhaust fans, 
fireplaces, etc.

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   Is there a furnace/air handler in the same room 

space as the water heater?  If so, has a return air 
duct system been attached that exits the room? 
If so, check for leaks on the air duct system. If no 
air duct system is present, correct immediately 
by contacting a local Heating, Ventilation, Air-
Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) authorized 
service provider. 

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   Fresh air supply free of corrosive elements and 

flammable vapors.

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   Fresh air openings sized correctly with consideration 

given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles.

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   Ductwork is the same cross-sectional area as the 

openings.

Check for proper drafting at the water heater draft hood. 
Refer to the “Checking the Draft” section of this manual for 
the test procedure. If the procedure shows insufficient draft 
is present, please check the following.

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   Drafthood properly installed.

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   Vent connectors securely fastened with screws and 

supported properly to maintain six inch clearance.

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   Vent connector made of approved material and 

sized correctly.

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   Vent pipe system installed according to all local 

and state codes or, in the absence of local and 
state codes, the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI 
Z223.1(NFPA 54)-latest edition.

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   Flue baffle engaged in slots provided in the flue tube.

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   Check the vent system for restrictions/obstructions 

and check the vent termination height.  Refer to 
the Air Supply and Ventilation section of this water 
heater manual for specific requirements.

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Recheck for sufficient combustion air supply.

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   Temperature and pressure relief valve properly 

installed with a discharge line run to an open drain 
and protected from freezing.

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   All piping properly installed and free of leaks.

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   Heater completely filled with water.

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   Closed system pressure build-up devices installed.

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   Tempering valve (when applicable) installed per 

manufacturer’s instructions (See Water Temperature 
Regulation section).

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  Gas type is the same as that listed on the water 

heater data plate.

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   Gas line equipped with shut-off valve, union, and  

drip leg.

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   Approved pipe joint compound used.

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   Adequate pipe size and approved pipe material.

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   An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution 

used to check all connections and fittings for possible 
gas leaks. Correct any leak found.

This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a flammable vapor ignition 
incident. The new technology used in meeting these standards makes this product more sensitive to installation errors. 
Please review the following checklist and make any required installation upgrades or changes. 
Questions? Call 1-877-817-6750.