Whirlpool 89263 User Manual

15

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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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  Installation area free of corrosive elements and 

flammable materials.

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  Sufficient room to service the water heater.

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  Water heater not located near an air moving device.

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  DO NOT install in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any 

occupied room normally kept closed.

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  Sufficient fresh air supply for proper water heater 

operation.

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  Fresh air not taken from areas that contain negative 

pressure producing devices such as exhaust fans, 
fireplaces, etc.

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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.

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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 must be 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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  Flue way, drafthood, or vent pipe system not obstructed 

in any way.

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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 precautions installed.

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  Tempering valve installed per manufacturer’s 

instructions, when applicable (See Water Temperature 
Regulation section.)

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  Gas supply is the same type as 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 of approved material.

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  An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution 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.  New technology used in meeting 
these standards makes this product less tolerant of 
installation errors or improper installation environments.  
Please review the following information and make any 
necessary installation upgrades or changes:

1.  Check for insufficient combustion air.  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: 

• 

Are there openings for make-up air to enter and 
exit the room/area? 

• 

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.

• 

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.  

2.  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 
no draft is present:

• Recheck 

#1.

• 

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.

3.  Is the installed environment dirty (excessive amounts 

of lint, dirt, dust, etc.)?  If so, make sure the flame 
arrestor located on the bottom of the water heater 
has been cleaned.  Refer to the Maintenance of your 
Water Heater section of this manual for information on 
cleaning the flame-trap.  

4.  Is it possible that flammable vapors entered the 

water heater and were ignited in the burner area (a 
flammable vapor incident)?  If a flammable vapor 
incident has occurred or if you are unsure whether it 
has, call the number below immediately.

Proper installation will ensure the safe, effective and 
efficient operation of the water heater.  Make sure that 
you review and follow the instructions in this manual. 
Questions? Call 1-877-817-6750.