Whirlpool BFG1J5040T3NOV 5K User Manual

6

IMPORTANT: Read the data plate to be sure the water 
heater is made for the type of gas you will be using in 
your home. This information will be found on the data 
plate located near the gas control valve/thermostat. If the 
information does not agree with the type of gas available, 
do not install or light. Call your dealer.

NOTE: An odorant is added by the gas supplier to the gas 
used by this water heater. This odorant may fade over an 
extended period of time. Do not depend upon this odorant 
as an indication of leaking gas.

The gas piping 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.

Table 1 on page 7 provides a sizing reference for commonly 
used gas pipe materials. Consult the “National Fuel Gas 
Code” for the recommended gas pipe size of other materials.

Refer to Figure 3
NOTE:  When installing gas piping, apply approved pipe joint 
compound.

1.  Install a readily accessible manual shut-off valve in the 

gas supply line as recommended by the local utility. 
Know the location of this valve and how to turn off the 
gas to this unit.

2.  Install a drip leg (if not already incorporated as part of 

the water heater) as shown. The drip leg must be no 
less than three inches long for the accumulation of dirt, 
foreign material, and water droplets.

Manual Gas

Shut-off Valve

Ground

Joint

Union

Drip Leg

3” Minimum

Check with local

utility for

minimum height

Figure 3
Gas Piping

IMPORTANT: The gas supply pressure must not exceed 
the maximum supply pressure as stated on the water 
heater’s data plate. The minimum supply pressure is for the 
purpose of input adjustment.

IMPORTANT: This water heater and its gas connection 
must be leak tested before placing the appliance in 
operation.

• 

If the code requires the gas lines to be tested at a 
pressure exceeding 14” W.C., the water heater and its 
manual shut-off valve must be disconnected from the 
gas supply piping system and the line capped.

• 

If the gas lines are to be tested at a pressure less than 
14” W.C., the water heater must be isolated from the 
gas supply piping system by closing its manual shut-off 
valve.

U.L. recognized fuel gas and carbon monoxide (CO) 
detectors are recommended in all applications and should 
be installed using the manufacturer’s instructions and local 
codes, rules, or regulations.

NOTE: Air may be present in the gas lines and could 
prevent the pilot from lighting on initial start-up. The gas 
lines should be purged of air by a qualified person after 
installation of the gas piping system.

3.  Install a ground joint union between the gas control 

valve/thermostat and the manual shut-off valve. This 
is to allow easy removal of the gas control valve/ 
thermostat.

4.   Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks. Test all 

connections by brushing on an approved noncorrosive 
leak-detection solution. Bubbles will show a leak. 
Correct any leak found.