State Industries GS6 50 YBRT Series 201 User Manual

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from water damage resulting from normal condensation 

production, a leaking tank or piping connections. Refer to 

the “Location Requirements” section. 
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or 

noises may be heard. These noises are common and may 

result from the following:
1.  Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts 

during periods of heat-up and cool-down.

2.  Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the 

burner area and should be considered normal.

3.  Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying 

amounts of noise and may cause premature tank 

failure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under the 

“Draining and Flushing” section.

Smoke/Odor
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke 

and odor during the initial start-up of the unit. This is due 

to the burning off of oil from metal parts of a new unit and 

will disappear after a brief period of operation. 

Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in 

the event of the following:
1.  The pilot flame is extinguished for any reason.
2.  The water temperature exceeds 195°F (91°C).
3.  Excessive build up of dust on the base ring filter or 

flame arrestor. See Maintenance of your Water Heater 

Section.

4.  The ignition of flammable vapors.
A thermocouple is used to determine if a pilot flame is 

present, and will shut off the gas supply to the main 

burner and the pilot if the flame is absent. This unit is 

also equipped with a thermal switch, designed to shut off 

the gas supply in the event the water heater has been 

exposed to flammable vapors (e.g., spilled gasoline), 

poor combustion caused by a blocked vent or insufficient 

combustion air. If the thermal switch opens:
1. Check the fl ame-arrestor for signs of high temperature 

(blue or black discoloration). See Figure 29. 

2. If there are signs of high temperature, inspect your 

installation for any problems with venting, combustion 
air supply and for a fl ammable vapor event (see “Pilot 
Light Troubleshooting Flow Chart” section). Correct any 
issues prior to resetting the thermal switch. If you suspect 
a fl ammable vapor incident has occurred, do not use this 
appliance. Immediately call a qualifi ed technician to inspect 
the appliance. Water heaters subjected to a fl ammable 
vapors ignition will require replacement of the entire water 
heater.

3. Reset the thermal switch by depressing the small button 

in the center of the thermal switch. Follow the Lighting 
Instructions found on the front of your water heater. 

A high temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) in 
the tank is used to shut off the unit if the water temperature 
exceeds 195°F (91°C). The ECO is a single-use switch, 
which, if activated, requires complete replacement of the 
entire gas control valve/thermostat. If the ECO should 
activate, the water heater cannot be used until the gas 
control valve/thermostat is replaced by a qualified technician. 
Contact your local dealer for service information.

NOTE:  During low demand periods when hot water is not 

being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy 

losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot 

water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher 

thermostat setting may be required to meet the increased 

demand. When leaving your home for extended periods 

(vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to its lowest 

setting. This will maintain the water at low temperatures 

with minimum energy losses and prevent the tank from 

freezing during cold weather.

Condensation
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some 

condensate will form while the burner is on. A water 

heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is 

condensation. This usually happens when:
a.   A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first 

time.

b.   Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, par-

ticularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures 

are lower.

c.   Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and 

the refill water in the tank is very cold.

Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the 

cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall 

onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” 

or “frying” noise. 
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to 

water running down the flue tube onto the main burner and 

putting out the pilot. 
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, 

condensation water may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. 

After the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the 

condition should disappear. 
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has 

been enough time for the water in the tank to warm up. 
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. 

The water heater must be sized properly to meet the 

family’s 

demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing 

machines and shower heads. 

Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and 
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at 
their lowest. 

Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate 
properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and 
water vapor.

It is always recommended that a suitable metal drain pan 

be installed under the water heater to protect the area