American Water Heater 317994-002 Manual De Usuario

8

IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an area 

where leakage of the tank or connections will not result in 

damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower 

floors of the structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of 

water, the tank will eventually leak after an extended period 

of time. Also any external plumbing leak, including those 

from improper installation, may cause early failure of the 

tank due to corrosion if not repaired.  If the homeowner is 

uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified technician 

should be contacted.  A suitable metal drain pan should be 

installed under the water heater as shown below, to help 

protect the property from damage which may occur from 

condensate formation or leaks in the piping connections 

or tank. The pan must limit the water level to a maximum 

depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches wider than the heater and 

piped to an adequate drain. Locate the water heater near a 

suitable indoor drain. Outside drains are subject to freezing 

temperatures which can obstruct the drain line. The piping 

should be at least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage. 

1-3/4” 

max.

At least 2” greater  

than the water heater. 

Pipe to an 

adequate drain

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water usage, 

water temperature and the environment in which the 

water heater is installed. Water heaters are sometimes 

installed in locations where leakage may result in property 

damage, even with the use of a metal drain pan piped to a 

drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or 

prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used 

in conjunction with a piped metal drain pan. These devices 

are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and 

retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:
•   Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an 

alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater 

when water is detected.

•   Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that turn off 

the water supply to the entire home when water is 

detected in the metal drain pan.

•   Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on 

the water pressure differential between the cold water 

and hot water pipes connected to the water heater.

•   Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water 

heater while at the same time shutting off its water 

supply.

 

NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible materials 

are stated on the label on the front of the heater adjacent 

to the gas control valve/thermostat of the water heater.
The water heater is certified for installation on a 

combustible floor.
• 

IMPORTANT: If installing over carpeting, the carpeting 

must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath 

the water heater. The protective panel must extend 

beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by 

at least five inches (127mm) in any direction; or if in an 

alcove or closet installation, the entire floor must be 

covered by the panel. 

Figure 2A may be used as a reference guide to locate 

the specific clearance locations. A minimum of 5 inch-

es of front clearance should be provided for inspection 

and service. 

 

Ceiling

Top View

0” min.

Back

0” min.

Sides

5” min.

Front

12” min.

Top to

6” min. at

Single Wall

Vent Pipe

0” min.

Air Inlet

Chamber

NOTE: The water heater must be braced, anchored, or 

strapped to avoid moving during an earthquake. Contact 

local utilities for code requirements in your area, visit http://

www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov,  or call 1-916-445-8100 and request 

instructions.