GE AP12169-5 Use & Care Manual

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GE AP12169-5 Use & Care Manual Manual pdf 6 page image

Installing the water heater.Thermal ExpansionWater Supply ConnectionsDetermine if a check valve exists in theinlet water line. It may have been installed inthe cold water line as a separate back flowpreventer, or it may be part of a pressurereducing valve, water meter or water softener.A check valve located in the cold water inletline can cause what is referred to as a“cclloosseedd wwaatteerr ssyysstteemm.” A cold water inletline with no check valve or back flow preventiondevice is referred to as an “open” watersystem.As water is heated, it expands in volume andcreates an increase in pressure within thewater system. This action is referred to as“tthheerrmmaall eexxppaannssiioonn.” In an “open” watersystem, expanding water which exceeds thecapacity of the water heater flows back intothe city main where the pressure is easilydissipated.A “cclloosseedd wwaatteerr ssyysstteemm,” however, preventsthe expanding water from flowing back intothe main supply line, and the result of“tthheerrmmaall eexxppaannssiioonn” can create a rapid anddangerous pressure increase in the waterheater and the system piping. This rapidpressure increase can quickly reach the safetysetting of the relief valve, causing it tooperate during each heating cycle. Thermalexpansion, and the resulting rapid andrepeated expansion and contraction ofcomponents in the water heater and pipingsystem can cause premature failure of therelief valve, and possibly the heater itself.Replacing the relief valve will not correct theproblem.The suggested method of controlling thermalexpansion is to install an expansion tank inthe cold water line between the water heaterand the check valve. The expansion tank isdesigned with an air cushion built in thatcompresses as the system pressureincreases, thereby relieving the over pressurecondition and eliminating the repeatedoperation of the relief valve. Other methodsof controlling thermal expansion are alsoavailable. Contact your installing contractor,water supplier, or plumbing inspector foradditional information regarding this subject.NOTICE: Do not applyheat to the HOT or COLDwater connections. If sweatconnections are used, sweattubing to adapter before fittingadapter to the waterconnections on heater. Anyheat applied to the watersupply fittings will permanentlydamage the dip tube and/orheat traps.Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions6Refer to the illustrations on the followingpage for suggested typical installation.The installation of unions or flexible copperconnectors is recommended on the hotand cold water connections so that thewater heater may be easily disconnectedfor servicing. Connect cold water supplyline to 3/4” pipe connection near bottomof water heater on the 6 gallon and 20gallon models. Install a shut-off valve anda drain valve (not supplied with heater,except 2 1/2 gal. models) in cold water linenear water heater. Connect hot water lineto 3/4” pipe connection marked HOT onside near top of water heater. On the2 1/2 gallon models, the hot and coldwater connections are 1/2” pipeconnections and are located on top of theheater. Local codes may require ananti-siphon device on the water inlet of aside connect water heater.Inspect ShipmentInspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the ratingplate of the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the waterheater requirements.