Energy Smart® Gas Water Heaters
Replacing and Installing
Energy Smart® Water Heaters use an electronic control system which has self-diagnostics and an energy saving mode. The Energy Smart® Mode setting provides for the best energy efficiency.
A newly installed gas water heater will have some air in the gas line, and it may take several attempts to light the pilot. Make sure the gas supply valve has been turned on. Follow the lighting procedure on the water heater's label.
Newer water heaters are more energy efficient and have much smaller pilot lights than older models. You may have to darken the room and look carefully through the sight glass to see the pilot.
If you are replacing the water heater yourself, get an Installation Kit which contains most everything you'll need to install the water heater. Most replacements require the use of common plumbing tools, pipe joint compound or Teflon® tape approved for potable water. If your house has copper pipes, consider flexible connectors and compression fittings. For non-professionals, compression fittings are easier to use than soldering copper pipe. If you do plan to solder copper pipe, be aware that the water heater connections may contain non-metallic parts which can melt. Don't solder copper pipes directly attached to the water heater. Instead, solder about a foot of pipe to an adapter and attach the adapter to the inlet and outlet connections. Then, make your final solder connection about a foot away from the inlet and outlet fittings, using a wet rag to cool the fittings.
You will also need gas leak detection solution. You can use children's soap bubbles or make a solution using one part hand dishwashing soap to 15 parts water.
The Installation Instructions have a comprehensive Check List. Make sure you have successfully completed each step before lighting the pilot.
Common Problems
Newly installed gas water heaters are normally trouble free. The most common problem with gas water heaters is lighting the pilot the first time. Newer water heaters are more energy efficient and the smaller pilot light can be hard to see.
Energy Smart® Gas Water Heaters have a Status Light Code label on the Control Board and a Diagnostic chart in the Installation Instructions. The Status Light can help you diagnose problems.