GE GE06P06SAG Use and Care Manual - Page 6

Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions Installing the water heater. Inspect Shipment Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater requirements. Thermal Expansion Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a "closed water system." A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an "open" water system. As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in pressure within the water system. This action is referred to as "thermal expansion." In an "open" water system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated. A "closed water system," however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of "thermal expansion" can create a rapid and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and the system piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem. The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve. The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject. Water Supply Connections NOTICE: Do not apply heat to the HOT or COLD water connections. If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting adapter to the water connections on heater. Any heat applied to the water supply fittings will permanently damage the dip tube and/or heat traps. Refer to the illustrations on the following page for suggested typical installation. The installation of unions or flexible copper connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing. Connect cold water supply line to 3/4" pipe connection near bottom of water heater on the 6 gallon and 20 gallon models. Install a shut-off valve and a drain valve (not supplied with heater, except 2 1/2 gal. models) in cold water line near water heater. Connect hot water line to 3/4" pipe connection marked HOT on side near top of water heater. On the 2 1/2 gallon models, the hot and cold water connections are 1/2" pipe connections and are located on top of the heater. Local codes may require an anti-siphon device on the water inlet of a side connect water heater. Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service 6