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A.O. Smith GDV - User Manual

A.O. Smith GDV
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Instruction Manual
1212 PART NO. 321348-001
KEEP THIS MANUAL IN THE POCKET ON HEATER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
WHENEVER MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT OR SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
DIRECT VENT GAS MODELS GDV/GDVT
NOT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) HOMES
RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS
For Your Safety
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED
BY THIS WATER HEATER.
ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS: SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER
HEATER WAS PURCHASED. IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, PLEASE WRITE TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE RATING
PLATE ON THE WATER HEATER.
500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway
Ashland City, TN 37015

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • M
    Micheal ArmstrongAug 21, 2025
    How to fix A.O. Smith GDV burner that will not ignite?
    • M
      Miss Whitney EllisAug 21, 2025
      If the burner of your A.O. Smith Water Heater won't ignite, here are a few things to check: * Make sure the pilot light is lit. * Ensure the thermostat isn't set too low; adjust it to your desired temperature. * Verify that gas is supplied; contact your gas utility company if needed. Also, dirt in the gas lines, a clogged pilot line, or a clogged main burner line can be the cause. Clean these, locating the source of the problem. Finally, a defective thermopile or gas control/thermostat might be the issue, requiring replacement.
  • R
    Robert HardingSep 4, 2025
    Why does my A.O. Smith GDV have combustion odors?
    • K
      Kevin SchultzSep 4, 2025
      Combustion odors from your A.O. Smith Water Heater can arise from: * Insufficient secondary air. Ensure proper ventilation to the water heater, and check the flue way, flue baffle, and burner. * A clogged flue. Clean the flue to remove any obstructions. * The heater being installed in a confined area. Provide fresh air ventilation to the area.
  • S
    Stephen KellerSep 3, 2025
    Why is the burner flame yellow and lazy on my A.O. Smith GDV?
    • C
      Chelsea WhiteSep 3, 2025
      A yellow or lazy burner flame in your A.O. Smith Water Heater could be caused by: * Low gas pressure. Contact your gas utility company to check the pressure. * A clogged flue. Clean the flue to ensure proper ventilation. * A clogged main burner line. Clean the burner line to remove any obstructions. * An obstruction in the main burner orifice. Clean or replace the orifice.
  • D
    Danielle McgrathSep 1, 2025
    Why does my A.O. Smith Water Heater have slow hot water recovery?
    • K
      Kelly EllisSep 1, 2025
      A slow hot water recovery in your A.O. Smith Water Heater can be due to: * Insufficient secondary air. Provide ventilation and check the flue way, flue baffle, and burner. * A clogged flue. Clean the flue and locate the source. * Low gas pressure. Check with the gas utility company. * Improper calibration. Replace the gas control/thermostat. * A gas control/thermostat set too low. Turn the temperature dial to the desired setting. Additionally, an undersized water heater or incorrect piping connections can cause slow recovery. Install an adequate size heater and correct the piping, ensuring the dip tube is in the cold inlet. Minimizing wasted hot water can also help.
  • S
    Susan DunlapAug 31, 2025
    Why is my A.O. Smith GDV Water Heater providing insufficient hot water?
    • M
      Mckenzie WaltersAug 31, 2025
      If you're experiencing insufficient hot water with your A.O. Smith Water Heater, check these potential causes: * Thermostat set too low: Turn the temperature dial to the desired setting. * Sediment or lime in the tank: Drain and flush the tank, and consider water treatment. * Water heater too small: Install an adequately sized heater. * Wrong piping connections: Correct the piping, ensuring the dip tube is in the cold inlet. * Leaking faucets: Repair any leaks. Also, wasted hot water, long runs of exposed piping, and hot water piping in outside walls can contribute to this issue. Insulate the piping. Low gas pressure can also be a factor; check with your gas utility company.
  • C
    Curtis WrightAug 29, 2025
    Why is my A.O. Smith Water Heater causing high operation costs?
    • R
      Ryan StevensonAug 29, 2025
      High operation costs for your A.O. Smith Water Heater can stem from several factors: * A thermostat set too high. Adjust it to a lower setting. * Sediment or lime buildup in the tank. Drain and flush the tank, considering water treatment. * An undersized water heater. Install a larger unit. * Incorrect piping connections. Ensure the dip tube is in the cold inlet. * Leaking faucets. Repair any leaks. Additionally, gas leaks should be checked by the utility company and repaired immediately. Wasted hot water, long runs of exposed piping, hot water piping in exposed walls, and leaks or cracks in the dip tube can also contribute to high costs. Insulate piping and check/replace the dip tube if necessary.
  • K
    Kimberly MataAug 26, 2025
    Why is the pilot flame too small on my A.O. Smith Water Heater?
    • S
      Suzanne BlackAug 27, 2025
      A pilot flame that's too small on your A.O. Smith Water Heater may be caused by: * A clogged pilot line or orifice. Clean the line and locate the source of the clog. * Low gas pressure. Contact your gas utility company to check the pressure. * A defective pilot. Replace the pilot.
  • S
    Suzanne UnderwoodAug 25, 2025
    Why is my A.O. Smith GDV Water Heater dripping from the relief valve?
    • D
      David CarpenterAug 25, 2025
      If your A.O. Smith Water Heater's relief valve is dripping, it could be due to: * Excessive water pressure. Install a pressure reducing valve and relief valve. * Heater stacking. Lower the thermostat setting. * A closed water system. See “Closed System/Thermal Expansion”. * Temperature setting too high. Decrease the temperature setting.
  • M
    Mrs. Kathryn SnyderAug 23, 2025
    What to do if A.O. Smith GDV Water Heater pilot will not light?
    • R
      Ronald BonillaAug 23, 2025
      If the pilot of your A.O. Smith Water Heater won't light or stay lit, consider these potential causes: * Air in the gas line. Bleed the air from the line. * No gas supply. Contact your gas utility company. * Dirt in the gas lines. Notify the utility company and install a sediment trap. * A clogged pilot line or orifice. Clean and correct the issue. * A defective thermopile. Replace it. * Cold drafts. Locate and correct the source. Also, a gas control/thermostat ECO switch being open, a defective igniter or electrode, or low gas pressure can prevent the pilot from lighting. Replace the gas control/thermostat or the igniter/pilot assembly as needed, and check with the gas company about the pressure.

Summary

Safe Installation, Use and Service

General Safety Overview

Introduces safety messages and hazard symbols used throughout the manual for user awareness.

General Safety Details

Key Hazard Warnings and Precautions

Details specific hazards like fire, explosion, burns, and carbon monoxide, with crucial safety instructions.

Typical Installation Guide

Mixing Valve Usage and Scald Prevention

Hotter Water Can Cause Scalds

Explains the risks associated with high water temperatures and the importance of temperature control.

Locating the New Water Heater

Vent Termination Procedures

Installing the New Water Heater

T&P Valve and Pipe Insulation

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Details

Explains the T&P relief valve's function, certification, and critical safety role against overheating.

Gas Piping Requirements

Gas Piping Installation and Safety

Details gas line requirements, including code compliance, material use, sediment traps, and leak testing.

Filling the Water Heater

Venting Guidelines

Vent Terminal Clearances

Vent Connections

Standard Vent Arrangement

Offset Vent Arrangement

Safety Before Lighting

What to Do If You Smell Gas

Provides critical safety steps to follow immediately if a gas leak is detected.

Lighting Instructions

Step-by-step guide for safely lighting the pilot and main burner, including safety warnings.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature Adjustment Guide

Instructions on adjusting the thermostat for optimal water temperature and safety.

Maintenance Procedures

Venting System Inspection

Details annual checks for the venting system, focusing on obstructions and potential damage.

Pilot and Main Burner Inspection

Covers inspection of pilot and main burner flames for proper operation and signs of sooting.

Replacing the Manifold;Burner Assembly

Removing the Manifold;Burner Assembly

Removing the Burner from Manifold

Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

Anode Rod Maintenance

Leakage Checkpoints

Troubleshooting Guidelines

Burner Will Not Ignite

Lists possible causes and corrections for the burner failing to ignite.

Smelly Water Issues

Addresses causes and solutions for smelly water, often related to the anode rod or water chemistry.

Burner Flame Yellow-Lazy

Troubleshooting steps for identifying and correcting lazy or yellow burner flames.

Pilot Not Lighting or Remaining Lit

Diagnosing and fixing issues with the pilot light not staying lit or not lighting at all.

High Operation Costs

Explores reasons for high operating costs and how to improve water heater efficiency.

Insufficient Hot Water

Provides solutions for issues related to not enough hot water being produced by the heater.

Slow Hot Water Recovery

Addresses causes and fixes for slow recovery of hot water after use.

Drip From Relief Valve

Explains causes for the relief valve dripping and corrective actions.

Thermostat Fails to Shut Off

Addresses thermostat malfunction where it fails to shut off the burner.

A.O.Smith Water Heater Warranty

Service and Labor Responsibility

A.O. Smith GDV Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandA.O. Smith
ModelGDV
CategoryWater Heater
TypeGas
Recovery RateVaries by model
ApplicationResidential
Gas TypeNatural Gas
Vent TypePower Vent

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