A.O. Smith Gphe 50 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

C
Calvin AustinAug 19, 2025
What to do if the FV sensor is open or shorted in my A.O. Smith Gphe 50?
- L
  Lisa CoxAug 19, 2025
  If the FV (flammable vapor) sensor is open or shorted in your A.O. Smith Water Heater: * Turn off power to the water heater. * Ensure all FV sensor wiring, the igniter assembly plug, and the igniter assembly socket on the bottom of the Intelli-Vent control are making good contact. * Repair or replace any worn/damaged components that are not making good connection. * Replace the FV sensor.
N
Nicole HuberAug 21, 2025
How to fix stuck temperature adjust buttons on an A.O. Smith Water Heater?
- S
  Stephen MontgomeryAug 21, 2025
  To fix stuck temperature adjust buttons on your A.O. Smith Water Heater, press and release both temperature adjust buttons several times. Then, cycle the water heater power off and on. If the issue persists, replace the gas control valve/thermostat.
A
Amber MathewsAug 23, 2025
What to do if my A.O. Smith Gphe 50 temperature sensor is open or shorted?
- B
  browndanaAug 23, 2025
  If the water temperature sensor in your A.O. Smith Water Heater is open or shorted, turn the power off for 10-20 seconds, then turn it back on to clear the error codes. If the error code persists, replace the gas control valve/thermostat.
R
Rachel MorseAug 26, 2025
What to do if my A.O. Smith Water Heater's water temperature exceeds the maximum?
- P
  Pam BradshawAug 26, 2025
  If the water in your A.O. Smith Water Heater tank has exceeded the maximum allowable temperature, activating the ECO (energy cut off), turn the power off for 10-20 seconds then on again to clear these error codes. If the error code persists, replace the gas control valve/thermostat.
D
Dr. Kathleen MaldonadoAug 28, 2025
What to do if my A.O. Smith Gphe 50 Water Heater detects flammable vapors?
- A
  Amanda HicksAug 28, 2025
  If your A.O. Smith Water Heater detects flammable vapors, do not touch any electrical switch, use any phone in your building, or try to light any appliance. Smell around the water heater for gas leaks at the gas control valve/thermostat, in the supply gas line(s), or any other flammable vapors. Inspect the area for substances like gasoline, paint, thinners, varnish, or cleaners. Remove anything that can emit flammable vapors from the area and store it properly. For further assistance call the technical information support phone number shown on the water heater labeling.
J
John WilliamsAug 30, 2025
How to fix an A.O. Smith Water Heater with an open igniter circuit?
- M
  Miguel DavisAug 30, 2025
  To fix an A.O. Smith Water Heater with an open igniter circuit: * Check the wiring to the hot surface igniter assembly, and replace the igniter assembly if the wiring is damaged or worn. * Check the resistance of the igniter at the igniter assembly plug. It should be between 11 and 18 ohms at room temperature (77° F at plug end). Replace the igniter if it's open or shorted. * Check the igniter assembly plug and the socket on the gas control valve/thermostat for a good connection. * Replace the igniter assembly if the plug is worn or damaged. * Replace the gas control valve/thermostat if the igniter assembly socket on the bottom of the control is worn or damaged.
R
Ruth WintersSep 2, 2025
Why is the pressure switch circuit opening repeatedly during one heating cycle on my A.O. Smith Gphe 50?
- S
  Steven PittmanSep 2, 2025
  If the air pressure switch circuit is opening repeatedly during one heating cycle on your A.O. Smith Water Heater, and it's experiencing an LDO (Lint, Dust, and Oil) lockout condition, check and clean the dilution air intake screen on the blower assembly if your model is equipped with one. Also, check and clean the combustion air intake screen on the base ring (bottom) of the water heater if your model has one. Ensure that any intake air screens are not obstructed.
P
powellanthonySep 4, 2025
What to do if my A.O. Smith Gphe 50 Water Heater's self-diagnostic check has detected a problem?
- H
  hickschadSep 4, 2025
  If the self-diagnostic check on your A.O. Smith Water Heater has detected a problem with the gas valve driver circuit, internal microprocessor, or other internal circuits, turn the power off for 10-20 seconds and then back on to clear these error codes. If any of these error codes persist or cannot be cleared, replace the gas control valve/thermostat.
C
Christopher HowardSep 6, 2025
What to do if my A.O. Smith Water Heater's flame signal is sensed out of sequence?
- F
  Frank NelsonSep 6, 2025
  If your A.O. Smith Water Heater's flame signal is sensed out of proper sequence, turn the power off for 10-20 seconds then on again to clear these error codes. If this error code persists, replace the gas control valve/thermostat.
M
Mr. Todd Patel DDSSep 8, 2025
Why is the pressure switch circuit remaining closed on my A.O. Smith Gphe 50?
- A
  Anthony StrongSep 8, 2025
  If the pressure switch circuit remains closed for more than 5 seconds after the heating cycle begins on your A.O. Smith Water Heater, ensure the air pressure switch circuit wiring is correct and the air pressure switch is not jumpered. If the problem continues, replace the air pressure switch.

A.O. Smith Gphe 50 Specifications

General

Brand	A.O. Smith
Model	Gphe 50
Category	Water Heater
Language	English

Summary

Residential Gas Water Heaters

Safety Warnings and Gas Leak Response

Critical safety warnings, gas leak procedures, and product identification.

Safe Installation, Use, and Service

Understanding Safety Symbols and Definitions

Explanation of safety alert symbols and hazard level definitions.

Important Definitions

Definitions of essential terms used in the manual.

General Safety Information

Fire, Scald, and Explosion Hazards

Warnings concerning fire, hot water burns, and explosion risks.

General Safety Information (Continued)

Property Damage, Servicing, CO, and Flammable Vapor Hazards

Precautions for property damage, servicing, CO, and flammable vapors.

Introduction

Qualified Installer and Installation Preparation

Requirements for installers and steps before installation begins.

Massachusetts Installation Requirements

CO Detectors, Signage, and Venting Requirements

Mandates for CO detectors, signs, and manufacturer venting system rules.

Typical Installation

Identify Water Heater Components and Parts

Diagram and list of parts for the gas water heater, plus replacement info.

Typical Installation (Continued)

Condensate Hose and Drain Pan Setup

Instructions for connecting condensate drainage.

Typical Installation (Continued)

Mixing Valve and Space Heating Usage

Using mixing valves and connecting for space heating, including scald warnings.

Locating the New Water Heater

Location Considerations and Associated Hazards

Factors for choosing a location and associated fire/vapor hazards.

Air Requirements

Combustion Air Needs, Hazards, and Insulation Blanket Guidelines

Importance of air supply, CO risks, and insulation blanket rules.

Air Requirements (Continued)

Ventilation for Unconfined, Confined Spaces, and Outdoor Air Supply

Ventilation needs for different spaces and outdoor air methods.

Air Requirements (Continued)

Horizontal, Vertical Ducts, and Indoor Air Supply Options

Using ducts and adjacent spaces for outdoor air supply.

Installing the New Water Heater

Chemical Vapor Corrosion, Water Piping, and Space Heating Systems

Avoiding corrosion, water piping, and using for space heating.

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

Thermal Expansion and Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve

Managing thermal expansion and T&P valve installation and hazards.

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

High Altitude Installation and Gas Piping Safety

Precautions for high altitude installation and safe gas piping.

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

Sediment Traps, Gas Piping, and Filling the Heater

Installing sediment traps, gas piping, and filling the tank.

Vent Pipe Assembly

Venting Safety and Air Supply Requirements

Safety warnings related to venting, air supply, and CO gas.

Vent Pipe Termination Clearances

Sidewall Vent Termination Clearances and Guidelines

Required clearances for sidewall vent terminations and general termination rules.

Planning the Vent System

Vent Pipe Lengths, Elbows, and Condensate Management

Guidelines for vent pipe lengths, elbows, and managing condensate.

Vent Pipe Assembly Installation

Blower Assembly and Sidewall Vent Installation Steps

Instructions for installing the blower assembly and venting through a sidewall.

Vent Pipe Assembly Installation (Continued)

Vent Termination Methods and Wiring Schematic

Steps for terminating vents and the power vent wiring schematic.

Vent System Installation

Vertical Vent System Installation and Important Requirements

Instructions for vertical venting and key termination/support rules.

Vent Attenuation Assembly (VAA) Installation

VAA Kit Parts, Vertical, and Horizontal Installation

VAA components and installation procedures for vertical and horizontal setups.

Vent Attenuation Assembly (VAA) Installation (Continued)

VAA Installation with Larger Vent Pipe Sizes

Adapting VAA installation for 3 or 4 inch vent pipes.

Vent Pipe Preparation

Material Selection, Primer, Cement, and Joint Making

Choosing materials, applying primer/cement, and preparing joints.

Vent Pipe Preparation (Continued)

Joint Assembly and Cleanup Procedures

Step-by-step guide for creating secure pipe joints and cleaning excess cement.

For Your Safety Read Before Operating

Pre-Operation Checks, Gas Leak Response, and Operating Instructions

Essential safety checks, gas leak actions, and operating the heater.

Temperature Regulation

Setting Water Temperature and Gas Control Valve View

How to adjust water temperature and view the gas control valve.

For Your Information

Start-up Conditions, Smelly Water, and Venting Inspection

Initial conditions, causes of smelly water, and vent system checks.

Burner Operation and Inspection

Burner Cleaning, Housekeeping, and Anode Rod Inspection

Burner cleaning, area maintenance, and anode rod inspection/replacement.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Test

Draining and Flushing Procedures

Steps for draining and flushing the water heater tank.

Service

Leakage Checkpoints and Troubleshooting Guide

Guide to identifying and correcting water leaks and general service checks.

Repair Parts List

Available Replacement Parts

List of available replacement parts with corresponding key numbers.

Troubleshooting Guidelines

Intelli-Vent Troubleshooting Chart

Chart for diagnosing and resolving Intelli-Vent system issues with LED status.

Troubleshooting Guidelines (Continued)

Intelli-Vent Troubleshooting Chart (Continued)

Continuation of the Intelli-Vent troubleshooting chart for various error codes.

Troubleshooting Guidelines (Continued)

Common Problems, Causes, and Solutions

Table of common issues like no hot water, flame problems, and odors with solutions.

Notes

User Notes Section

Blank page for user notes.

Limited Residential Gas Warranty

Warranty Period, Conditions, Claims, and Important Information

Details on warranty coverage, period, exceptions, claim procedure, and owner info.

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A.O. Smith Gphe 50 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

A.O. Smith Gphe 50 Specifications

Summary

Residential Gas Water Heaters

Safety Warnings and Gas Leak Response

Safe Installation, Use, and Service

Understanding Safety Symbols and Definitions

Important Definitions

General Safety Information

Fire, Scald, and Explosion Hazards

General Safety Information (Continued)

Property Damage, Servicing, CO, and Flammable Vapor Hazards

Introduction

Qualified Installer and Installation Preparation

Massachusetts Installation Requirements

CO Detectors, Signage, and Venting Requirements

Typical Installation

Identify Water Heater Components and Parts

Typical Installation (Continued)

Condensate Hose and Drain Pan Setup

Typical Installation (Continued)

Mixing Valve and Space Heating Usage

Locating the New Water Heater

Location Considerations and Associated Hazards

Air Requirements

Combustion Air Needs, Hazards, and Insulation Blanket Guidelines

Air Requirements (Continued)

Ventilation for Unconfined, Confined Spaces, and Outdoor Air Supply

Air Requirements (Continued)

Horizontal, Vertical Ducts, and Indoor Air Supply Options

Installing the New Water Heater

Chemical Vapor Corrosion, Water Piping, and Space Heating Systems

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

Thermal Expansion and Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

High Altitude Installation and Gas Piping Safety

Installing the New Water Heater (Continued)

Sediment Traps, Gas Piping, and Filling the Heater

Vent Pipe Assembly

Venting Safety and Air Supply Requirements

Vent Pipe Termination Clearances

Sidewall Vent Termination Clearances and Guidelines

Planning the Vent System

Vent Pipe Lengths, Elbows, and Condensate Management

Vent Pipe Assembly Installation

Blower Assembly and Sidewall Vent Installation Steps

Vent Pipe Assembly Installation (Continued)

Vent Termination Methods and Wiring Schematic

Vent System Installation

Vertical Vent System Installation and Important Requirements

Vent Attenuation Assembly (VAA) Installation

VAA Kit Parts, Vertical, and Horizontal Installation

Vent Attenuation Assembly (VAA) Installation (Continued)

VAA Installation with Larger Vent Pipe Sizes

Vent Pipe Preparation

Material Selection, Primer, Cement, and Joint Making

Vent Pipe Preparation (Continued)

Joint Assembly and Cleanup Procedures

For Your Safety Read Before Operating

Pre-Operation Checks, Gas Leak Response, and Operating Instructions

Temperature Regulation

Setting Water Temperature and Gas Control Valve View

For Your Information

Start-up Conditions, Smelly Water, and Venting Inspection

Burner Operation and Inspection

Burner Cleaning, Housekeeping, and Anode Rod Inspection

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Test

Draining and Flushing Procedures

Service

Leakage Checkpoints and Troubleshooting Guide

Repair Parts List

Available Replacement Parts

Troubleshooting Guidelines

Intelli-Vent Troubleshooting Chart

Troubleshooting Guidelines (Continued)

Intelli-Vent Troubleshooting Chart (Continued)

Troubleshooting Guidelines (Continued)

Common Problems, Causes, and Solutions