12. Demystifying Gas Water Heater Operation — Extend Lifespan, Build Value, Sell Maintenance!

Описание: Welcome back to another Mikey Pipes HVAC Training episode! Today, we’re breaking down exactly how an atmospheric venting gas-fired water heater operates, specifically a millivolt pilot generator system commonly found on AO Smith models.

This tutorial combines real-world service call insights, fuel gas code references, installation deficiencies, and how to build VALUE with your clients by offering proper maintenance plans and explaining WHY they matter.

In this episode, I reverse-engineered the burner assembly to show you a full inside look at combustion, ignition, safety components, and system operation. You’ll see how a dirty combustion air screen can starve the water heater of oxygen, trigger high-temperature safety rollouts, and lead to premature equipment failure — ALL because of a lack of maintenance.

We also walk through:

AO Smith serial number decoding
Warranty verification using the AO Smith / hotwater.com app
Proper T&P discharge piping rules (IPC 504.6 & IRC equivalents)
Why millivolt pilot generators (≈500 mV) outperform thermocouples (≈30–35 mV)
How to fire, test, and diagnose basic operational issues
And why YOU should be replacing anode rods as part of your professional annual tune-ups

If you're an HVAC or plumbing tech, this is foundational knowledge every pro should master. And if you’re a contractor, this is EXACTLY how you build long-term client relationships by educating them and preventing dangerous failures.

Thinking about joining us in-person for live HVAC Training at the Mikey Pipes facility?
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🧭 Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back to HVAC Training
00:23 – Today’s Topic: Atmospheric Gas Water Heater Operation
01:10 – Decommissioned Tank & AO Smith Overview
02:05 – Dirty Air Intake Screen: Major Red Flag.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
03:02 – Identifying Installation Deficiencies
04:25 – T&P Discharge Pipe Code Requirements (IPC 504.6)
05:45 – Serial Number, Warranty, & AO Smith App
07:10 – Gas Control Valve Setup & Piping Overview
08:25 – Understanding Millivolt Systems vs Thermocouples
09:20 – Pilot Generator, Igniter & Safety Sensors Explained
10:40 – Purging Gas & Lighting the Pilot
11:55 – Ignition Demo – What Changed Since the Service Call?
12:45 – Why the Safety Tripped: Starved for Air
13:35 – “Hot Water Heater” Misconception — Educate the Client
14:15 – Anode Rod Importance & Real Maintenance Value
15:35 – Final Thoughts, Training Invite & Closing

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#HVACTechnicianTraining #WaterHeaterBasics #MikeyPipes