Flue vent system and air piping

Service Manual

2Maintenance

1.Visually inspect the entire flue gas venting system and air piping for blockage, deterioration or leakage. Repair any joints that show signs of leakage. Verify that air inlet pipe is connected and properly sealed.

2.Verify that water heater vent discharge and air intake are clean and free of obstructions.

WARNING Failure to inspect for the above conditions and have them repaired can result in severe

personal injury or death.

Check water system

1.Verify all system components are correctly installed and operational.

2.Check the cold fill pressure for the system. Verify it is correct (must be a minimum of 12 PSI).

3.Watch the system pressure as the water heater heats up (during testing) to ensure pressure does not rise too high. Excessive pressure rise indicates expansion tank sizing or performance problem.

4.Inspect automatic air vents and air separators. Remove air vent caps and briefly push valve to flush vent. Replace caps. Make sure vents do not leak. Replace any leaking vents.

Check expansion tank

1.Expansion tanks provide space for water to move in and out as the heating system water expands due to temperature increase or contracts as the water cools. Tanks may be open, closed or diaphragm or bladder type. See Section 6 - System Piping of the Armor Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual for suggested best location of expansion tanks and air eliminators.

WARNING

Safety relief valves should be re-inspected AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS, by a licensed plumbing contractor or authorized inspection agency, to ensure that the product has not been affected by corrosive water conditions and to ensure that the valve and discharge line have not been altered or tampered with illegally. Certain naturally occurring conditions may corrode the valve or its components over time, rendering the valve inoperative. Such conditions are not detectable unless the valve and its components are physically removed and inspected. This inspection must only be conducted by a plumbing contractor or authorized inspection agency – not by the owner. Failure to re-inspect the water heater relief valve as directed could result in unsafe pressure buildup, which can result in severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage.

Following installation, the valve lever must be operated AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR to ensure that waterways are clear. Certain naturally occurring mineral deposits may adhere to the valve, rendering it inoperative. When manually operating the lever, water will discharge and precautions must be taken to avoid contact with hot water and to avoid water damage. Before operating lever, check to see that a discharge line is connected to this valve directing the flow of hot water from the valve to a proper place of disposal. Otherwise severe personal injury may result. If no water flows, valve is inoperative. Shut down the water heater until a new relief valve has been installed.

Check water heater relief valve

1.Inspect the relief valve and lift the lever to verify flow. Before operating any relief valve, ensure that it is piped with its discharge in a safe area to avoid severe scald potential. Read Section 6 - System Piping of the Armor Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual before proceeding further.

2.After following the above warning directions, if the relief valve weeps or will not seat properly, replace the relief valve. Ensure that the reason for relief valve weeping is the valve and not over-pressurization of the system due to expansion tank waterlogging or undersizing.