Service and Maintenance, Tank Sediment Cleaning

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Tank (Sediment) Cleaning

Sediment build-up on the tank bottom may create varying amount of noise, if left in the tank will cause permanent tank failure. In some water areas, sediment can be removed by draining off approximately one gallon of water each month.

Vent System Inspection

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting system. You should look for:

•Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.

•Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or leakage of combustion products.

•Rusted flakes around top of water heater.

Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of dangerous flue gases which could cause deadly asphyxiation.

Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious health risk or asphyxiation.

Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.

If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration, something is wrong. Call Maytag Customer

Service at 1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer or your local gas supplier to correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation of the water heater.

Burner Inspection

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact the Maytag dealer from whom the appliance was purchased or call Maytag Customer Service at 1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the main burner and pilot burner, see Figure 24.

You should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper combustion.

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before further use. Turn “OFF” gas to water heater and leave off until repairs are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.

NATURAL

PROPANE

FIGURE24.

Burner Cleaning

If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn

the gas control knob clockwise ( ) to the “OFF” position, depressing slightly.

NOTE: The knob cannot be turned from “PILOT” to “OFF” unless knob is depressed slightly. DO NOT FORCE.

Loose deposits on or around the burner can be removed by carefully using the hose of a vacuum cleaner inserted through the access door of the water heater. If the burner needs to be removed for additional cleaning, call Maytag Customer Service at 1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer to remove and clean the burner and correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.