Operational Conditions, Smoke / Odor | Maytag HRX40YARS, HRX50YART

Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at their lowest.

Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.

Smoke / Odor

It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal parts, and will disappear in a short while.

Thermal Expansion

Water supply system may, because of such events as high line pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, back flow preventers, etc., to control these types of problems. When these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed. As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the expansion of heated water.

The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the valve will relief the excess pressure. The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected.

It is recommended that any devices installed which could create a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an expansion tank or device to relieve the pressure built by thermal expansion in the water system. Thermal expansion tanks are available for ordering through a Maytag Service Specialist at 1-800-365-0024. Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier and/or call a Maytag Service Specialist at 1-800-365-0024 for assistance in controlling these situations.

Strange Sounds

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not represent harmful or dangerous conditions.

Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. See Condensation section.

Operational Conditions

Smelly Odor

In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod (see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a “rotten egg smell”. This odor is derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:

•a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.

•little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.

•a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)

•an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode.

Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact a Maytag Service Specialist at 1-800-365-0024 for further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit and this Chlorination Treatment.

If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or aeration of the water supply be considered to eliminate the water problem.

Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.

“AIR” In Hot Water Faucets

HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.