GSW Electric Water Heater P/N 61515 REV. G (05-03) Water Heater Makes Noise, Hot out, Cold

Also see 'Hot Water Odour' section.

· A sudden appearance of rusty water can indicate the anode rod has been depleted. The remaining steel core wire may be corroding, releasing iron particles into the water. Inspect and replace as necessary. Also see 'Cathodic Protection: Anode Maintenance' section.

Water Heater Makes Noise

Sediment, sand or scale can accumulate resulting in "rumbling" or a "hissing" noise. Water heaters need to be flushed regularly to minimize buildup. Severe accumulations can cause premature failure of the water heater elements.

Extended Non Use Service

Caution: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this heater that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two (2) weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. Use caution in opening faucets. When hydrogen is present, there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. There should be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.

sure, too high a temperature setting on the thermostat or something in the water heater causing excess temperatures in the heater.

Thermal Expansion: When water is heated it expands. For example, in a 40-gallon water heater, water being heated to its thermostat setting will end up expanding by approximately 1/2 gallon. This extra volume creat- ed by the expansion has to go somewhere or pressure will dramatically increase, such as when water is heated in a closed system. A good indi- cation of thermal expansion is when the T&P valve releases about one cup of water for every 10 gallons of heater capacity with each heating cycle. The T&P valve is functioning properly when it relieves pressure caused by thermal expansion, but frequent relief can result in a build up of natural mineral deposits on the valve seat, rendering the valve inoper- ative. Should this happen, the T&P valve needs to be replaced. To prevent this 'T & P VALVE' from discharging hot water, the loss of energy and reduce the possible build-up of lime in the 'T & P VALVE' there are two

(2) recommendations:

OPTION 1: Install a 125 PSI Pressure Relief (only) valve in the cold water supply line. Make sure that the discharge of this valve is directed to a drain to prevent water damage and it is protected from freezing,

OR

OPTION 2: Install an expansion tank on the cold water supply line. For every 50 U.S. gallons of stored water, the expansion tank must have a minimum capacity of 1.5 U.S. gallons.

Pressure Build-Up (Thermal Expansion)

During the heating cycle of the water heater, the water expands creating a pressure build-up in the plumbing system. If the pressure exceeds 150 PSI, water will come out of the valve. This is a normal safety function of the T&P valve. The water supply meter may have a check valve or back flow preventer inside. This can increase the possibility of pressure build- up. Causes of discharge can be thermal expansion, excess system pres-

Temperature Relief: The T&P valve will discharge varying amounts of water, but typically more than you would experience from thermal expan- sion. Check the temperature in relation to the setting on the thermostat dial. A malfunctioning thermostat could cause the water to get too hot.

Hot out

SPACESAVER™ MODELS

(SIDE OUTLET) ONLY NOTE TO INSTALLERS:

A bent tube (as shown) is installed for the hot water outlet on side outlet water heaters to ensure a maxi- mum of hot water supply. This fitting must be aligned properly. The 'line' on the fitting must be oriented pointing up. When in correct position, the hot water is drawn from the highest point in the tank.

Cold in

OPTION 2

OPTION 1

Floor drain

Drain pan*

Floor drain

Drain pan*

Floor Drain

1.Cold water inlet

2.Hot water outlet

3.Anode(s)

4.Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve*

4a. Alternate location of T&P relief valve*

5.Thermostat with High-limit switch

6.Element

7.Access door - not illustrated

8.Thermostat

9.Drain valve

10.Water supply to meter

11.Water supply to water heater

12.Water meter with backflow preventer

13.Overflow

14.Pressure relief valve

15.Expansion tank

16.Pipe Insulation (mandatory if supplied with heater)

*Items to be supplied by installer.

Options 1 and 2 show the location of pressure relief and/or expansion tank if a check valve or pressure reducing valve is in the cold water supply to the house. Use option 1 or 2 as convenient. If a pressure relief valve is used (OPTION 1) select one with a set- ting 25 psi below the relief valve rating used on the heater.

Hot out

Cold in

Refer to pressure relief/expansion tank schematic above.

Tee fitting Drain valve*

5