Reliance Water Heaters 11-03 For Your Information, Start Up Conditions, Operational Conditions

Page 25

For Your Information

Start Up Conditions

CONDENSATION

Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a cer- tain amount of condensation will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensing. This usually happens when:

a. When a new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.

b. When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures are lower.

c. When you use large amounts of hot water in a short time and the refill water is very cold.

Moisture from the products of combustion condenses on the cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces and produce a “sizzling” or “frying” noise.

Because of the suddenness and amount of water, conden- sation water may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condi- tion should disappear.

Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.

An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water heater must be sized properly to meet the fami- ly’s demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.

Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and early spring months when incoming water tempera- tures 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 com- bustion 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

Because of such events as high line pressure, frequent cut- offs, the effects of water hammer among others, water sup- ply systems may 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 mea- sures 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 heat- ed water.

The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heat- ed and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the valve will relieve the excess pres- sure. 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 to relieve the pressure built by ther- mal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering through local plumbing supply hous- es. Contact the local water supplier and/or plumbing con- tractor 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 with the burner area during heating and cooling periods and should be con- sidered normal. See “Condensation” in this section.

Operational Conditions

SMELLY WATER

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 pre- sent for the odor to develop:

a. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water. b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.

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

d. 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 the local water heater sup- plier for further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit #9000029 and this Chlorination Treatment.

If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that continu- ous chlorination and filtering conditioning equipment 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.

25

Image 25
Contents What to do if YOU Smell GAS Used by this Water HeaterDischarge Pipe General SafetyMust not be plugged or blocked DEATH, Serious Bodily INJURY, or Property Damage General Safety cont’dJURY, or Property Damage Rious Bodily INJURY, or Property DamageTable of Contents Introduction Preparing for the New InstallationSome models are equipped with Circulating loop fittings Typical InstallationFacts to Consider About the Location Locating the New Water HeaterFacts to Consider About the Location cont’d Locating the New Water Heater cont’dCombustion Air and Exhaust Air for Ventilation for Appliances Located Confined Spaces Wire Fence18″ Water Piping Installing the New Water HeaterTemperature-Pressure Relief Valve Installing the New Water Heater cont’dFilling the Water Heater WiringVenting Wiring DiagramALL 40 and 50 Gallon 40,000 BTU/HR Models Venting cont’dVenting Through AN Outside Wall ALL 75 Gallon Models and 50 Gallon 65,000 BTU/HR ModelsVenting System Example Installations for ALL Models Installing the New Water Heater contdVent piping can be installed as follows Minimum vent length for all models is 18 inchesCementing PVC, ABS or Cpvc Pipe and Fittings PrecautionsVent Pipe Separation Typical installation Connecting Vent to BlowerVenting contd Venting Through a RoofVenting Through a Roof CONT’D Gas PipingGAS Piping with ALL Black Iron Pipe to GAS Control GAS Piping with Flexible ConnectorSediment Trap Before Operating the Water Heater Installation ChecklistIts hookup? Model Rating PlateBefore the Water Heater will Operate OperatingOperation ALL ModelsOperating cont’d Make sure gas and electric power are connected properlyCheck for Leaks Water Heating Ignition SequenceFor Your Safety Read Before Operating Temperature Indicators Temperature Adjustment Buttons Temperature RegulationStart Up Conditions For Your InformationOperational Conditions Operational Conditions cont’d For Your Information cont’dBurner Cleaning Periodic MaintenanceVenting System Inspection Burner InspectionTemperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation Periodic Maintenance cont’dHousekeeping Anode Rod InspectionService Drain Valve Washer ReplacementDraining Leakage Checkpoints Thermostat and GAS Supply Check TroubleshootingSystems Check Troubleshooting cont’dHOT Water Not EnoughCondensation ProtectionRepair Parts This is a Repair Parts LIST, not a Packing List Repair Parts cont’dPart Part Number Description 40 Gal.†Repair Parts 50 Gal.† Page