Periodic Maintenance

Venting System Inspection

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

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

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

3.Rusted flakes around top of water heater.

WARNING

Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to pre- vent escape of dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.

WARNING

Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may pre- sent serious health risk or asphyxiation.

WARNING

Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chem- ical 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.

WARNING

If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas utility to correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation of the water heater.

WARNING

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc- tion 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 BODILY INJURY, OR PROP-

ERTY DAMAGE.

Burner Cleaning

In the event your burner needs cleaning, use the follow- ing instructions:

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 the local gas utility to remove and clean the burner and correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.

Burner Inspection

WARNING

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately detectible. 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 a qualified service techni- cian or contractor 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. The drawing is for your reference.

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

Housekeeping

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a regular basis.

WARNING

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clear- ances from the water heater must be maintained. See “Locating the New Water Heater” section. Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning mate- rials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater which can cause a fire.