American Water Heater American Water Heaters Residential Gas Water Heater Burner Cleaning

Burner OPERATION AND 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 a qualified installer or service agency 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 the hot surface igniter assembly for proper flame characteristics and ignition sequences. This can be done by removing the Outer Door and viewing the main burner operation through the Viewport on the Inner Door, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete combustion of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet operation, and cause no excessive flame lifting from the burner ports. If the proper flame characteristics are not evident (see Figure 27), make sure that the flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked.

You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper combustion. A visual inspection of the main burner and HSI should also be done at least once a year, see Figure 27.

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.

FIGURE 27.

Burner Cleaning

In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning, turn the blower switch to the “OFF” position and allow the burner to cool. Call a service agency to remove and clean the burner and correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.

Housekeeping

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

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater

must be maintained. See “Locating the New Water Heater” section. Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater which can cause a fire.

ANODE ROD INSPECTION

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly

deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the water heater by

protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot water usage, and water softening methods can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak.

Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode

rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this

rod permanently as it will void any warranties. The parts list includes a special anode rod that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The

water supply system may require special filtration equipment from a water

conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems.

Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank.

The anode rod should be removed from the water heater tank every 3 years for inspection. NOTE: artificially softened water requires the anode rod to be inspected annually.

The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:

*The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

*Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.

NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found.

In replacing the anode:

1.Turn off gas supply to the water heater.

2.Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to depressurize the water tank.

3.Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank (Refer to “Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain valve.

4.Remove old anode rod.

5.Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and install new anode rod.

6.Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if found.

Restart the water heater as directed under “Operating Your Water Heater.” See the Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.

FIGURE 28. ANODE ROD DEPLETION.

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