Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by a qualified technician, and at a minimum should be checked annually after the warranty period.
A hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor may result if water contains high sulfate and/or minerals. Chlorinating the water supply should minimize the problem . (See
EXTENDED
NOTE: Anode must remain installed (except for inspection) to avoid shortening tank life. See LIMITED WARRANTY. Replace as necessary.
SERVICE AND REPAIR
The water heater requires no special care other than the normal maintenance as noted above. If you are having a problem with your water heater, before calling for service please refer to the following TROUBLESHOOTING sections. If service becomes necessary, contact your dealer, installer or an authorized service agent. Do not attempt to repair the water heater yourself. Any work performed by unauthorized personnel may void the warranty.
If you are having a problem with your water heater and are not pleased with the service you received:
•First, please contact your dealer or the authorized service agent in your area and explain to them why you are not satisfied. This will usually correct the problem.
•If after working with your dealer or service agent the problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, please let us know by either writing to us at:
A.O. Smith Water Products Company Service Department
500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway Ashland City, TN
or, going to our website at: www.hotwater.com
Please click on: "Contact us",
then click on: "Service" and leave us a message
or call us at (800)
Please be sure to provide the following information when contacting us:
•Model Number
•Serial Number
•Date of Original Purchase
•Date Problem Originated
•Explanation of Problem
Also, please be sure to include a daytime telephone number.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Water heater may exhibit problems that are unrelated to a malfunction of the water heater itself. The following information and tables may serve to answer your question about a problem that you are having without having to call a service agent.
For your safety, water heater service should be performed only by a qualified service technician. Read the GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION section first.
WATER HEATING IGNITION SEQUENCE
(Make sure gas and electric power are connected properly)
1)The ignition control module is powered and monitors the system, waiting for a call for heat from the thermostat.
2)The thermostat calls for heat by reading a resistance value within a given range directly proportional to water temperature.
3)The Control Module:
a)Check the pressure switches for an open circuit.
b)Energizes the blower.
c)Checks the pressure switches for a closed circuit to prove draft.
d)Sends line voltage to the hot surface igniter with a
e)Opens the gas valve and checks the sensing rod for flame.
4)The burner heats the water to the desired thermostat setting.
a)The resistance in the thermostat rises to the value selected by the temperature control knob.
b)The control module closes the gas valve and 5 seconds later, removes power from the blower.
5)Cycle is completed.
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