A.O. Smith GPDX, GPDH Main Burner, High Temperature Limit Switch, Venting System, Valve, Draining

USERS OF THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE AWARE THAT GAS COMPONENTS WEAR OUT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE GAS CARRYING COMPONENTS OF THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION PERIODICALLY BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

MAIN BURNER

Check main burner every 12 months for proper flame characteristics. This is done by removing door(s) on heater, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete combustion of gas; ignite rapidly; give reasonably quiet operation; cause no excessive flame lifting from burner ports. Make sure that the flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked.

If proper flame characteristics are not evident, check for accumulation of lint or other foreign material that restricts or blocks the air openings in the heater or burner. Also check

AIR REQUIREMENTS.

WARNING

SOOT BUILD-UP INDICATES A PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES CORRECTION BEFORE FURTHER USE. CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

Should the main burner or burner air openings require cleaning, turn the blower switch to “OFF” position and allow the burner to cool. Remove the burner and clean with a soft brush. Clean main burner orifice with a suitable soft material.

HIGH TEMPERATURE LIMIT SWITCH

(Single-Use Type Energy Cut Off)

The thermostat has a built-in limit switch which will actuate in case of excessive water temperatures. The heater cannot be relit until the gas control valve is replaced. It is important that a serviceman be called to determine the reason for limit operation and thus avoid repeated thermostat replacement. Lower the temperature adjustment setting on new control.

VENTING SYSTEM

HAVE VENTING SYSTEM CHECKED EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND/OR DETERIORATION IN VENT PIPING.

POWER VENTER MAINTENANCE

The “POWER” venter must be inspected yearly.

1.MOTOR - Motor must rotate freely.

For safety and satisfactory operation it is recommended that the heater be checked once a year by a competent service person.

T & P VALVE

At least once a year, the temperature and pressure relief valve must be checked to ensure that it is in operating condition. Lift the lever at the top of the valve several times until the valve seats properly and operates freely.

DANGER

THE WATER PASSING OUT OF THE VALVE DURING THIS CHECKING OPERATION MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT. AVOID

CONTACT AND DISCHARGE SAFELY TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE.

DRAINING

If the heater is to be shut off and exposed to freezing temperatures, it must be drained. Water, if left in the tank and allowed to freeze, will damage the heater.

•Turn off the gas and cold water inlet valve to the heater.

•Open a nearby hot water faucet and the heater drain valve.

•BE CAREFUL TO GRASP THE DRAIN VALVE HANDLE SO THAT THE HAND IS NOT EXPOSED TO HOT WATER. IF DESIRED, A HOSE MAY BE CONNECTED TO THE DRAIN VALVE TO CARRY THE WATER AWAY.

DANGER: The water CAN BE HOT.

•The drain valve must be left open during the shutdown period.

•To restart heater, refer to the FILLING instructions under

OPERATION.

Periodically open the drain valve and allow the water to run until it flows clean. This will help prevent sediment build-up in the tank.

It is normal for lime and scale deposits to form within the tank. Such deposits will not be removed by periodic draining. It is necessary to chemically delime the affected parts in water areas where such deposits are encountered.

CONDENSATION

Water vapor can condense on the cooler surfaces of the tank forming droplets, these drip into the fire or run out on the floor. This is common at the time of startup after installation, during periods of time when incoming water is very cold, or the heater may be undersized for the requirements.

Droplets from the bottom of the flue may be due to corrosive combustion products or improper vent. Check with your dealer for more information.

CATHODIC PROTECTION - ANODE

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The sub- merged rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank. Instead of corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color. The rod must be maintained to keep the tank in operating condition.

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.

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