A.O. Smith GPCR Venting System, Blower Assembly Maintenance, Valve, Draining T-FIG, Condensation

VENTING SYSTEM

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

BLOWER ASSEMBLY MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

The air flow restrictor screen on the inlet side of the blower unit should be checked periodically for any accumulation of dust and lint. Any build up of dirt in the screen can result in insufficient dilution air and excessive vent temperatures that could cause heat damage to the PVC pipe or cause the thermal switch to safely shut the unit down. Should this happen, the build up of the lint/dirt needs to be cleaned.

The venter must be inspected four times a year. Points of inspection are:

1.MOTOR - Motor must rotate freely.

2.WHEEL - Wheel must be clean of soot, ash, lint or any other coating which inhibits either rotation or air flow. Remove all foreign material from vent system before operating.

3.The pressure switch part inside the power venter must be open and free from deposits of soot, carbon, etc.

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.

If temperature and pressure relief valve on the appliance discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion in a closed water system. Contact the water supplier or local plumbing inspector on how to correct this situation. DO NOT PLUG the temperature and pressure relief valve.

DRAINING (T)-FIG. 1

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 MAY 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, which 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 venting. Check with your dealer for more information.

CATHODIC PROTECTION - ANODE (FIG. 1)

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The submerged 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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