9
MAINTENANCE
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WATER HEATER SERVICE SHOULD BE
PERFORMED ONLY BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
READ THE GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION SECTION FIRST.
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.

PILOT AND MAIN BURNER

Check pilot and main burner every 12 months for proper flame
characteristics. This is done by removing door(s) on heater,
fig. 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 gas control knob 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 extinguish
the pilot light in case of excessive water temperatures. The
pilot cannot be relit until the entire thermostat (labeled as
single-use type) 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 dial setting on new control.

VENTING SYSTEM

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

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.

WARNING

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. Contact your
dealer or plumber for deliming information.

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.
If water drops fall from the draft hood, it is water vapor condensed
from combustion products due to a problem in the vent. It may
also be the result of leaking rain water.
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 with the tank is designed to be slowly consumed
cathodically, minimizing corrosion in the glass lined tank.
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 NON-USE
PERIODS).
NOTE: Anode must remain installed (except for inspection) to
avoid shortening tank life. See LIMITED WARRANTY. Replace
as necessary.

ANODE ROD MAINTENANCE

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