A.O. Smith Complete Water Heater Troubleshooting for Optimal Performance

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.

WARNING: The water CAN BE HOT.

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

• To restart heater, refer to the instructions under OPERATION.

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.

If you are having a problem with your A.O. Smith water heater and are not pleased with the service you received:

•First, please contact your dealer or the A.O. Smith 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 Lindahl Parkway Ashland City, TN 37015-1299

or, going to our website at: www.hotwater.com

Please click on: "Contact us",

then click on: "Service" and leave us a message.

Please be sure to provide the following information when writing or e-mailing:

•Model Number

•Serial Number

•Date of Original Purchase

•Date Problem Originated

•Explanation of Problem

Also, please be sure to include a daytime telephone number.

CATHODIC PROTECTION-ANODE

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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.

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.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

The A.O. Smith 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.

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 20- second warm up period.

e)Opens the gas valve and check 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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