NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher thermostat setting may be required to meet the increased demand. When leaving your home for extended periods (vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to its lowest setting. This will maintain the water at low temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing during cold weather.
Operational Conditions
Condensation
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some condensate will form while the burner is on. Awater
heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensation. This usually happens when:
a.A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
b.Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, par- ticularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures are lower.
c.Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the refill water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or "frying" noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water running down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting out the pilot.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disappear.
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate properly as welt as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.
Property Damage Hazard
•4J1water heaterseventuaI!y leak
•Do notinstamiwithout adequate drainage
It is always recommended that a suitable metal drain pan be installed under the water heater to protect the area
from water damage resulting from normal condensation production, a leaking tank or piping connections. Refer to the "Location Requirements" section.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or noises may be heard. These noises are common and may result from the following:
1.Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down.
2.Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area and should be considered normal.
3.Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying amounts of noise and may cause premature tank failure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under the "Draining and Flushing" section.
Smoke/Odor
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial start-up of the unit. This is due to the burning off of oil from metal parts of a new unit and will disappear after a brief period of operation.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in the event of the following:
1.The pilot flame is extinguished for any reason.
2.The water temperature exceeds 195°F (91°C).
3.Excessive build up of dust on the base ring filter or
flame arrestor. See Maintenance of your Water Heater Section.
4.The ignition of flammable vapors.
A thermocouple is used to determine if a pilot flame is present, and will shut off the gas supply to the main burner and the pilot if the flame is absent. This unit is also equipped with a thermal switch, designed to shut off the gas supply in the event the water heater has been exposed to flammable vapors (e.g., spilled gasoline), poor combustion caused by a blocked vent or insufficient combustion air. If the thermal switch opens:
1.Check the flame-arrestor for signs of high temperature (blue or black discoloration). See Figure 29.
2.If there are signs of high temperature, inspect your installation for any problems with venting, combustion air supply and for a flammable vapor event (see "Pilot Light Troubleshooting Flow Chart" section). Correct any issues prior to resetting the thermal switch. If you suspect a flammable vapor incident has occurred, do not use this appliance. Immediately call a qualified technician to inspect the appliance. Water heaters subjected to a flammable vapors ignition will require replacement of the entire water heater.
3.Reset the thermal switch by depressing the small button in the center of the thermal switch. Follow the Lighting Instructions found on the front of your water heater. A high temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) in the tank is used to shut off the unit if the water temperature exceeds 180°F (83°C). The ECO is a single-use switch, which, if activated, requires complete replacement of the entire gas control valve/thermostat. If the ECO should activate, the water heater cannot be used until the gas control valve/ thermostat is replaced by a qualified technician. Contact your local dealer for service information.
