Troubleshooting Guide
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed an anode rod for corrosion
protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common
complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a "rotten egg
smell". This odor is derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of four factors which must
all he present for the odor to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water. b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This harmless bacteria is
d. an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode.
The anode rod in a new glasslined water heater works rapidly to protect the tank. After a period of time the anode action slows and the odor may dissipate.
A smelly water condition (Rotten Egg Odor) in your Point of Use water heater can, in most cases, be resolved or reduced with the addition of sufficient amounts of chlorine to eliminate the
bacterial growth inside the tank. This can be accomplished through the installation of a chlorine feeder to the system or the periodic flushing of the water heater with "Chlorox" as needed. On systems where the odor is mild and does not occur too rapidly, a monthly flushing may be suf[]cient. In more severe cases, a system feeder wouldbe more appropriate.
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on your heating elements. This buildup will cause a rumbling noise. Follow "Element Cleaning/Replacement" instructions to clean and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit behind the access panel.
•Before beginning, turn "OFF" electrical power supply to the water heater.
"AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
_,WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possi- bility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is pre- sent, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
_,WARNINGI
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing any access panels or servicing the water heater, make I sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned "OFF". Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI-
OUS BOD LY NJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
19
