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 new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
•Burning gas produces water vapor In water heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures are lower.
•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 well as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.
Smoke Odor
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal parts, and wilt disappear in a short while.
Operational Conditions
Smelly Odor
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod (see parts section) 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 be present for the odor to develop:
•a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
•little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
•a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
•an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of tess active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all
hot water lines. Contact Sears Service for further information concerning this chlorination treatment and an anode replacement kit #9001453. (For short heaters, use anode replacement kit #9006299.) Anode replacement and chlorination of the tank are not covered by the water heater's limited warranty.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, it may be necessary to chlorinate or aerate your water supply to eliminate the problem.
Do not remove the anode, leaving the tank unprotected. By doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
"AIR" In Hot Water Faucets
Explosion Hazard
• Flammable hydrogen gases may be present.
• Keep all ignition sources away from faucet when turning on hot water.
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 possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be opened for several minutes 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 present, 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.
Safety Shut-off and Thermal Switch
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 thermopite is used to determine if a pilot flame is present, and wilt 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 insufficient combustion air or improper venting. If the thermal switch opens:
1.Check the flame-arrestor for signs of high temperature (blue or black discoloration). See Figure 39.
2.If there are signs of high temperature or that the thermal switch has opened, inspect your installation for problems with venting, combustion air supply, or a possible flammable vapor event. (See "Pilot Light Troubleshooting Flowchart" section.) Correct any issues prior to resetting the thermal switch. If you suspect a flammable vapor incident has occurred, do not use this
