Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)
CONDENSATION
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain
amount of condensation will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is
condensation. This usually happens when:
•When a new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
•When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water
heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue tem-
peratures are lower.
•When you use large amounts of hot water in a short time and the refill water 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.
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each glasslined 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.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.
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
pear.
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
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact Sears Service for further information concerning
an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this Chlorination
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo- rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlori- nation and filtering conditioning equipment be considered to eliminate the water 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
AWARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogengascan be producedin a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammableand explosiveTo. preventthe possibili- ty of injury under these conditions,we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before any electricalappliances which are connectedto the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washingmachine). If hydrogengasis present,there will prob- ably be an unusualsoundsimilar to air escapingthrough the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smokingor openflame near the faucetat the time it is open.
33
