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 leakingwhen 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, partlcular[y high efficiency models where flue tem-
peratures are lower.
•When you tlse 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 hdl
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or "frying" noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water run- ning 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
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 ro 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.
A WARNING | to |
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended |
|
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will satisfyclothes washing,dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scaldand permanently injure you upon contact. Some peo- ple are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than otherg These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physical-
ly/mentally handicapped.If anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of these groupsor if there isa localcode or state law
requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then Cu must take specialprecautions. In addition to usingthe lowest _ossibletemperature setting that satisfiesyour hot water needs, means suchas a mixing valve, shouldbe used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves
are availableat plumbing supplyor hardware stores. Followman- ufacturers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
SMOKE/ODOR
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial
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.
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 Treatment.
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.
32
