Maytag HN41240X, HN51240X Troubleshooting, Start Up Conditions, Smoke/Odor, Thermal Expansion

Troubleshooting

Start Up Conditions

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

temperatures 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.

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 disap-

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 oper- ate 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 ofoil from metal parts, and will disappear in a short while.

THERMAL EXPANSION

Water supply systems may, because of high line pressure, fre- quent cut-offs,the effects of water hammer and others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, back flow preventers, etc. to control these types of problems. When these devices are not equipped with an inter- nal by-pass,and no other measures are taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed. As water is heated, it

expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the expansion of heated water.

The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated

and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving

point of the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the valve wiI1 relieve the excess pressure. The tem-

perature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the con- stant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected.

It is recommended that any devices installed which cotdd create a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an expansion tank to refieve the pressure built by thermal expan- sion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering through Maytag Customer Service (1-800-788-8899). Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier, and/or call Maytag Customer Service at 1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer for assistance in controlling these situations.

STRANGE SOUNDS

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not represent harmful or dangerous conditions.

Condensation causes sizzling and popping with the burner area during heating and cooling periods and should be consid- ered normal. See "Condensation" section.

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