Periodic Maintenance
Venting System Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting system. You should look for:
1.Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
2.Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or leakage of combustion products.
3.Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
WARNING
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.
WARNING
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious health risk or asphyxiation.
WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemi- cal vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.
WARNING
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas utility to correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation of the water heater.
Burner Inspection
WARNING
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visi- ble or immediately detectible. However, over a period of time a flooded water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualified service technician or contractor to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
Check main burner every 12 months for proper flame char- acteristics. This is done by removing outer and inner doors on heater. The main burner should provide complete com- bustion of gas; ignite rapidly; give reasonably quiet opera- tion; cause no excessive flame lifting from burner ports. Make sure that the flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked.
If proper flame characteristics are not evident, check for accumulation of lint or other foreign material that restricts or blocks the air openings in the heater or burner. Also check Combustion Air and Ventilation requirements.
WARNING
Soot
Burner Cleaning
NOTE: Burner assembly must be handled carefully to avoid damaging the hot surface ignitor.
In the event your burner needs cleaning, use the following instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the control box to “OFF” position and allow the burner to cool.
Loose deposits on or around the burner can be removed by carefully using the hose of a vacuum cleaner inserted through the access door of the water heater. If the burner needs to be removed for additional cleaning, call the local gas utility or qualified service agent to remove and clean the burner with a soft brush. Clean main burner orifice with a suitable soft material. Correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
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