FOR YOUR INFORMATION
START UP CONDITIONS
SMOKE/ODOR
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial
STRANGE SOUNDS
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. See “Condensate” in this manual.
OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod 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” in the hot water. The smell is a 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 which has accumulated within the water heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).
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 water lines. Contact the local water heater supplier or service agency for further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit and this chlorination treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or aeration of the water supply 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
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.
HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE SHUTOFF SYSTEM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic reset type high limit (Energy Cutoff) sensor. The high limit switch interrupts the main burner gas flow should the water temperature reach 195°F (91°C). The high limit will automatically reset when the water temperature drops below 140°F (60°C). After cooling the tank temperature, turn off the water heater for at least 10 seconds by using the switch on top of the unit. Turn on the water heater. If this fails to correct the problem, contact your plumber or service representative.
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. |
| Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of |
| dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation. |
| Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious |
| health risk or asphyxiation. |
| Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur |
| if air for combustion contains certain chemical 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. |
| 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. |
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