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.
Burner OPERATION AND Inspection
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately detectable. 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 installer or service agency to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the main burner and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper flame characteristics and ignition sequences. This can be done by removing the Outer Door and viewing the main burner operation through the Viewport on the Inner Door, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete combustion of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet operation, and cause no excessive flame lifting from the burner ports. If the proper flame characteristics are not evident (see Figure 27), make sure that the flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked.
You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper combustion. A visual inspection of the main burner and HSI igniter assembly should also be done at least once a year, see Figure 27.
Soot
further use. Turn “OFF” gas to water heater and leave off until repairs
are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result
in a fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 27.
Burner Cleaning
In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning, turn the blower switch to the “OFF” position and allow the burner to cool. Call a service agency to remove and clean the burner and correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
Housekeeping
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a regular basis.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater must be maintained. See “Locating the New Water Heater” section. Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater which can cause a fire.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
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