23
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 20), make sure that the
flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked on the Air Intake
Screen at the base of the water heater (see Figure 21), the Lint screen
on the blower assembly (see Figure 1), and in the venting system.
You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
proper combustion. A visual inspection of the main burner and HSI igniter
assembly should also be done at least once a year, see Figure 20.
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before 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 20.
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.
This water heater unit is supplied with a plastic Air Intake Screen that will
filter and prevent lint build-up on the bottom of the flame arrestor of this
heater. To prevent the lint build-up on the arrestor, the lint screen must be
installed on the Base Pan with the “arrows” pointing upwards as shown
in Figure 21. If the Air Intake Screen is missing from this heater, please
contact your service agency or local installer for a replacement part.
FIGURE 21.
AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS A VISUAL INSPECTION
SHOULD BE MADE OF THE AIR INTAKE SCREENS ON THE BASE
OF THE WATER HEATER AND THE BLOWER ASSEMBLY. CLEAN
IF LINT ACCUMULATIONS ARE NOTICED.
