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START UP CONDITIONS
Condensate
Whenever the water heater is
fi
lled with cold water, some
condensate will form while the burner is ON. A water
heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is
condensate. This usually happens when:
a. A new water heater is
fi
lled with cold water for the
fi
rst
time.
b. Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters,
particularly high efficiency models where flue
temperatures are lower.
c. Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time
and the re
fi
ll water in the tank 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.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water,
condensate water maybe diagnosed as a “tank leak”.
After the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours),
the condition should disappear.
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 condensate maybe noticed during the winter and
early spring months when incoming water temperatures
are at their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas
fi
red water heater
to operate properly as well as to carry away products
of combustion and water vapor (see also “Condensate”
section).
Thermal expansion
See “Thermal Expansion” section elswhere in this
manual.
•
Avoid water heater damage.
•
Install thermal expansion tank if necessary.
•
Do not apply heat to cold water inlet.
•
Contact qualified installer or service agency.
Property Damage Hazard
CAUTION
A properly-sized thermal expansion tank should be
installed on all closed systems to control the harmful
effects of thermal expansion. Contact a plumbing
service agency or your retail supplier regarding the
installation of a thermal expansion tank.
Closed water systems
See “Closed Water Systems” section elswhere in this
manual.
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 of oil from metal parts, and will disappear in
a short while.
Strange sounds
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
necessarily represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the
burner area during heating and cooling periods and should
be considered normal. See “Condensate” section in this
manual.
OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS
Smelly water
Each water heater contains 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.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
