American Water Heater 316888-004, Installation And Operating Manual

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HOUSEKEEPING
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and
lint on a regular basis.
VENTING SYSTEM INSPECTION
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made
of the venting system. You should look for:
Obstructions which could cause improper venting.
The combustion and ventilation air fl ow must not be
obstructed.
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 fl ue gasses which could cause
deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the fl ue 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 fl ue 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 fl ooded water heater will create dangerous conditions
which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualifi ed installer or
service agency to replace a fl ooded 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 spark generator assembly for proper
fl ame characteristics and ignition sequences. You should
also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion. 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
fi re causing death, serious injury, or property damage.
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INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure suffi cient
ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances
from the water heater must be maintained. See “Facts to
Consider About Location” section. Combustible materials
such as clothing, cleaning materials, or fl ammable liquids,
etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water
heater which can cause a fi re.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion.
Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The
submerged rod sacrifi ces itself to protect the tank. Instead
of corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the
anode rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color.
The rod must be maintained to keep the tank in operating
condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not
necessarily water condition. A water softener can affect the
life of the anode installed in this water heater. A corroded
or pitted anode rod indicates high water conductivity and
should be checked and/or replaced more often than an
anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement of a
depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water
heater. Inspection should be conducted by a qualifi ed
technician, and at a minimum should be checked annually
after the warranty period.
MAINTENANCE