20
EXTERNAL DAMAGE
Do not operate the water heater until it has been fully checked
out by a quali
fi
ed technician, if the water heater:
• Has been exposed to
fi
re or damage.
• Displays evidence of sooting.
• Produces steam or unusually hot water.
If the water heater has been
fl
ooded it must be replaced.
START UP CONDITIONS
NEVER OPERATE THE HEATER WITHOUT FIRST BEING
CERTAIN IT IS FILLED WITH WATER AND A TEMPERATURE
AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE IS INSTALLED IN THE RE-
LIEF VALVE OPENING OF THE HEATER. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO OPERATE HEATER WITH COLD WATER INLET VALVE
CLOSED.
CONDENSATE
Whenever the water heater is
fi
lled with cold water, some con-
densate 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, par-
ticularly high ef
fi
ciency models where
fl
ue 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 may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the water in the
tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disap-
pear.
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 de-
mands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines
and shower heads.
Excessive condensate may be 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.
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.
THERMAL EXPANSION
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among
others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves,
check valves, back
fl
ow preventers, etc. to control these types of
problems. When these devices are not equipped with an internal
by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the devices cause
the water system to be closed. As water is heated, it expands
(thermal expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the
expansion of heated water.
The water within the water tank expands as it is heated and in-
creases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of
the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached,
the valve will release the excess pressure. The temperature-
pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of
thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must
be corrected. It is recommended that any devices installed which
could create a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system
have an expansion tank or device to relieve the pressure built
by thermal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks
are available for ordering through a local plumbing contractor.
Contact the local water heater supplier or service agency for as-
sistance in controlling these situations.
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 consid-
ered normal. See “Condensate” in this section.
OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod
(see parts section) 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 mate-
rial, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all water
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
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