21
trouBlEshootInG ChECklIst
Before calling for service, check the following points to see if the cause
of trouble can be identified and corrected. Reviewing this checklist may
eliminate the need of a service call and quickly restore hot water service.
BE SURE TO TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY (ELECTRICAL
DISCONNECT SWITCH) WHEN CHECKING EQUIPMENT.
not EnouGh or no hot watEr
1. Be certain the electrical disconnect switch serving the water
heater is in the ON position. The pilot toggle switch on the
cabinet should be ON.
In some areas water heater electrical service may be limited
by the power company. If the heater operates on a controlled
circuit, heater recovery may be affected.
The optional manual override switches on the cabinet front may
be turned off, de-energizing the elements.
2. Check the fuses.
The electrical disconnect switch usually contains fuses.
The water heater has fuses located behind the cabinet front
door, see the Features and Components section of this manual
for their location.
3. If the water was excessively hot, and is now cold, the ECO high
limit switch may have activated.
•
See the Temperature Regulation section of this manual for
more information on how to reset the ECO high limit controls.
Repeated activation of the ECO high limit switch should be
investigated by a Qualified Service Agent.
4. The storage capacity and/or recovery rate of the water heater
may have been exceeded by a large demand for hot water.
Large demands require a recovery period to restore water temperature.
5. Cold incoming water temperature will lengthen the time required
to heat water to the desired temperature.
If the heater was installed when incoming water temperature
was warm, colder water creates the effect of less hot water.
7. Sediment or lime scale may be affecting water heater
operation.
watEr Is too hot
Refer to the TEMPERATURE REGULATION section of this manual.
watEr hEatEr MakEs stranGE sounds
1. Sediment or lime scale accumulations on the elements causes
sizzling and hissing noises when the heater is operating.
The sounds are normal, however, the tank bottom and elements
should be cleaned. Refer to MAINTENANCE section of this
manual for details.
2. Some of the electrical components of the water heater make
sounds which are normal ie. contactors will “Click” or snap as
the heater starts and stops.
lEakaGE ChECkpoInts
1. Check to see if the drain valve is tightly closed.
2. The apparent leakage may be condensation which forms on
cool surfaces of the heater and piping.
3. If the outlet of the relief valve is leaking it may represent:
Excessive water pressure.
Excessive water temperature.
Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve.
Excessive water pressure is the most common cause of relief valve
leakage. Water supply systems may, because of code requirements
or such conditions as high line pressure, among others, have installed
devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back
flow preventers. Devices such as these cause the water system to
be a closed system.
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system
the volume of water will grow when it is heated. As the volume of
water grows there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure
due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause intermittent
temperature-pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from
the valve due to excessive pressure build up. This condition is not
covered under the limited warranty. The temperature-pressure relief
valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion.
A properly sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all
closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion.
Contact a local qualified service agency to have a thermal expansion
tank installed.
4. Examine the flange area of the elements for gasket leakage.
Tighten the bolts or, if necessary, follow the WATER AND LIME
SCALE REMOVAL procedure in the MAINTENANCE section of this
manual to replace the gaskets.
If you Cannot IdEntIfy or CorrECt thE sourCE
OF MALFUNCTION:
1. Place the water heater electrical disconnect switch in the OFF
position.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve to the heater.
3. Call the toll free number on the back cover of this manual for
further assistance.
