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SECTION VI: MAINTENANCE (cont .)
SOLAR CONTROLLER AND COLLECTOR PANELS
The solar controller and collector panel manufacturer may have a recommended maintenance
procedure. Refer to the instruction manual that was received with the solar equipment.
INSPECT THE VENTING SYSTEM, FLUE, AND BURNER
The vent and combustion air intake system should be checked at least once a year for damage
and blockage. Make sure all joints are secure and that the system is properly supported.
Inspect the outdoor terminals and screens to make sure they are free of obstructions.
CAUTION
For your safety, removal of the blower assembly, cleaning of the flue, and removal of the
burner must be performed by a qualified service technician. If the burner is removed it must
be leak tested following reinstallation before normal water heater operation is resumed. All
parts must be replaced to their original position prior to operating the water heater.
The water heater flue should be inspected periodically to be sure it is clean. In order to inspect
the flue, the blower assembly and flue baffle must be removed.
Before removing the blower
assembly make sure the water heater is disconnected from the main power supply
and the gas supply to the water heater is shut off.
Wait at least 5 minutes to allow the
flue to cool. Remove the flue baffle and clean the flue with a flexible wire brush. Slide the
brush down the flue at the free end of each row of fins. This should knock any rust flakes into
the combustion chamber for removal.
WARNING
If the flue is blocked with soot this indicates serious combustion problems related to the
building and/or installation. These must be addressed before placing the water heater
back in operation.
Vacuum any rust flakes or sediment collected in the combustion chamber before restarting the
heater. Remove the outer and inner access doors. The inner access door is mounted to the tank
skirt with screws. Disconnect the burner tube and wire harness from the gas valve and remove
the burner with the inner access door attached. Remove all debris from the combustion
chamber. Inspect the ignitor and flame sensor. Carefully reinstall the burner. The end of the
burner tube should be positioned under the burner bracket on the inner shield. Tighten the
burner tube into the gas valve and reconnect the wire harness. Remount the inner door to the
tank skirt, using every screw that was originally removed. The inner door must be securely
mounted. Place the flue baffle back into the flue and screw the blower assembly back into
place on the top pan (use every screw!).
Leak test the burner connection to the gas valve prior to resuming operation.
