Maintenance
7-2
Seasonal Checklist
Water Heater Cabinet
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Water Heaters operated continuously should be inspected every 6 months.
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Seasonal or intermittently operated water heaters should be inspected at the end of each operating season.
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Water heaters that have not run for more than 60 days should have a complete inspection and must be started up as if they were new.
Heat Exchanger
Water side
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Disconnect the circulation system and remove the header casting, exposing the ends of the tubes.
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Make sure they are clear of scale on the inside and there are no restrictions to fluid flow. If scale is apparent, use a stiff wire brush or
mild muriatic acid solution to clean to bare metal. To prevent scale reoccurrence, check for proper water flow, and correct “HTF”
fluid type and blend.
Fire side
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Remove and support the chimney, then remove the draft hood and inspect the copper fins for carbon build-up.
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If cleaning is required, remove the water heater top, inner flue cover, and burner drawer. Clean with a high pressure air gun and a
SOFT NON-METALLIC brush. Carbon particles are explosive and a spark could ignite them.
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While the water heater is open, check for deterioration of the refractory board. Replace if required.
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If the tubes show signs of warping or deterioration, contact a service representative or the factory for advice. Tube warping or
deterioration may be caused by low water flow or chemical corrosion (impure or non-specified Heat Transfer Fluid).
Burner and Pilot
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Turn off the gas main.
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Disconnect the pilot tubing and the thermocouple or flame sensing wire.
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Break the main gas union and pull out the burner drawer. If any parts of the burners or their retainers are damaged or worn, replace
them.
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For water heaters out of service for more than 60 days, disassemble and clean the pilot with a soft brush. Make sure it is clear of
any obstruction.
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Check the pilot porcelain for cracks or damage.
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Check pilot ignition and sensor wires for deterioration and replace as necessary.
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Re-assemble the water heater and follow start-up instructions.
Circulation Pump
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The pump requires no special maintenance other than that specified in the manufacturer’s pump manual provided as part of the
literature package with each DRYAIR system.
Hoses
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Periodically check all hoses for damage due to aging, elevated temperatures, over-torqued hose clamps, abrasion and weathering.
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Replace damaged hoses as required.
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Seasonally check hose clamp torque and adjust accordingly.
Heat transfer fluid “HTF”
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A clean, properly maintained hot water system should not be drained unless: there is possibility of freezing, the boiler has accumulated
a considerable amount of sludge or dirt on the water side, or draining is necessary to permit repairs. Very little sludge should accumulate
in a water heater where little make-up water is added and where an appropriate water heater water treatment is maintained at proper
strength.
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The Heat transfer fluid should be tested from year to year for freeze protection and should be strong enough for your area. The heat
transfer fluid should be checked with a refractometer (See - “Setup, Heat transfer fluid, glycol/water mixture chart for mixing ratios).
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The “pH level” of the heat transfer fluid requires an annual check to see if the pH level is neutral. The pH level should be at #7. This
should be checked with a pH instrument.
See “Setup, Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF), Heat Transfer Fluid” for complete heat transfer fluid specifications
