14
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Housekeeping
DO NOT
store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapours and liquids around the water heater.
DO NOT
block or, in any way, restrict the flow of
fresh air through the combustion air intake holes at
the bottom of the water heater.
DO NOT
put or store any objects on the top of the
water heater.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
property damage, personal injury, or death.
Keep the area around the water heater clean and
free of dust, lint, and dirt. Verify the combustion air
intake holes, at the bottom of the water heater, at
least once every six (6) months and vacuum up any
dirt, as required. Make sure that all of the minimum
clearances to combustible materials are being main-
tained.
Condensation
As moisture from the products of combustion comes
into contact with the cold surface of the inner tank, it
may condense. This situation will usually occur:
1) when the water heater is filled with cold water for
the first time;
2) if the water heater has been undersized;
3) when large amounts of hot water are drawn from
the water heater in a short period of time and the
refill water is very cold.
Due to the high-efficiency rating of this gas-fired
water heater, it may produce more condensation than
older models. Condensation forming on the flue tube
will drop on the burner making a “sizzling” sound. In
extreme cases, the condensate may even extinguish
the pilot flame. This condition is not uncommon and
must never be misinterpreted as a leaking tank. It will
disappear once the water becomes heated.
Because of the large amounts of water that can
condense, it is very important that a drain pan be
installed under the water heater (refer to the
Location
section of this manual). Under no circumstances
is the manufacturer to be held liable for any water
damage, in connection with this water heater.
If the problem does not go away and water continues
to drip after the water heater has heated up, check
all of the plumbing connections to make sure they are
not leaking.
Main Burner & Pilot
Every three (3) months, check the main burner and
pilot flame. Remove the outer access door and look
through the sight glass to examine the flames. A
soft blue flame indicates proper gas combustion. A
yellow tipped flame indicates poor combustion. With
a vacuum cleaner, remove any dust, lint, and dirt
accumulation on or around the combustion chamber
and in the combustion air intake holes.
DO NOT
remove the inner access door at
any time. If the combustion chamber must be
accessed to clean the burner assembly or flame
arrestor grille, a qualified service technician must
be called. Failure to follow these instructions can
result in property damage, personal injury, or
death.
Temperature and Pressure-Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure-relief
valve at least once a year, standing clear of the outlet
to avoid being burned. Lift and release the operating
lever on the valve to make it operate freely. If, after
manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset itself and continues to discharge water, replace
it with a new one.
Venting System Inspection
The venting system must be thoroughly inspected
once a year. Check the area where the water heater
is located to make sure that there is enough clean
combustion and ventilation air. Remove any possible
obstructions that would prevent proper air circulation
and venting. Check the venting system to make sure
that all of the connections are securely fastened, and
that all of the joints are properly sealed. If any part of
the venting system is damaged, it must be replaced
by a qualified service technician. Test the ventilation
system to make sure that it is venting properly
(refer to the
Draft Hood Operation section of this
manual).
Anode
This water heater is equipped with an anode that
is designed to prolong the life of the glass-lined
tank. The anode is slowly consumed, protecting the
glass-lined tank from corrosion. The anode should
be checked every two (2) years. If more than half of
the anode has been consumed it should be replaced.
Instructions on how to change the anode can be
obtained from the manufacturer.
