20
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Burner Ignitor Assembly
Every three (3) months, check the burner and flame ignitor
assembly. 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 com-
bustion chamber.
Water Heater Tank
Drain a pail of water through the drain valve at least once a
year. This will remove excess sediment from the bottom of the
tank. This sediment, if allowed to accumulate, will reduce the
efficiency and the life of the tank.
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 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 dam-
aged, it must be replaced by a qualified service technician.
Anode
WARNING
The cap covering the anode on top of the water heater
MUST BE
put back in place after servicing the 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 cor-
rosion. 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.
The life expectancy of the water heater is reduced where a
water softener is introduced to fight hard water, because the
sodium salts added by a softener make this water extremely
conductive. In these conditions, the anode is consumed
more rapidly and should be verified every year.
In certain water conditions, the anode will react with the
water, producing discoloured or smelly water. The most
common observation is hot water that smells like rotten eggs.
This phenomenon is the result of the reaction between the
anode and hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water, which
occurs frequently in well systems. This problem can usually be
eliminated or reduced by changing the anode to a type more
suitable for these conditions (aluminum anode) and by chlo-
rinating the water heater and plumbing system. If the problem
persists, special filtration equipment may be required. Under
no circumstances is the anode to be removed from the water
heater on a permanent basis.
Removal of the anode will
lead to premature failure of the water heater and
void the warranty.
WARNING
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that
has not been used for a long period of time (generally two [2]
weeks or more).
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY
FLAMMABLE
. It is highly recommended to open the hot
water faucet in the kitchen for several minutes before you use any
electrical appliances connected to the hot water system, such as
a dishwasher or washing machine. If hydrogen gas is present,
there will be an unusual sound, such as air escaping through
the pipe, as the hot water faucet is opened.
DO NOT
smoke
or introduce an open flame near the faucet when it is opened.
Draining the Water Heater
To completely drain the water heater:
1) Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
2) Close the gas supply manual shut-off valve.
3) Close the cold water supply manual shut-off valve.
4) Connect one end of a garden hose to the water heater drain
valve and put the other next to a free-flowing drain.
5) Open the drain valve by inserting a flat-head screwdriver
into the slot on the head of the drain valve and turn the
knob counterclockwise
.
6) Open a hot water faucet to allow air into the system.
Vacation
If you are planning a vacation or other prolonged absence,
it is highly recommended to shut-off the gas supply and
the cold water supply to the water heater. This will save
energy, protect against property damage in the event the
water heater leaks, and prevent the build-up of hydrogen
gas. If the water heater and piping are exposed to freezing
temperatures, they should both be drained.
Remember to check the water heater thoroughly after it has
been shut-off for an extended period of time before putting
it back in operation. Make sure that the water heater is com-
pletely full of water, and that the cold water supply manual
shut-off valve is open, before lighting the burner.
