21
Start Up Conditions
THERMAL EXPANSION
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer
among others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing
valves, check valves, back flow preventers, etc...to control
these types of problems. When these devices are not equipped
with an internal by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the
devices cause the water system to be closed. As water is heat-
ed, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems do not
allow for the expansion of heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated
and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving
point of the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve is
reached, the valve will relieve the excess pressure.
The temper-
ature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant
relief of thermal expansion.
This is an unacceptable condition
and must be corrected.
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create
a closed system, have a by-pass and/or the system have an
expansion tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal expan-
sion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for
ordering through the Maytag Service Specialist. Contact the
local water supplier and/or call a Maytag Service Specialist at
1-800-365-0024 for an authorized servicer for assistance in
controlling these situations.
STRANGE SOUNDS
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
“AIR”
IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on
your heating elements. This buildup will cause a rumbling
noise. Follow “Element Cleaning/Replacement” instructions
to clean and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset
button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit
behind the access panel.
NOTE: If your water heater is connected to an “OFF
PEAK” clock, and uses the “3 wire lead” wiring diagram in
the “Wiring Diagram” section, then the water heater will
have a hi-limit on both the upper and lower thermostats.
Follow the instructions to reset the hi-limit behind the
upper and lower access panels.
Troubleshooting
WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in
a hot water system that has not been used for a
long period of time (generally two weeks or more).
Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explo-
sive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these
conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be
opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink
before any electrical appliances which are connect-
ed to the hot water system are used (such as a dish-
washer or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is pre-
sent, there will probably be an unusual sound simi-
lar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot
water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking
or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each glasslined water heater there is installed at least one anode
rod (see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod
and the water. The most common complaint associated with the
anode rod is one of a “rotten egg smell”. This odor is derived from
hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result
of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
d. an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by
the corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater
models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material,
and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water
lines. Call a Maytag Service Specialist at 1-800-365-0024 for an
authorized servicer for further information concerning an Anode
Replacement Kit #9001453 and this Chlorination Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo-
rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlorina-
tion and filtering conditioning equipment be considered to elimi-
nate the water problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By
doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
