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periods of heat-up and cool-down.
2. Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the
burner area and should be considered normal.
3. Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying
amounts of noise and may cause premature tank failure.
Drain and flush the tank as directed under the “Draining
and Flushing” section.
Smoke/Odor
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke
and odor during the initial start-up of the unit. This is due to
the burning off of oil from metal parts of a new unit and will
disappear after a brief period of operation.
“AIR” In Hot Water Faucets
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 can ignite
when exposed to a spark or flame. To prevent the possibil-
ity of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot
water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink
before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the
hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will probably
be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the faucet
as water begins to flow. Do not smoke or have any open flame
near the faucet at the time it is open.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in the
event of the following:
1. The water temperature exceeds 189°F (87°C) for 160°F
models.
3. Excessive combustion chamber temperatures.
4. The presence of flammable vapors.
This unit is equipped with a flammable vapor sensor, designed
to shut off the gas supply in the event the heater has been
exposed to flammable vapors (spilled gasoline or paint fumes
for example).
IMPORTANT:
If the flammable vapor sensor
activates a qualified service person must be contacted to reset
the water heater. This unit is also equipped with a thermal
switch designed to shut off the gas control valve/thermostat
in the event the water heater has poor combustion caused
by a blocked vent or insufficient combustion air. If the switch
opens, check the flame-trap for signs of high temperature (blue
or black discoloration), and inspect your installation for any
problems with venting or combustion air (See Troubleshooting
Flowchart on page 29). Reset the thermal switch by depressing
the small button in the center of the switch.
IMPORTANT:
Correct any issues prior to resetting the switch.
Contact the Product Service and Support Department for
service information at: 1-800-365-0024.
A temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) sensor
located in the gas control valve\thermostat, is used to shut off
the water heater if the water temperature exceeds 189°F (87°C).
The Diagnostic Status Light will flash a code indicating
an “Overheat Failure” (4 Flashes). See “Operating the
Temperature Control System.” If the gas control valve/
thermostat has an “ECO Lockout” the gas control valve/
thermostat must be replaced by a qualified person. Contact
your local dealer for service information.
Operational Conditions
Condensation
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some
condensate will form while the burner is on. A water
heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is
condensation. This usually happens when:
a. A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first
time.
b. Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, par-
ticularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures
are lower.
c. Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and
the refill water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” or
“frying” noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water
running down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting
out the pilot.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water,
condensation water may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After
the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition
should disappear.
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation.
The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family’s
demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing
machines and shower heads.
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at
their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to
operate properly as well as to carry away products of
combustion and water vapor.
It is always recommended that a suitable metal drain pan
be installed under the water heater to protect the area from
water damage resulting from normal condensation production,
a leaking tank or piping connections. Refer to the “Location
Requirements” section.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or
noises may be heard. These noises are common and may
result from the following:
1. Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during
