Combustion Chamber And Burner Cleaning; Housekeeping; Anode Rod Inspection; Anode Rod - Smith BTF-80 SERIES 210 Installation And Operating Manual

COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND BURNER CLEANING

In the event your burner or burner air openings require
cleaning, Call your service agency to remove and clean
the burner and correct the problem that required the burner
to be cleaned.

HOUSEKEEPING

DANGER
• Do not obstruct combustion air
openings at the rear of the water
heater.
• Do not use or store flammable
vapour products such as
gasoline, solvents or adhesives
in the same room or area near
water heater or other appliance.
• Can cause serious injury or
death.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA:
To ensure sufficient ventilation and combustion air
supply, proper clearances from the water heater must
be maintained. See "Locating The New Water Heater"
section. Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning
materials, or fl ammable liquids, etc. must not be placed
against or adjacent to the water heater which can cause
a fi re.

ANODE ROD INSPECTION

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod,
which will slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging
the life of the water heater by protecting the glass-lined
tank from corrosion. Adverse water quality, hotter water
temperatures, high hot water usage, hydronic heating
devices and water softening methods can increase the rate
of anode rod depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted,
the tank will start to corrode eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the
anode rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is a "rotten egg smell"
produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfi de gas
dissolved in the water. Important: Do not remove this
anode rod permanently as it will void any warranties.
A special anode rod may be available if water odour or
discolouration occurs. Note: This anode rod may reduce
but not eliminate water odour problems. The water supply
system may require special fi ltration equipment from a
water conditioning company to successfully eliminate all
water odour problems.
Artifi cially softened water can be exceedingly corrosive
because the process substitutes sodium ions for
magnesium and calcium ions. The use of a excessively
soft water may decrease the life of the water heater tank.
331432-001
Fire and Explosion Hazard
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of
three years and annually thereafter until the condition of
the anode rod dictates its replacement. Note: Artifi cially
softened water requires the anode rod to be inspected
annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted

anode rod:

•
The majority of the anode rod's diameter is less than
10mm (3/8 in.).
•
Signifi cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3
or more of the anode rod's length) are visible (see
Figure 40).
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be
replaced. Note: Whether re-installing or replacing the
anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct
if found.
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
PITTED ANODE ROD
Figure 40
ANODE ROD
Important: Use only factory authorized replacement parts.
If you lack the necessary skills to properly perform the
installation, you should not proceed, but get help from a
qualifi ed service technician.
•
Tools required:
•
Ratchet with 1-1/16" Socket
•
Pliers
•
Tefl on Tape or an approved pipe sealant
®

Removing Anode Rod:

1. Set the gas control valve/thermostat to its lowest
setting by turning the knob counter-clockwise to
the VAC point (see Figure 36). If the water heater is
running, wait for it to shut down.
2. Turn gas control switch to the "OFF" position.
3. Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater
from the wall outlet.
4. Shut off the incoming water supply to the water heater
and open a nearby hot-water faucet to depressurize
the water tank.
5. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to
adequate drain or to the exterior of the building. Open
the drain valve and allow at least 19l (5 gallons) of
water to drain from the tank. Close drain and remove
hose.
6. Remove the anode cap on top of the heater and
remove just enough insulation so you can access to
the anode head (see Figure 41). Keep the anode cap
in a safe place for reinstallation later.
7. Remove the anode rod by using a ratchet and a
1-1/16" socket turning counter-clockwise (see Figure
41).
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
39