High Altitude Deration; Maintenance - Suburban SW4DEL Installation And Operation Manual

THERMOSTAT AND MANUAL RESET
MODELS: SW6DEL, SW10DEL, SW12DEL, SW16DEL (See Figure 9)
The model water heaters listed above are equipped with a high temperature limit
as a cut-off device. Temperature above 180̊ F will cause manual reset button to
trip shutting down main burner.
To activate burner, the water temperature must be below 110̊ F, push reset button
to re-activate burner.
THERMOSTAT AND MANUAL RESET
MODELS SW6DEL, SW10DEL, SW12DEL, SW16DEL (See Figure 10)
The model water heaters listed above are equipped with a high temperature limit
as a cut-off device. Temperature above 180̊ F will cause manual reset button to trip
shutting down the electric element.
To activate element, the water temperature must be below 110̊ F , push reset button
to re-activate the electric element.

HIGH ALTITUDE DERATION

Suburban water heaters are certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories
for operation without modifications at altitudes up to 4,500 feet. Operation
above this elevation may require derating by 4 percent for every 1,000 feet
above sea level. For example, at 8,000 feet, the water heater should be derated
approximately 32 percent.
If the unit is not properly derated, lack of sufficient oxygen for combustion
may produce improper burner operation. Pilot outage caused by burner lift-off
or sooting from a yellow burner may occur indicating the possibility of carbon
monoxide. You may also notice a lack of efficiency in heating the water because
of incomplete combustion of the burner at these higher altitudes.
Consult with the local gas company, your dealer, an RV service agency or Suburban
Manufacturing Company for proper derating of the unit. Change-out of the burner/
orifice (derating) should be done by the dealer or a qualified service agency.
NOTE: It is important that once the unit has returned to lower elevation (below
4,500 feet), this high altitude deration and pilot adjustments (if equipped) be
reversed for proper operation of the unit.
TO TURN OFF WATER HEATER
1. Turn switch to "OFF" position.
2. Turn off electrical power to the appliance.
3. Turn off gas supply.
4. If vehicle is to be stored or heater is going to be turned off while subject to freezing
temperature, drain water heater. (See "Draining and Storage Instructions.")

MAINTENANCE

WARNING!
If the user of this appliance fails to maintain it in the condition in which it was
shipped from the factory or if the appliance is not used solely for its intended purpose or if
appliance is not maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual, then the risk
of a fire and/or the production of carbon monoxide exists which can cause personal injury,
property damage or loss of life.
WARNING!
For your safety, all repairs should be performed by your dealer or a qualified
service person.
A. Main Burner: Do not allow the burner to burn with a yellow flame, because
sooting will occur. (See Safety Warnings). If the burner flame is yellow and
has an erratic pattern, shut unit down and contact a qualified service agency.
Do not continue operating unit with improper burner flame. (See Figure 11 for
correct and incorrect burner flame appearance.)
B. Periodically inspect unit for soot. If soot is present anywhere on water heater,
immediately shut unit down and contact your dealer or a qualified service
person. Soot is a sign of incomplete combustion and must be corrected
before operating water heater. Areas to check would include:
1. Check for an obstruction in burner or the flue box.
2. Check the screen in the door to see that no foreign material has
accumulated to prevent flow of combustion and ventilating air.
3. Check to be sure there is no flame present at burner orifice or burner
whenever main gas valve is closed. This can be checked by turning the
OFF/ON switch to the "OFF" position.
C. Frequent checks should be made of the grommet on the gas inlet to assure
tight seal. (See "Making Gas Connections").
D. Periodically check wiring and wire connection to be sure wiring is not
damaged/frayed and that all terminals and connections are tight and in
compliance with codes (See "Making Wire Connections").
DRAINING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
If RV is to be stored during winter months, the water heater must be drained to
prevent damage from freezing.
1. Turn off electrical power to water heater either at the switch from the electrical
element or at breaker.
2. Shut off gas supply to water heater.
3. Turn off pressure pump on water system.
4. Open both hot and cold water faucets.
5. Remove anode rod from tank.
6. Follow RV manufacturer's instructions for draining entire water system.
NOTE: Be certain to refill water heater with water and remove all air from tank and
lines before re-lighting or before turning on electrical power.
WINTERIZING
If your water heater plumbing system is equipped with a bypass kit, use it to
close off the water heater, drain the water heater completely and leave the water
heater closed off (out of the system) in the bypass position particularly if you are
introducing antifreeze into the plumbing system. Antifreeze can be very corrosive
to the anode rod creating premature failure and heavy sediment in the tank. If the
plumbing system is not equipped with a bypass kit, and you intend to winterize by
adding antifreeze to the system, remove the anode rod (storing it for the winter)
and replace it with a 3/4" drain plug.
ANODE PROTECTION
The tank in this water heater is protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to
prolong the life of the tank by absorbing the corrosive action of hot water. Under
normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate and because of this, we recommend it
be replaced yearly. NOTE: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase
the rate of deterioration; therefore, more frequent replacement may be required. If
anode rod is mostly eaten away, replace it with a new one. (See Figure 12)
To prevent a water leak when replacing the anode rod, a pipe thread sealant
approved for potable water (such as Teflon tape) must be applied to the threads
of the anode rod. Proper application of a thread sealant will not interfere with the
anode's tank protection.
Operating the water heater without proper anode protection will decrease tank life
and will void your warranty on the tank. NOTE: Tank is drained by removing anode
rod (See "Drain and Storage" instructions).
To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever RV is not being used. Avoid
any extended time of non use with water in tank.
Also, refer to section on winterizing.
WARNING!
Do not replace the anode rod with any non-Suburban accessory part, such
as an "add-on" electric heating element. Items such as these are not approved to be installed
in Suburban products. They could create an unsafe condition and will also void all warranties.
ODOR FROM HOT WATER SYSTEM
Odor from the hot water system is not a service problem and many water supplies
contain sufficient amounts of sulphur to produce an odor. The odor is similar to
rotten eggs and is often referred to as "sulphur water". It is not harmful - only
unpleasant to smell. Sulphur water can be caused by a chemical action or by
bacteria. The solution to eliminate is chlorination of the water system. Add about
six (6) ounces of chlorinated common household liquid bleach to each 10 gallons
in the water tank. Then run the chlorinated water throughout the system, opening
each faucet one at a time until you smell the chlorine. Let the RV sit for a few
days and the chlorine should take care of the problem. Then you will need to take
care of the chlorine. Remove the chlorine by flushing the system with fresh water.
This may take several attempts. You may consider adding a filtering system that
removes chlorine and prevents sulphur water. If the sulphur or rotten egg smell
continues, flush the system once again as described above and replace anode
rod as necessary.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The temperature and pressure relief valve is designed to open if the temperature
of the water within the heater reaches 210̊ F , or if the water pressure in the heater
reaches 150 pounds. Recreational vehicle water systems are closed systems and
during the water heating cycle the pressure build-up in the water system will reach
150 pounds. When this pressure is reached, the pressure relief valve will open
and water will drip from the valve. This dripping will continue until the pressure is
reduced to below 150 pounds, and the valve closes. This condition is normal and
does not indicate a defective relief valve.
WARNING! Do not place a valve between the relief valve and the tank. Do not plug the
relief valve under any circumstances.
WATER WEEPING OR DRIPPING FROM
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
You may experience water weeping or dripping from your water heater's Pressure
and Temperature (P & T) Relief Valve when your water heater is operating. Water
weeping or dripping from the P & T Valve does not always mean the P & T Valve
is defective. As water is heated, it expands. The water system in a recreational
vehicle is a closed system and does not allow for the expansion of heated water.
When the pressure of the water system exceeds the relieving point of the P & T
Valve, the valve will relieve the excess pressure.
Suburban recommends that a check valve not be installed directly at the inlet
to the water heater tank. This will increase weeping of the pressure relief valve.
WARNING!
Do not remove or plug the relief valve.
One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain an air pocket
at the top of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form in the tank by design.
However, it will be reduced over time by the everyday use of your water heater.
To replenish this air pocket:
1. Turn off water heater.
2. Turn off cold water supply line.
3. Open a faucet in the RV.
4. Pull out on the handle of the Pressure Relief (P & T) Valve and allow
water to flow from the valve until it stops.
5. Release handle on P & T Valve - it should snap closed.
6. Close faucet and turn on cold water supply; as the tank fills, the air pocket
will develop.
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