Troubleshooting Guidelines - A.O. Smith 185874-001 Instruction Manual

These guidelines should be utilized by a qualified service agent. When calling for service notify the service agent that this is a
"Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant" Product.
Problem
water leaKs
leaKInG t&p valve
sMellY odors
pIlot wIll not lIGht
Burner wIll not staY lIt
pIlot outaGe
not enouGh hot water
water too hot
water heater sounds
sIZZlInG-ruMBlInG
sootInG
vent Gas odors

trouBleshootInG GuIdelInes

Cause
Improperly sealed, hot or cold supply connection, relief valve,
drain valve, or thermostat threads.
Leakage from other appliances or water lines.
Condensation of flue products.
Thermal expansion in closed water system.
Improperly seated valves.
High sulfate or mineral content in water supply.
Bacteria in water supply.
Gas control knob not positioned correctly.
Main gas supply off.
Igniter tip more than 1/8" from pilot hood.
Thermocouple malfunction.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
Melted insulation on ignitor wire or shorting of ignitor wire.
High ambient room temperature.
Wire disconnected from spark ignitor.
Broken electrode or electrical wire.
Piezo ignitor generator fails to operate or malfunctions.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
High ambient room temperature.
Dirty or clogged air intake screen.
Flame arrestor openings blocked.
Defective Gas Control.
Dirty pilot burner.
Dirty or clogged air intake screen.
Thermocouple tip is not in contact with pilot flame.
Thermocouple malfunction.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
Defective Gas control.
Heater not lit or thermostat not on.
Thermostat set too low.
Heater undersized.
Low gas pressure.
Incoming water is unusually cold.
Leaking hot water pipes or fixtures.
High temperature limit switch activated.
Thermostat set too high.
Condensation dripping on burner.
Sediment or calcium in bottom of heater tank.
Improper combustion.
Lack of supply air.
Improperly installed vent piping.
Downdraft.
Poor combustion.
Solution
Tighten threaded connections.
Inspect other appliances near water heater.
Refer to CONDENSATE.
Install thermal expansion tank (DO NOT plug T&P
valve).
Check relief valve for proper operation (DO NOT plug
T&P valve.
Drain and flush heater thoroughly, then refill.
Chlorinate or aerate water supply.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Turn on main gas Shut-off valve.
Adjust ignitor tip.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Contact a service agency to determine cause.
Contact a service agency to determine cause.
Reconnect wire connector to spark ignitor.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace Piezo ignitor generator.
Replace pilot assembly.
Contact a service agency to determine cause.
Clean and reinstall air intake screen.
Contact a service agency to determine cause.
Replace gas control.
Clean pilot assembly.
Clean and reinstall air intake screen.
Insert thermocouple correctly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace Gas Control.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION.
Reduce hot water use.
Contact your gas supplier.
Allow more time for heater to re-heat.
Have plumber check and repair leaks.
Contact a service agency to determine cause.
Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION.
Refer to CONDENSATE above.
Clean sediment from tank. Refer to DRAINING
instructions in Maintenance section of manual.
No adjustment available. Immediately shut down the
water heater and contact a service agency to determine
cause.
Immediately shut down the water heater and contact a
service agency to determine cause.
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