Periodic Maintenance; Venting System Inspection; Burner Operation And Inspection; Burner Cleaning - A.O. Smith 110 Series Instruction Manual

VENTING SYSTEM INSPECTION

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting
system. You should look for:
1. Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The combustion
and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
2. Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or
leakage of combustion products.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of
dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur
if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride,
waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical compounds which
are potentially corrosive.
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration,
something is wrong. Call the local gas utility to correct the problem
and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation
of the water heater.

BURNER OPERATION AND INSPECTION

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately
detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded water heater will
create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS
BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualified installer
or service agency to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to
repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the main burner
and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper flame characteristics
and ignition sequences. This can be done by removing the Outer Door
and viewing the main burner operation through the Viewport on the
Inner Door, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete
combustion of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet operation, and
cause no excessive flame lifting from the burner ports. If the proper flame
characteristics are not evident (see Figure 27), make sure that the flow
of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked.
You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper
combustion. A visual inspection of the main burner and HSI igniter assembly
should also be done at least once a year, see Figure 27.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before
further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater and leave off until repairs
are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result
in a fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.

BURNER CLEANING

In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning, turn
the blower switch to the "OFF" position and allow the burner to cool.
Call a service agency to remove and clean the burner and correct the
problem that required the burner to be cleaned.

HOUSEKEEPING

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a
regular basis.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure 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
flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the
water heater which can cause a fire.

ANODE ROD INSPECTION

33
FIGURE 27.