For Your Information; Start Up Conditions; Operational Conditions - A.O. Smith BTX-80 SERIES 100 Instruction Manual

start up condItIons

sMoKe/odor
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor
during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal
parts, and will disappear in a short while.
stranGe sounds
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal
parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area
during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal.
See "Condensate" in this manual.

operatIonal condItIons

sMellY water
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod for
corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a
reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is one of a "rotten egg smell" in the hot
water. The smell is a result of four factors which must all be present
for the odor to develop:
a. A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the
water heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).
d. An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the
corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater
models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material,
and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all water lines.
Contact the local water heater supplier or service agency for
further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit and this
chlorination treatment.

for Your InforMatIon

If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination
treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or aeration of the
water supply be considered to eliminate the water problem.
do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing
so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
"aIr" In hot water faucets
HYDROGEN GAS: 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
explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions,
we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be
opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances
which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a
dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there
will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the
pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking
or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
hIGh water teMperature shut off sYsteM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic reset type high limit
(Energy Cutoff) sensor. The high limit switch interrupts the main
burner gas flow should the water temperature reach 195°F (91°C).
The high limit will automatically reset when the water temperature
drops below 140°F (60°C). After cooling the tank temperature, turn
off the water heater for at least 10 seconds by using the switch on
top of the unit. Turn on the water heater. If this fails to correct the
problem, contact your plumber or service representative.
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