Maintenance; Housekeeping; Venting System Inspection; Flood Damage - American Water Heater POWER VENT GAS Installation And Operating Manual

HOUSEKEEPING

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and
lint on a regular basis.

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 fl ow 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 fl ue gasses which could cause
deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the fl ue 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 fl ue and
venting before resuming operation of the water heater.

FLOOD DAMAGE

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible
or immediately detectable. However, over a period of time
a fl ooded water heater will create dangerous conditions
which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualifi ed installer or
service agency to replace a fl ooded water heater. Do not
attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!

BURNER OPERATION AND INSPECTION

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of
the main burner and spark generator assembly for proper
fl ame characteristics and ignition sequences. You should
also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion. 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
fi re causing death, serious injury, or property damage.

MAINTENANCE

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure suffi cient
ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances
from the water heater must be maintained. See "Facts to
Consider About Location" 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 rod permanently as it will
void any warranties. A special anode rod may be available
if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor
problems. The water supply system may require special
fi ltration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odor problems. Artifi cially
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