Periodic Maintenance; Venting System Inspection; Burner Operation And Inspection; Burner Cleaning - A.O. Smith Power Direct ventedGasModels 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

perIodIc MaIntenance

characteristics and ignition sequences. This can be done by viewing
the main burner operation through the Viewport on the Outer 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 as in Figure 32, make sure that the
flow of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked in the venting
system.
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 32.
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.
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fIGure 32.