Weil-McLain WM97+ Product Manual page 38

CWH
companion water heater
Troubleshooting
• This is similar to the reaction that occurs as air bubbles form on the walls of a pan shortly before the
water begins to boil.
• The release of dissolved gas can also create air pockets and air locks in the water system piping. This
can cause spurts of air or gases when opening the hot water faucet.
• There is generally no cure for milky water caused by dissolve gases, although it can be reduced with aer-
ated faucets. In some applications the amount of air and gases precipitating out of the water will reduced
in time. It should be noted that these gases are not harmful to the end user.
3 Discolored water from the hot water faucet.
• The water from the hot water faucet appears discolored, either rusty, brown, black or yellow.
• Because the tank is stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion, the problem is not tank-related.
• The problem is usually a non-toxic iron-reducing bacteria that is commonly found in soil, well water,
water treatment plants and piping systems.
• The bacteria usually thrives in systems in which the soluble iron exceeds 0.2 ppm.
• The bacteria will feed on the soluble iron in the water, producing "rusty-color" water as a by-product
of the feeding process.
• Variables in which the bacteria can thrive:
• Elevated levels of iron and manganese in the water
• Water with little or no dissolved oxygen
• Water storage temperatures below 140ºF
• Items that can potentially increase the presence of the bacteria:
• Water softeners.
• Well water.
• Long periods of no water movement.
• Treatment
• Treatment requires the water system to be shock-chlorinated.
• Depending on the severity of the bacteria within the water system, several treatments may be need-
ed.
• Check the pH and chlorides of the water in the water heater tank and the boiler system.
• The pH must be between 6 and 8.
• Chlorides must be less than 200 ppm.
• Note the pH and chloride readings on the warranty sheet.
• Items that can affect the pH reading:
• Water softeners.
• Water treatment plants.
• Cl ( chlorides) added, especially during the summer
• Fl ( fluorides) added in treatment in large cities
• Elevated levels of iron, manganese, and sulfur.
• If the pH is high or low, this has a major effect on the metal tanks, piping and heat transfer surfaces.
38
— Product Manual
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Water quality problems
(continued)
Part number 635-500-156/0113