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EXTERNAL DAMAGE
Do not operate the water heater until it has been fully checked
out by a qualifi ed technician, if the water heater:
•
Has been exposed to fi re or damage.
•
Displays evidence of sooting.
•
Produces steam or unusually hot water.
If the water heater has been fl ooded it must be replaced.
START UP CONDITIONS
NEVER OPERATE THE HEATER WITHOUT FIRST BEING
CERTAIN IT IS FILLED WITH WATER AND A TEMPERATURE
AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE IS INSTALLED IN THE RE-
LIEF VALVE OPENING OF THE HEATER. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO OPERATE HEATER WITH COLD WATER INLET VALVE
CLOSED.
CONDENSATE
Whenever the water heater is fi lled with cold water, some con-
densate will form while the burner is on. A water heater may
appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensate. This
usually happens when:
a. A new water heater is fi lled with cold water for the fi rst time.
b. Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, par-
ticularly high effi ciency models where fl ue temperatures are
lower.
c. Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the
refi ll water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or
"frying" noise.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensate
water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in the
tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disap-
pear.
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The
water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's de-
mands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines
and shower heads.
Excessive condensate may be noticed during the winter and
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at
their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas fi red water heater to operate
properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and
water vapor.
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.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
THERMAL EXPANSION
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among
others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves,
check valves, back fl ow preventers, etc. to control these types of
problems. When these devices are not equipped with an internal
by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the devices cause
the water system to be closed. As water is heated, it expands
(thermal expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the
expansion of heated water.
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed
system, the volume of water will grow. As the volume of water
grows, there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure
due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause pre-
mature tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered
under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause
intermittent temperature-pressure relief valve operation: water
discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up.
The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for
the constant relief of thermal expansion. This condition is not
covered under the limited warranty.
A properly-sized thermal expansion tank should be installed
on all closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal
expansion. Contact a plumbing service agency or your retail sup-
plier regarding the installation of a thermal expansion tank.
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 consid-
ered normal. See "Condensate" in this section.
22
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