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Troubleshooting
Start Up Conditions
CONDENSATION
THERMAL
EXPANSION
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain
Water supply systems may, because of high line pressure, fre-
amount of condensatlon will form while the burner is on. A
quent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer and others, have
water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water
installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check
is condensation. This usually happens when:
valves, back flow preventers, etc. to control these types of
problems. When these devices are not equipped with an inter-
- When a new water heater is filled with cold water for
nal by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the devices
the first time.
cause the water system to be closed. As water is heated, it
• When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water
expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems do not allow
heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue
for the expansion of heated water.
temperatures are lower.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated
• When you use large amounts of hot water in a short
and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relievlng
time and the refill water is very cold.
point of the water heater's temperature-pressure
relief valve is
reached, the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The tern-
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
peratm'e-pressure
relief valve is not intended for the con-
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall
stant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or
condition and must be corrected.
"frying" noise.
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation
a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an
water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in
expansion tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal expan-
the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should
sion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for
disappear,
ordering through Maytag Customer Service (1-800-788-8899).
Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier, and/or
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
call Maytag Customer Service at 1-800-788-8899
for an
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
authorized servicer for assistance in controlling these situations.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation.
The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's
demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing
STRANGESOUNDS
machines and shower heads.
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at
represent harmfifl or dangerous conditions.
their lowest.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping with the burner
Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to oper-
area during heating and cooling periods and should be consid-
ate properly as well as to carry away products of combustion
ered normal. See "Condensation" section.
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.
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