Periodic Maintenance; Venting System Inspection; Burner Inspection; Burner Cleaning - A.O. Smith 185874-001 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.
3. Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
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 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 pilot burner, see Figure 31.

perIodIc MaIntenance

You should 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 fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.

Burner cleanInG

In the event your burner needs cleaning, follow these instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn the
gas control knob clockwise (
slightly.
note: the knob cannot be turned from "pIlot" to "off" unless
knob is depressed slightly. do not force.
The burner needs to be removed for cleaning. 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.
at least once everY sIX Months a vIsual InspectIon
should Be Made of the aIr IntaKe screen. clean If
lInt accuMulatIons are notIced.
25
fIGure 31.
) to the "OFF" position, depressing