Maintenance; Venting System Inspection; Pilot And Main Burner - A.O. Smith 186589-004 Instruction Manual

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SATISFACTORY OPERATION, IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT THIS HEATER BE CHECKED ONCE A
YEAR BY A COMPETENT SERVICE PERSON.
USERS OF THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE AWARE THAT
GAS COMPONENTS WEAR OUT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
THE GAS CARRYING COMPONENTS OF THIS APPLIANCE
SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION PERI-
ODICALLY BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

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 com-
bustion and ventilation air fl ow 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 fl ue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxia-
tion.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the fl ue 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 com-
pounds which are potentially corrosive.
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or dete-
rioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas utility to correct
the problem and clean or replace the fl ue and venting before
resuming operation of the water heater.

PILOT AND MAIN BURNER

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or im-
mediately detectable. However, over a period of time a fl ooded
water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAM-
AGE. Contact a qualifi ed installer or service agency to replace

MAINTENANCE

a fl ooded 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 pilot assembly for proper fl ame characteris-
tics. This can be done by removing the Outer Door and viewing
the main burner operation through the Viewport on the Inner
Door, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete
combustion of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet opera-
tion, and cause no excessive fl ame lifting from the burner ports.
If the proper fl ame characteristics are not evident (see Figure 1),
make sure that the fl ow 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 pilot assembly should also be done at least once a year,
see Figure 1.
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction be-
fore 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 fi re causing death, serious injury, or
property damage.
If proper fl ame characteristics are not evident, check for accumu-
lation of lint or other foreign material that restricts or blocks the
air openings in the heater or burner.
SOOT BUILD-UP INDICATES A PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES
CORRECTION BEFORE FURTHER USE. CONSULT WITH A
QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
Should the main burner or burner air openings require cleaning,
turn the gas control knob to "OFF" position and allow the burner
to cool. Remove the burner and clean with a soft brush. Clean
main burner orifi ce with a suitable soft material.
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