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Maintenance continued-
If the temperature and pressure relief valve on the heater
discharges periodically or continuously, it may be due to
thermal expansion of water in a closed water supply
system, or it may be due to a faulty relief valve.
Thermal expansion is the normal response of water when it
is heated. In a closed system, thermal expansion will cause
the system pressure to build until the relief valve actuation
pressure is equaled. Then the relief valve will open,
allowing some water to escape, slightly lowering the
pressure. Contact your water supplier or local plumbing
inspector on how to control this situation.
ABOVE ALL, DO NOT PLUG THE TEMPERATURE
AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE. THIS IS NOT A
SOLUTION AND CAN CREATE A HAZARDOUS
SITUATION.
3.
Sediment (Annual, but harsh water quality may dictate
more frequent service) – Depending on water conditions,
a varying amount of sediment may collect in the tank.
Levels requiring service are indicated by a small
temperature difference in the supply and return lines (See
also "Scale" below). Repeated flushing usually clears such
material. As a preventive measure, water should be drawn
from the tank at the drain valve until it runs clear.
4.
Scale (Annual) – Hard water may cause scale to build-up
on the outside of the heat exchanger coil. A water softener
will prevent this problem (See also "Sediment" above).
Symptoms would be reduced recovery capacity or reduced
temperature differential between boiler supply and return
lines. Repeated flushing should resolve the problem.
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