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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 condensation 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 fdled 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.
• Whenyouuselargeamountsofhotwaterinashort
Thewaterwithinthewaterheatertankexpandsasitisheated
time and the refill water is very cold.
and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving
point of the water heaters temperature-pressure
relief valve is
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
reached, the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The tern-
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall
perature-pressttre
relief valve is not intended for the con-
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or
stant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable
"frying" noise,
condition and must be corrected.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create
water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in
a dosed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an
the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should
expansion tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal expan-
disappear,
sion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for
ordering through Maytag Customer Service (1-800-788-8899).
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier, and/or
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
call Maytag Customer Service at 1-800-788-8899
for an
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation,
authorized servicer for assistance in controlling these situations.
The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's
demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing
machines and shower heads.
STRANGE
SOUNDS
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
their lowest,
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to oper-
Condensation
causes sizzling and popping with the burner
ate properly as well as to carry away products of combustion
area during heating and cooling periods and should be consid-
and water vapor,
ered normal. See "Condensation" section.
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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