Operational Conditions; Maintenance; Draining And Flushing - Rheem PVG Installation, Operation And Service Manual

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS (CON'T)
3.
Sediment build-up in the tank bottom will create varying amounts of noise
and may cause premature tank failure. Drain and flush the tank as
directed under "Draining and Flushing".
SMOKE/ODOR
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke and odor during the
initial start-up of the unit. This is due to the burning off of oil from the metal
parts of a new unit and will disappear after a few minutes of operation.
SAFETY SHUT-OFF
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in the event of the
following:
1. The pilot flame is extinguished for any reason.
2. The water temperature exceeds 180°F (83°C).
A flame-sensing thermocouple is used to determine if a pilot flame is present
and will immediately shut off the gas supply to the main burner and the pilot
burner if the flame is absent.
A high temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) is used to shut off the
unit if the water temperature exceeds 180°F (83°C). The ECO is a single use
switch and requires complete replacement of the entire thermostat. If the ECO
should function, the water heater cannot be used until the thermostat is
replaced by a qualified service agency. Contact your local dealer for service
information.
DANGER
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BY-PASS OR JUMPER THE ECO AS THIS CAN
RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. THIS WILL
VOID THE WARRANTY AND RELEASE THE MANUFACTURER FROM ANY
LIABILITY FOR ANY INCIDENT RESULTING FROM ELIMINATING THE ECO
FROM THE WATER HEATER CIRCUIT.
WATER ODOR
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod which will slowly dissipate
while protecting the tank from corrosion. Certain water conditions will cause a
reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is one of a "rotten egg smell" produced from the
presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. Do not remove this
rod as it will void any warranties, stated or implied. The parts list includes
a special anode that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs. This
rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply
system may require special filtration equipment from a water conditioning
company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems
HYDROGEN GAS BUILD-UP
DANGER
HYDROGEN GAS CAN BE PRODUCED IN A HOT WATER SYSTEM THAT
HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME (GENERALLY TWO
WEEKS OR MORE). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE AND
CAN IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SPARK OR FLAME. TO PREVENT THE
POSSIBILITY OF INJURY UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, WE RECOMMEND
THE HOT WATER FAUCET BE OPENED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT THE
KITCHEN SINK BEFORE USING ANY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE WHICH IS
CONNECTED TO THE HOT WATER SYSTEM. IF HYDROGEN IS PRESENT,
THERE WILL PROBABLY BE AN UNUSUAL SOUND SUCH AS AIR
ESCAPING THROUGH THE FAUCET AS WATER BEGINS TO FLOW. DO
NOT SMOKE OR HAVE ANY OPEN FLAME NEAR THE FAUCET AT THE
TIME IT IS OPEN.

MAINTENANCE

BLOWER MOTOR
1.
Lubricate the motor every 6 months
with 4 drops of S.A.E. 20 oil in the
openings as shown. DO NOT
OVEROIL.
2. Remove any foreign materials from
the vent pipe system before
operating the blower. The blower
wheel must be clear of debris or
soot and allowed to rotate freely.

DRAINING AND FLUSHING

The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing
temperatures. It is recommended that the tank be drained, flushed and cleaned
every 6 months to remove sediment which may build-up during operation. To
drain the tank perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the gas to the water heater at the Manual Gas Shutoff Valve.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve.
3. Open a nearby hot water faucet.
4. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the water to drain from
the tank.
5. Flush the tank with water as needed to remove sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the heater as directed
under "Start-Up/Operation".
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period, the drain
valve should be left open.
NOTE: Condensation may occur when refilling the tank and should not be
confused with a tank leak.
DANGER
WATER DRAINING FROM THIS HEATER MAY BE HOT AND CAN RESULT
IN SCALD INJURY. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO COME IN CONTACT
WITH THE DRAINING WATER AND TERMINATE THE DRAIN HOSE TO AN
ADEQUATE DRAIN
3 MONTH INSPECTION
At least every 3 months a visual inspection should be made of the venting and
air supply system, piping systems, main burner and pilot burner. Check the
water heater for the following:
•
Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting system. Make sure
the ventilation and combustion air supplies are not obstructed.
•
Build-up of soot and carbon on the main burner and pilot burner. Check for
a soft blue flame.
•
Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.
•
Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the installation area.
IMPORTANT: VERIFY PROPER OPERATION AFTER SERVICING THIS WATER
HEATER.
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