Smoke/Odor; Thermal Expansion; Strange Sounds; Operational Conditions - Lochinvar COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATERS Instruction Manual

Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation
water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in the
tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disappear.
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water
heater must be sized properly to meet the family's demands for hot
water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and early
spring months when incoming water temperatures are at their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas fi red water heater to operate
properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and water
vapor.
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.

THERMAL EXPANSION

Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among others,
have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves,
back fl ow preventers, etc. to control these types of problems. When
these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, and no other
measures are taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed.
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems
do not allow for the expansion of heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated and
increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point
of the water heater's temperature-pressure relief valve is reached,
the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The temperature-
pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of
thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be
corrected. It is recommended that any devices installed which could
create a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an
expansion tank or device to relieve the pressure built by thermal
expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for
ordering through a local plumbing contractor. Contact the local
water heater supplier or service agency for assistance in controlling
these situations.

STRANGE SOUNDS

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal
parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area
during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal.
See "Condensation" in this section.

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

SMELLY WATER

In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod (see
parts sections) for corrosion protection of the tank. 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" in the hot water. This odor is derived from
hydrogen sulfi de gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result
of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:
a. A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the
water heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).
d. An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the
corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater
models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and
then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact
the local water heater supplier or service agency for further information
concerning an Anode Replacement Kit and this chlorination treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and
chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or
aeration of the water supply be considered to eliminate the water
problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing
so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.

"AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS

HYDROGEN GAS: 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 fl ammable and
explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions,
we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be
opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances
which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a
dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there
will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the
pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking
or open fl ame near the faucet at the time it is open.
HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas Shut-off system.
This system works when high water temperatures are present.
Turn "OFF" the entire gas supply to the water heater. The high
temperature Shut-off is built into the gas control valve. It is non-
resettable. If the high temperature Shut-off activates, the gas control
valve must be replaced. Contact your gas supplier or service agency.
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