Burner Operation And Inspection; Burner Cleaning; Housekeeping; Anode Rod Inspection - John Wood POWER VENTED GAS FIRED WATER HEATER Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

Burner Operation and Inspection

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
main burner and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper
fl ame characteristics and ignition sequences. This can be
done by removing the outer door and viewing the main burner
operation through the viewport on the inner door (see Figure
4). The main burner should provide complete combustion
of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet operation, and
cause no excessive fl ame lifting from the burner ports. If the
proper fl ame characteristics are not evident (see Figure 36),
make sure that the fl ow of combustion and ventilation air is
not blocked.
You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and
will impair proper combustion. A visual inspection of the main
burner and hot surface igniter should also be done at least
once a year (see Figure 38).
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction
before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater by
unplugging the power cord and leave off until repairs are
made. Failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result in
a fi re causing death, serious injury, or property damage.
Figure 38

Burner Cleaning

In the event your burner or burner air openings require
cleaning, turn the gas control/thermostat switch to the "OFF"
position and unplug the blower and allow the burner to cool.
Call a service agency to remove and clean the burner and
correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
VIEWPORT

Housekeeping

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA:
To ensure suffi cient ventilation and combustion air supply,
proper clearances from the water heater must be maintained.
See "Locating the New Water Heater" section. Combustible
materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or fl ammable
liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the
water heater which can cause a fi re.

Anode Rod Inspection

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will
slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the
water heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion.
Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot
water usage, hydronic heating devices, and water softening
methods can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. Once
the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the
anode rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is a "rotten egg smell" produced
from the presence of hydrogen sulfi de gas dissolved in the
water.
Important: Do not remove this anode rod permanently as it
will void any warranties. A special anode rod may be available
if water odour or discolouration occurs.
Note: This anode rod may reduce but not eliminate water
odour problems. The water supply system may require special
fi ltration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odour problems.
Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium
ions. The use of excessively soft water may decrease the life
of the water heater tank.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of
three years and annually thereafter until the condition of the
anode rod dictates its replacement. The anode may need
to be inspected more often in areas of hard water or highly
conductive water. NOTE: Artifi cially softened water requires
the anode rod to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted
anode rod (see Figure 40):
•
The majority of the anode rod's diameter is less than
3/8".
– 28 –
DANGER
Fire and Explosion Hazard
• Do not obstruct combustion air
openings at the bottom of the
water heater.
• Do not use or store flammable
vapor products such as gaso-
line, solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near water
heater or other appliance.
• Can cause serious injury or
death.