Condensation; Smoke/Odor; Thermal Expansion; Strange Sounds - Maytag Performa HJ630NORT User Manual

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