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28
VENTING SYSTEM INSPECTION
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting
system. You should look for:
1. Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The
combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
2. Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or
leakage of combustion products.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of
dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if
air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium
chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical
compounds which are potentially corrosive.
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration,
something is wrong. Call the local gas utility to correct the problem
and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation
of the water heater.
BURNER OPERATION AND INSPECTION
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or
immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded
water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Contact a qualified installer or service agency to replace a flooded
water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
main burner and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper flame
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
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 1. The main
burner should provide complete combustion of gas, ignite rapidly,
give reasonably quiet operation, and cause no excessive flame
lifting from the burner ports. If the proper flame characteristics are
not evident (see Figure 27), make sure that the flow 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 HSI igniter
assembly should also be done at least once a year, see Figure 27.
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before
further use. Turn “OFF” gas to water heater and leave off until repairs
are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can
result in a fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 27.
BURNER CLEANING
In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning,
turn the blower switch to the “OFF” position 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.
HOUSEKEEPING
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a
regular basis.