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Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)
CONDENSATION
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain
amount of condensation will form while the burner is on. A
water heater may appear to be leakingwhen in Factthe water is
condensation. This usually happens when:
• When a new water heater is filled with cold water for the
first time.
• When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water
heaters, partlcular[y high efficiency models where flue tem-
peratures are lower.
• When you tlse large amounts of hot water in a short time
and the refillwater isvery cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may hdl
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or
"frying" noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water run-
ning down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting out
the pilot. ,"
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 disap-
pear.
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 ro 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 fired 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.
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each glasslined water heater there is installed at least one
anode rod (see parts section) 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". This odor is derived
from hydrogen sulfide 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 within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic 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 Sears Service for further information concerning
an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this Chlorination
Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo-
rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlori-
nation and filtering conditioning equipment 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.
A WARNING to
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will
satisfyclothes washing,dish washing,and other sanitizing needs
can scaldand permanently injure you upon contact. Some peo-
ple are more likelyto be permanently injured byhot water than
otherg These includethe elderly,children,the infirm, or physical-
ly/mentally handicapped.If anyone using hotwater in your home
fits into one ofthese groupsor if there isa localcode or state law
requiring a certain temperature water at the hotwater tap, then
Cu must take specialprecautions.In additionto usingthe lowest
_ossibletemperature settingthat satisfiesyour hot water needs,
means suchas a mixing valve, shouldbe usedat the hot water
taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves
are availableat plumbing supplyor hardware stores. Followman-
ufacturers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation"sectionin this manual.
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