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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• Flue gases may escape if vent pipe
is not connected.
• Be alert for obstructed, sooted or
deteriorated vent system to avoid
serious injury or death.
• Do not store corrosive chemicals
in vicinity of water heater.
• Chemical corrosion of flue and vent
system can cause serious injury or
death
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning
Sediment build-up on the tank bottom may create varying
amount of noise, if left in the tank will cause permanent tank
failure. In some water areas, sediment can be removed by
draining off approximately one gallon of water each month.
Vent System Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
venting system. You should look for:
• Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The
combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
• Damage or deterioration which could cause improper
venting or leakage of combustion products.
• Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
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 Maytag Customer
Service at 1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer or your
local gas supplier to correct the problem and clean or replace
the flue and venting before resuming operation of the water
heater.
Burner 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 the Maytag dealer from whom the appliance
was purchased or call Maytag Customer Service at
1-800-788-8899 for an authorized servicer 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 pilot burner, see Figure 50.
You should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion.
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.
If improper flame characteristics are not evident, check for
accumulation of lint or other foreign material that restricts or
blocks the air openings in the heater or burner. Also check
Combustion Air and Ventilation Requirements.
FIGURE 53.
Burner Cleaning
NOTE: Burner assembly must be handled carefully to avoid
damaging the hot surface ignitor.
In the event your burner needs cleaning, following these
instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn
the “ON/OFF” rocker switch located on the control box to
“OFF” position and allow the burner to cool.
Loose deposits on or around the burner can be removed by
carefully using the hose of a vacuum cleaner inserted through
the access door of the water heater. If the burner needs to be
removed for additional cleaning, call the local gas utility or
qualified service agent to remove and clean the burner with a
soft brush. Clean main burner orifice with a suitable soft
material. Correct the problem that requires the burner to be
cleaned.