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Start Up Conditions
Condensation
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some
condensate will form while the burner is on. A water heater may
appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensation.
This usually happens when:
• A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
• Burning gas produces water vapor In water heaters,
particularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures
are lower.
• Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the
refill water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the
cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall
onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” or
“frying” noise.
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 disappear.
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 to 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.
Thermal Expansion
Water supply system may, because of such events as high line
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among
others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing
valves, check valves, back flow preventers, etc., to control these
types of problems. When these devices are not equipped with
an internal by-pass, and no other measures are taken, the
devices cause the water system to be closed. As water is
heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems
do not allow for the expansion of heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated
and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving
point of water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is
reached, the valve will relief the excess pressure. The
temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the
constant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable
condition and must be corrected.
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create
a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an
expansion tank or device to relieve the pressure built by thermal
expansion in the water system. Thermal expansion tanks are
available for ordering through the Maytag Customer Service
Center (1-800-788-8899). Contact the local plumbing inspector,
water supplier and/or call Maytag Customer Service at
1-800-788-8899 for assistance in controlling these situations.
Strange Sounds
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner
area during heating and cooling periods and should be
considered normal. See Condensation section.
Operational Conditions
Smelly Water
In each 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 concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
• little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
• a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
• 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
TROUBLESHOOTING