Reliance Water Heaters 11-03 Water Heater User Manual


 
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Periodic Maintenance
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.
3. Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
Burner Inspection
WARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion 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.
WARNING
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visi-
ble or immediately detectible. 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
service technician or contractor to replace a flooded
water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must
be replaced!
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemi-
cal 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.
WARNING
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
WARNING
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent
escape of dangerous flue gasses which could cause
deadly asphyxiation.
Burner Cleaning
NOTE: Burner assembly must be handled carefully to
avoid damaging the hot surface ignitor.
In the event your burner needs cleaning, use the following
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 required
the burner to be cleaned.
If proper 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.
Check main burner every 12 months for proper flame char-
acteristics. This is done by removing outer and inner doors
on heater. The main burner should provide complete com-
bustion of gas; ignite rapidly; give reasonably quiet opera-
tion; cause no excessive flame lifting from burner ports.
Make sure that the flow of combustion and ventilation air is
not blocked.