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Start Up Conditions
CONDENSATION
Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a cer-
tain amount of condensation will form while the burner is
on. A water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact
the water is condensing. This usually happens when:
a. When a new water heater is filled with cold water for
the first time.
b. When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water
heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue
temperatures are lower.
c. When you use large amounts of hot water in a short
time and the refill water is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condenses on
the cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water which may
fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces and produce a
“sizzling” or “frying” noise.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, conden-
sation water may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the
water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condi-
tion 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 fami-
ly’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 tempera-
tures 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 com-
bustion 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
Because of such events as high line pressure, frequent cut-
offs, the effects of water hammer among others, water sup-
ply systems may 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 mea-
sures 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 heat-
ed water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heat-
ed and increases the pressure of the water system. If the
relieving point of the water heater’s temperature-pressure
relief valve is reached, the valve will relieve the excess pres-
sure. 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 to relieve the pressure built by ther-
mal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks are
available for ordering through local plumbing supply hous-
es. Contact the local water supplier and/or plumbing con-
tractor 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 with the burner
area during heating and cooling periods and should be con-
sidered normal. See “Condensation” in this 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 pre-
sent 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 the local water heater sup-
plier for further information concerning an Anode
Replacement Kit #9000029 and this Chlorination
Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and
chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that continu-
ous chlorination 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.
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