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c. 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.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water
running 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 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 systems 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 the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is
reached, the valve will relieve 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. Expansion tanks are available
for ordering through a local plumbing contractor. Contact the
local water heater supplier or service agency 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
necessarily 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” in this section.
OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod
(see parts sections) 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” in the hot water. 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 which has accumulated within
the water heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic 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 supplier or
service agency for further information concerning an Anode
Replacement Kit and this chlorination treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and
chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination
or aeration of the water supply 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.
“AIR” IN HOT WATER FAUCETS