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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 condensation. 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 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, 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 condensa-
tion. 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 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
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 high line pressure,
frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer and 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 sys-
tems do not allow for the expansion of heatedwater.
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-pres-
18
sure 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 expan-
sion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be cor-
rected.
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
thermal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks
are available for ordering through the Sears Service
Center. Contact the local plumbing inspector, water sup-
plier, and/or the SearsService Center for assistance in con-
trolling 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 burn-
er 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 on 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 asso-
ciated 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. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. a sulfate redurLing 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 supplier for further information concerning
an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this
Chlorination Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacemer
and chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that con
tinuous chlorination and filtering conditioning equipmer
be considered to eliminate the water problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotecte(
By doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank
voided.