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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
START UP CONDITIONS
CONDENSATE
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 condensate. This usually happens when:
a. A new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.
b. Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, particularly
high efficiency models where flue temperatures are lower.
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.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensate 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 condensate 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 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
release 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
“Condensate” 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” in the hot water. The smell is a 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 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
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system
that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or
more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent
the possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot
water faucet, located farthest away, be opened for several minutes
before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water
system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen
gas is present, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air
escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must
be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas shut-off system.
This system works when high water temperatures are present. Turn
“OFF” the entire gas supply to the water heater. The high temperature
shut-off is built into the gas control valve. It is non-resettable. If the high
temperature shut-off activates, the gas control valve must be replaced.
Contact your gas supplier or service agency.