User Guide

27
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 ow must not be
obstructed.
2. Damage or deterioration which could cause improper
venting or leakage of combustion products.
3. Rusted akes around top of water heater.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent
escape of dangerous ue gases which could cause
deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the ue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
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.
If after inspection of vent system you found sooting or
deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas utility
to correct problem and clean or replace the ue and
venting before resuming operation of water heater.
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily
visible or immediately detectable. However, over a period
of time a ooded water heater will create dangerous
conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualied
installer or service agency to replace a ooded water
heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be
replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made
of the main burner and pilot burner, see Figure 23. You
should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will
impair proper combustion.
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction
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 re causing
death, serious injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 23. GAS BURNER ASSEMBLY
BURNER CLEANING
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is
required, turn the gas control knob clockwise ( ) to the
OFF position, depressing slightly.
NOTE: The knob cannot be turned from PILOT to OFF
unless knob is depressed slightly. DO NOT FORCE.
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 a service agency to remove and clean the burner
and correct the problem that required the burner to be
cleaned.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
BURNER INSPECTION