Whirlpool Residential Gas Water Heater with the Flame Lock Safety System - Manual (Page 21)

21
Operational Conditions
Condensation
Moisture from the products of combustion condenses on the
tank surface and the outside jacket of the water heater and
forms drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other
hot surfaces. This will produce a “sizzling” or “frying” noise.
NOTE: This condensation is normal and should not be
confused with a leaking tank. Condensation may increase or
decrease at different times of the year.
High efficient energy saver water heaters will produce
larger amounts of condensation on initial start-up or when
a large amount of hot water is being used. NOTE: Do not
confuse this with a “tank leak”. Once the water reaches a
temperature of 120°F and the tank warms up (usually 1-2
hours), the condensation will stop.
IMPORTANT: It is always recommended that a suitable
metal drain pan be installed under the water heater
to protect the area from water damage resulting from
normal condensation production, a leaking tank or piping
connections. Refer to “Location Requirements” on page
4. Under no circumstances is the manufacturer to be held
responsible for any water damage in connection with this
water heater.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or
noises may be heard. These noises are common and may
result from the following:
1. Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during
periods of heat-up and cool-down.
2. Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the
burner area and should be considered normal.
3. Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying
amounts of noise and may cause premature tank failure.
Drain and flush the tank as directed under “Draining and
Flushing”.
Smoke/Odor
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke
and odor during the initial start-up of the unit. This is due to
the burning off of oil from metal parts of a new unit and will
disappear after a few minutes of operation.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in the
event of the following:
1. The pilot flame is extinguished for any reason.
2. The water temperature exceeds 189°F (87°C) for 155°F
models or 199°F (93°C) for 180°F models. See the data
plate for your model.
3. Excessive combustion chamber temperatures.
4. The ignition of flammable vapors.
A thermopile is used to determine if a pilot flame is present,
and will shut off the gas supply to the main burner and the
pilot if the flame is absent. This unit is also equipped with a
thermal switch, designed to shut off the gas supply in the event
the heater has been exposed to flammable vapors (spilled
gasoline or paint fumes for example), poor combustion caused
by a blocked vent or insufficient combustion air. If the switch
opens, check the flame-trap for signs of high temperature
(blue or black discoloration), and inspect your installation for
any problems with venting or combustion air (See Pilot Light
Troubleshooting Flowchart on page 29). Reset the switch by
depressing the small button in the center of the switch.
IMPORTANT: Correct any issues prior to resetting the switch.
Contact the Product Service and Support Department
for service information at: 1-877-817-6750.
A temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) sensor
located in the gas control valve\thermostat, is used to shut off the
water heater if the water temperature exceeds 189°F (87°C) for
155°F models or 199°F (93°C) for 180°F models. See the data
plate for your model.
The Diagnostic Status Light will flash a code indicating
an “Overheat Failure” (4 Flashes). See “Operating the
Temperature Control System.” If the ECO has functioned the
gas control valve/thermostat should be replaced by a qualified
person. Contact your local dealer for service information.
Anode Rod/Water Odor
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod,
which will slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging
the life of the water heater by protecting the glass-lined
tank from corrosion. Adverse water quality, hotter water
temperatures, high hot water usage, hydronic heating
devices, and water softening methods can increase
the rate of anode rod depletion. Once the anode rod
is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually
developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the
anode rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell”
produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas
dissolved in the water.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will
void any warranties. A special anode rod may be available
if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor
problems. The water supply system may require special
filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because
the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and
calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease
the life of the water heater tank.
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater
tank every 3 years for inspection.
NOTE: artificially softened water requires the anode rod to
be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted
anode rod:
The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”. •
Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or •
more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either
or both it should be replaced. NOTE:
Whether re-installing or replacing the
anode rod, check for any leaks and
immediately correct if found.
In replacing the anode:
Turn off gas supply to the water heater. 1.
Shut off the water supply and 2.
open a nearby hot water faucet to
depressurize the water tank.
Drain approximately 5 gallons of
3.
water from tank. (Refer to “Draining
and Flushing” for proper procedures).
Close drain valve.
Remove old anode rod.
4.
Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe 5.
sealant on threads and install new
anode rod.
Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water
6.
faucet to purge air from water system.
Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if
7.
found.
Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See
8.
the Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
TEFLON ® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.