American Water Heater 6510238 - Manual (Page 20)

A thermocouple is used to determine if a pilot flame is
present and will shut off the gas supply to the main burner
and the pilot burner if the flame is absent.
A high temperature limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off)
in the tank is used to shut off the unit if the water
temperature exceeds 180°F (83°C). The ECO is a single
use switch and requires complete replacement of the
entire thermostat. If the ECO should function, the water
heater cannot be used until the thermostat is replaced
by a qualified service agency. Contact your local dealer
for service information.
Anode Rod/Water Odor
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which
will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank
from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between
this rod and the water. Once the anode is depleted, the
tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak.
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. Do not
remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties,
stated or implied. The parts list includes a special anode
that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs.
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. If the rod is more than
50% depleted, the anode rod should be replaced.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot
water faucet to depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank
(Refer to “Draining and Flushing” for proper
procedures). Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads
and install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water
faucet to purge air from water system.
7. Restart the water heater as directed under “Operating
Your Water Heater.” See the "Repair Parts Illustration"
for anode rod location on page 27.
20
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. 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. 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
drain pan be installed under the water heater to protect
the area from water damage resulting from normal
condensation production or a leaking tank or piping
connections. Refer to the “Location Requirements” on
page 4-5. 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 the 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 180°F (83°C).