Reliance Water Heaters 184123-000 - Manual (Page 21)

Burner Cleaning
In the event your burner needs cleaning, use the follow-
ing instructions:
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 the local
gas utility to remove and clean the burner and correct the
problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
Housekeeping
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and
lint on a regular basis.
Periodic Maintenance
21
Burner Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of
the main burner and pilot burner. The drawing is for your
reference.
You should check for sooting which is not normal and
will impair proper combustion.
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 flow must not be
obstructed.
2. Damage or deterioration which could cause improper
venting or leakage of combustion products.
3. Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
WARNING
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to pre-
vent escape of dangerous flue gasses which could
cause deadly asphyxiation.
WARNING
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may pre-
sent serious health risk or asphyxiation.
WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chem-
ical 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.
WARNING
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting
or deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas
utility to correct the problem and clean or replace the
flue and venting before resuming operation of the
water heater.
WARNING
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient
ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clear-
ances from the water heater must be maintained.
See “Locating the New Water Heater” section.
Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning mate-
rials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed
against or adjacent to the water heater which can
cause a fire.
WARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion 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 fire
causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
WARNING
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible
or immediately detectible. However, over a period of time
a flooded water heater will create dangerous conditions
which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a qualified service techni-
cian or contractor to replace a flooded water heater. Do
not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!