John Wood Power Direct Vent (ENERGY STAR) - Manual (Page 27)

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 49°C
(120°F) and the tank warms up (usually 1-2 hours), the con-
densation 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, a leaking tank or piping connections. Refer to
“Location Requirements”. 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 fl ush the tank as directed under “Draining and
Flushing”.
Smoke/Odour
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke and
odour 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.
Anode Rod/Water Odour
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.
Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will
cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most
common complaint associated with the anode rod is a “rot-
ten 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. A special anode can be ordered if water odour or
discolouration occurs. This rod may reduce but not elimi-
nate water odour problems. The water supply system may
require special filtration equipment from water conditioning
company to successfully eliminate all water odour 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 year for inspection. If the rod is more than 50%
depleted, the anode rod should be replaced. To replace 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 20 litres (5 US gallons) of water
from tank (Refer to “Draining and Flushing” for proper
procedures.) Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use
Tefl on® 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.
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