Appliances – Airstream INTERNATIONAL CCD User Manual

Page 93

H - 4

APPLIANCES

WATER HEATER

Manufacturer:

Atwood Mobile Products 4750

Hiawatha Drive P.O. Box 1205

Rockford, Illinois 61105

Phone: 815-877-7461

Note: Review the water heater literature supplied in your Owner’s Packet before

proceeding,

CAUTION: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this

heater that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or

more). Hydrogen gas is extremely ﬂammable. To reduce the risk of injury under

these conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet he opened for sev-

eral minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected

to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present there will probably be an unusual

sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to ﬂow. There

should be no smoking or open ﬂame near the faucet at the time it is open.

SAFETY

If your water system is full and cold and the water heater is ignited the system can

see pressures as high as 120 psi before the relief valve starts to open. Since the water

system normally operates in the 40-psi range the water expanding does put unusual

stress on the system. This normally does not cause any problems, but the stress is

easily alleviated. As the water is heating just open any faucet and run as little as a

cup of water. Just removing this small amount of water reduces the pressure build up

signiﬁcantly.

For fun, watch the sequence of events your family goes through when you park the

trailer

and ignite the water heater. More than likely someone will run water and

relieve the pressure without even realizing it.

Water Heater Draining

All models have a drain plug or petcock on the water heater. Access is from the exte-

rior. The plug or valve is usually located in the lower left corner, viewed as you face the

exterior of the water heater.