American Water Heater ABCG3 - Manual (Page 28)

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When the heater is operating at full capacity, or full gas input, it
should consume 1 cu. ft. of gas in time indicated on Table 9.
VENTING SYSTEM
Examine the venting system every six months for obstructions
and/or deterioration of the vent piping.
Remove all soot or other obstructions from chimney which will
retard free draft.
REMOTE STORAGE TANK
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The water temperature in the remote storage tank (if used) is
controlled by the storage tank temperature control. The sensing
element is mounted in the hot water storage tank, see page 13.
A change in water temperature in the storage tank lower than the
tank temperature control setting will cause the sensor to activate
the circulating pump. The pump then circulates the water through
the heater where the thermostat senses the drop in water
temperature and activates main burner operation of the appliance.
If the storage tank temperature control is out of calibration, replace
with new control.
WARNING
SHOULD OVERHEATING OCCUR OR THE GAS SUPPLY FAIL
TO SHUT OFF, TURN OFF THE MANUAL GAS CONTROL VALVE
TO THE APPLIANCE.
RELIEF VALVE
At least once a year, the temperature and pressure relief valve
should be checked to ensure that it is in operating condition. Lift
the lever at the top of the valve several times until the valve seats
properly and operates freely.
If the appliance installation includes other relief valves, such as
in “remote” storage tanks etc., check their relief valve operation
with the same frequency.
WARNING
THE WATER PASSING OUT OF THE VALVE DURING THIS
CHECKING OPERATION MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT. AVOID
CONTACT AND DISCHARGE SAFELY TO PREVENT WATER
DAMAGE.
If the temperature and pressure relief valve on the heater
discharges periodically or continuously, a problem exists. This
may be due to unusually high water temperatures or pressures
in the system, or to a faulty relief valve. Contact your dealer or a
qualified service technician to find the cause of the problem and
to correct it. This may also be due to thermal expansion in a
closed water supply system. Contact the water supplier or local
plumbing inspector on how to correct this situation.
DO NOT
PLUG THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE.
WARNING
SHOULD OVERHEATING OCCUR OR THE GAS SUPPLY FAIL
TO SHUT OFF, TURN OFF THE MANUAL GAS CONTROL VALVE
TO THE APPLIANCE.
HOT WATER ODOR
On occasion, hot water may develop a strong odor. If this occurs
drain the heater completely, flush thoroughly, and refill. If the
problem persists, chlorination of the heater and replacement of
the factory installed magnesium anodes with aluminum anodes
may correct the condition.
Occasionally water softener companies recommend removal of
heater anodes for odor reasons.
CAUTION
Unauthorized removal of the anode(s) will void the warranty. For
further information contact your dealer.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
The heater tank is equipped with anode rods to provide corrosion
control. At least once a year the anode rods should be checked
to determine if replacement is necessary. Initially the anode
rods are approximately 7/8" in diameter with a 1/8" diameter
steel core wire running down the center of the anode material.
THE ANODES SHOULD BE REPLACED when the 1/8" diameter
core wire is visible as this means that the anode material has
been expended in the control of corrosion.
For models with top inlet and outlet, it is recommended that,
before removing the inner cover for cleaning, inspection or
removal of inner parts, you obtain two new nipple collars, part
no. 74060. The nipple collars on the heater will usually be
damaged when removed. New pipe collars will insure that the
seal is such as to prevent leakage of flue products when properly
installed.
NOTE: Anode rod inspection may need to be made more
frequently in areas subject to acid rain that obtains their water
supply from surface water as the low pH will accelerate anode
consumption.
CAUTION: Close cold water inlet valve serving heater and open
nearby hot water faucet to relieve the pressure in the heater before
attempting to remove anode(s) for inspection.
FLUSHING
1. Turn off the heater electrical disconnect switch.
2. Open the drain valve and allow water to flow until it runs clean.
3. Close the drain valve when finished flushing.
4. Turn on the heater electrical disconnect switch.
DRAINING
The heater must be drained if it is to be shut down and exposed
to freezing temperatures. Maintenance and service procedures
may also require draining the heater.
1. Turn off the heater electrical disconnect switch.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve to heater.
3. Open a nearby hot water faucet to vent the system.
4. Open the heater drain valve.
5. If the heater is being drained for an extended shutdown, it is
suggested the drain valve be left open during this period.
• Follow FILLING instructions when restoring hot water
service.