A.O. Smith 197835-001 Manuel D’Utilisation

37

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.

Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of

dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.

Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious

health risk or asphyxiation.

Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur

if air for combustion contains certain chemical 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.

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.

Flood  damage  to  a  water  heater  may  not  be  readily  visible  or

immediately detectable. 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  installer  or  service  agency  to  replace  a

flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be

replaced!

At  least  once  a  year  a  visual  inspection  should  be  made  of  the

main burner and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper flame

characteristics  and  ignition  sequences. You should also check for

sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper combustion. A visual

inspection of the main burner and HSI igniter assembly should also be

done at least once a year.

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction 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 injury, or property damage.

In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning,

turn the on/off switch to the “OFF” position and allow the unit to cool.

Call a qualified service agency to remove and clean the burner and

correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a

regular basis.