American Water Heater American Water Heaters Residential Gas Water Heater Manuale Utente

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It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor 

during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal 

parts, and will disappear in a short while.

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts 

during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily represent 

harmful or dangerous conditions.

Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area 

during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. 

See “Condensate” in this manual.

In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod for 

corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a 

reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint 

associated with the anode rod is one of a “rotten egg smell” in the hot

water. The smell is a result of four factors which must all be present 

for the odor to develop:

a.  A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.

b.  Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.

c.  A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the water 

heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).

d.  An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the 

corrosion protective action of the anode.

Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models 

by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then

chlorinating the water heater tank and all water lines. Contact the local 

water heater supplier or service agency for further information concerning 

an Anode Replacement Kit and this chlorination treatment.

If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination 

treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or aeration of the water 

supply be considered to eliminate the water problem.

HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot 

water system that has not been used for a long period of time 

(generally  two  weeks  or  more).  Hydrogen  gas  is  extremely

flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury 

under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet, 

located farthest away, be opened for several minutes before any 

electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system 

are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen

gas is present, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to 

air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. 

There must be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the 

time it is open.

This water heater is equipped with an automatic reset type high 

limit (Energy Cutoff) sensor. The high limit switch interrupts the

main burner gas flow should the water temperature reach 195°F

(91°C).  The  high  limit  will  automatically  reset  when  the  water

temperature  drops  below  140°F  (60°C).  After  cooling  the  tank

temperature, turn off the water heater for at least 10 seconds by 

using the switch on top of the unit. Turn on the water heater. If 

this fails to correct the problem, contact your plumber or service 

representative.

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.