Aqua Pro Product Manual

Troubleshooting (continued)
Top of tank or insulation wet
1 Check for leaks from sources other than the water heater
• Check for possible overhead pipes leaking onto the tank.
2 Loose piping connections?
• Check all connections – piping connections to the tank and elsewhere if the vicinity.
• Check around valve stems.
• A build-up of corrosion around a joint is a sure sign of a leak.
Water quality problems
1 Water smells like “rotten eggs.”
• The most common cause of water to smell like “rotten eggs” is a non-toxic sulfate reducing bacteria.
• The bacteria usually enters into the water system through a break in the supply piping or during construction/mainte-
nance of the supply piping.
• The bacteria survives in the water system by converting sulfate (SO
4
) in the water to hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) gas.
• It is this gas that creates the “rotten egg” smell.
• The presence of hydrogen sulfide can also affect the taste of the water.
• Along with the stench caused by this bacteria, black deposits that typically indicate pipe and/or fitting corrosion may also
appear in the water.
In extremely high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide gas can be toxic. However, the gas is detectable prior to reaching
harmful levels.
• The bacteria will thrive in any water system under the following conditions:
• High levels of sulfur in the water.
• Activated hydrogen in the water from cathodic reactions within the tank.
• Water with little or no dissolved oxygen.
• Storing the domestic water below 130ºF.
• Other causes of smelly water:
• Chlorides of magnesium and calcium gives water a bitter taste.
• Chloride of sodium will produce a salty tasting water.
• Sulfates above 50 ppm in the water gives the water a medicinal taste.
• Carbon dioxide in water with a low pH results in water that is fizzy.
• Iron and tannic waters will produce water with a bad taste and odor.
• Treatment
• The treatment of this situation requires the water system to be shock-chlorinated. Depending on the severity of the bac-
teria within the water system, several treatments may be needed.
Part number 633-500-230/0918
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AQUA PRO
TM
INDIRECT-FIRED WATER HEATERS — Product Manual