Final answer:
To check a water heater burner's operation, run hot water from a tap to ensure it can produce heat on demand. Other options are not correct methods to test the burner itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
To check if a water heater burner is operating correctly, you should run hot water out of a tap (option A). By doing this, you are directly testing if the heater is able to produce hot water when demanded. If the water heats up, you can be assured that the burner is functioning. Options B, C, and D do not directly test the operation of the burner; the temperature dial adjusts the target heat, while draining water from the pressure relief valve or tank drain valve doesn't test the burner's activity but rather serves maintenance or troubleshooting functions.
Option A. Run hot water out of a tap: This is not directly related to checking the water heater burner operation. Running hot water from a tap can indicate that the water heater is providing hot water, but it doesn't specifically check the burner.
Option B. Use the temperature dial: The temperature dial on a water heater allows you to set the desired temperature for the water. Adjusting the temperature doesn't directly check the burner operation but is part of the overall functionality of the water heater.
Option C. Drain some water out of a pressure relief valve: Draining water from the pressure relief valve is a safety measure and is not directly related to checking the burner operation.
Option D. Open the tank drain valve: Opening the tank drain valve is usually done to flush sediment from the bottom of the tank. It is not a method for checking the burner operation.
To specifically check the water heater burner for operation, you would typically need to:
Visually inspect the burner area for any signs of damage or blockages.
Listen for the sound of the burner igniting when the water heater is heating.
If you have a sight glass, observe the flame (it should be blue and steady).
Check for the presence of hot water after the burner has been operating for a sufficient amount of time.