Rheem RS80-42BP Care and cleaning of the water heater, Draining the Water Heater, Anode Rod

Care and cleaning of the water heater.

Draining the Water Heater

CAUTION: Before draining the thermosiphon tank, the pressure on the closed loop must be relieved or the loop may collapse.

CAUTION: Shut off power to the water heater before draining water.

DANGER: Before manually operating the relief valve, make certain no one will be exposed to the hot water released by the valve. The water drained from the tank may be hot enough to present a scald hazard and should be directed to a suitable drain to prevent injury or damage.

In order to drain the water heater, turn off the cold water supply. Open a hot water faucet or lift the handle on the relief valve to admit air to the tank.

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the water heater and direct the stream of water to a drain. Open the valve.

Routine Preventative Maintenance

DANGER: Before manually operating the relief valve, make certain no one will be exposed to the danger of coming in contact with the hot water released by the valve. The water may be hot enough to create a scald hazard. The water should be released into a suitable drain to prevent injury or property damage.

CAUTION: The collectors must be cool before washing.

NOTICE: If the temperature and pressure relief valve on the hot water heater discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion in a closed water system. Contact the water supplier or your plumbing contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the relief valve outlet.

Properly maintained, your solar water heater system will provide years of dependable trouble-free service.

It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and followed by the user.

It is further recommended that a periodic inspection of the operating controls, heating element and wiring should be made by service personnel qualified in appliance repair.

At least Quarterly:

1.Clean collector glass periodically to remove accumulated dust and dirt.

2.Trim trees near collectors.

At least annually:

1.Lift and release the lever handle on the temperature and pressure relief

valve, located on the left side of the thermosiphon tank, to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line. Make certain the discharged water is directed to an open drain.

At least every three to five years:

1.Check all valves and electrical equipment.

2.The anode rod should be removed from the water heater’s tank for

inspection and replaced when more than 6″ of core wire is exposed at either end of the rod. See section below for additional information

Flush the tank with cold water until the pressure is relieved, some of the water is drained, and the cold water supply is turned off before removing anode rod.

3.Check fluid level in closed loop. Replace fluid if necessary.

NOTICE: Do not remove the anode rod from the water heater’s tank, except for inspection and/or replacement, as operation with the anode rod removed will greatly shorten the life of the glass lined tank and will exclude warranty coverage.

Anode Rod

This water heater is equipped with an anode rod designed to prolong the life of the glass lined tank. The anode rod is slowly consumed, thereby eliminating or minimizing corrosion of the glass lined tank.

Water sometimes contains a high sulfate and/or mineral content and together with cathodic protection process can produce a hydrogen sulfide, or rotten egg odor in the heated water. Chlorination of the water supply should minimize the problem.

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