MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up during operation. The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures. To drain the tank, perform the following steps:
1.Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas
2.Close the cold water inlet valve.
3.Open a nearby hot water faucet.
4.Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an adequate drain.
NOTE: The drain hose should be rated for at least 200°F. If the drain hose does not have this rating, open the cold water inlet valve and a nearby hot faucet until the water is no longer hot.
5.Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with water as needed to remove sediment.
6.Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the heater as directed under the “Operating Your Water Heater” section.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
IMPORTANT: Condensation may occur when refilling the tank and should not be confused with a tank leak.
Routine Preventive
Maintenance
At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of the venting and air supply system, piping systems, main burner, pilot burner, and
•Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air supplies are not obstructed.
•Build up of soot and carbon on the main burner and pilot burner. Check for a soft blue flame.
•Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.
•Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the installation area.
•Presence of combustible materials near the water heater.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve is dripping or leaking, have a qualified person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include: licensed plumbers, authorized gas company personnel, and authorized service personnel.
Do not plug valve. Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, or explosion.
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve at least once a year to make sure it is working properly.
To prevent water damage, the valve must be properly connected to a discharge
line which terminates at an 
adequate drain. Standing clear of the outlet (discharged 
water may be hot), slowly lift and release the lever handle on the temperature
and pressure relief valve to allow the valve to operate
freely and return to its closed position. If the valve fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately shut off the manual gas control valve and the cold water inlet valve and call a qualified person.
•After servicing this water heater, check to make sure it is working properly. (See “Operating Your Water Heater” section of this manual.)
IMPORTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required to properly perform this visual inspection, you should not proceed, but get help from a qualified person.
21