Draining and Flushing

Anode Rod/Water Odor

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties. The parts list includes a special anode that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply system may require special aeration or chlorination equipment from a water conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems.

The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank.

The anode rod should be removed from the water heater tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:

•The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

•Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it should be replaced. NOTE: Whether reinstalling or replacing the anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found.

In replacing the anode:

1.Turn off gas supply to the water heater.

2.Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to depressurize the

	water tank.	EXPOSED
		EXPOSED
	3. Drain approximately 5	SUPPORT
	3. Drain approximately 5	WIRE
	gallons of water from tank	WIRE
	gallons of water from tank
	(Refer to the “Draining
	and Flushing” section for
	proper procedures). Close
	drain valve.	PITTED
		ANODE
	4. Remove old anode rod.	ROD
	4. Remove old anode rod.
	5. Use Teflon® tape or
	approved pipe sealant on
	threads and install new
	anode rod.
	6. Turn on water supply and
	open nearby hot water	EXPOSED
	faucet to purge air from	SUPPORT
	water system. Check for	WIRE
	water system. Check for	FIGURE 20.
	any leaks and immediately	FIGURE 20.
	correct any if found.

7.Restart the water heater

as directed under the “Operating Your Water Heater.” See the “Repair Parts Illustration” section for anode rod location.

TEFLON® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company

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 shut-off valve.

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 flame-arrestor. Check the water heater for the following:

•Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air supplies are not obstructed.

•Clean any dust or debris from the base-ring filter.

•Soot and/or carbon on the main burner and pilot burner. Contact a qualified technician.

•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.

•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 technician.