Troubleshooting

3.Using a flat tip screwdriver, rotate the adjusting knob to the desired temperature setting.

4.Replace the covers and access panels, and turn on heater electrical supply.

Valves for reducing point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available, see Figure 5 . Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

A non-adjustable high temperature limit control operates before steam temperatures are reached. The high limit is in the same area as the upper thermostat and must be reset manually when it operates. BECAUSE THE HIGH LIMIT OPERATES ONLY WHEN ABNORMALLY HIGH WATER TEMPERATURES ARE PRESENT, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT A QUALIFIED SERVICE AGENT BE CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR OPERATION BEFORE RESETTING.

Once a month the temperature and pressure relief valve should be checked to ensure that it is in operating condition. Lift the lever on the valve several times until the valve seats properly and operates freely.

CAUTION

THE WATER PASSING OUT OF THE VALVE DURING THIS CHECKING OPERATION MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT.

It is recommended that the drain valve on this unit be opened once a month and 1 to 2 gallons of water be allowed to drain out. This will help to prevent sediment buildup in the tank bottom.

ANODE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT

This water heater is equipped with a sacrificial anode. Anodes protect the glass-lined tank from corrosion by sacrificing themselves through electrolysis. When the anode material is consumed, there is no more protection and corrosion of the tank accelerates.

Inspection of the anode every 6 to 12 months allows you to identify a spent anode and replace it. Replace the anode when its diameter is 3/8" (1 cm) of an inch, or annually which ever is first. Aggressive, very hot and softened water causes rapid consumption of the anode requiring frequent inspections. Anodes are available from your distributor or A.O. Smith.

FIGURE 5.

DRAINING

If the heater is to be shut down and exposed to freezing temperatures, it must be drained. Water, if left in the tank and allowed to freeze, will expand and damage the heater.

1.Turn off the electrical switch and cold water inlet valve.

•If desired, a hose may be connected to the drain valve to carry the water away.

2.Open a nearby hot water faucet and the heater drain valve.

•Be careful to grasp the drain valve handle in such a way that the hand will not be exposed to hot water.

3.The drain valve must be left open during the shutdown period.

•To restart heater, refer to the foregoing FILLING instructions.

MAINTENANCE

Electric water heater maintenance consists of cleaning the tank and removing lime (or scale) from the heating elements in hard water areas. Tank flushing should be performed monthly. Tank sediment removal and element lime scale removal must be performed when needed as determined by periodic inspections. Your dealer should be contacted for element cleaning. In some instances a hissing sound may be heard as the scale builds up. This noise is normal.

CHECKLIST

Before contacting your dealer, check the water heater to see if the apparent malfunction is caused by some external fault. Consulting this checklist may eliminate the need for a repair call and restore hot water service.

NOT ENOUGH OR NO HOT WATER

1.Be certain that the water heater electrical switch is turned to the ON position.

•In some areas an additional special meter, controlled

by a timer, is used to govern the periods electricity is available. If the heater operates on a timed electrical circuit, recovery will be limited to certain hours.

2.Check for loose or blown fuses in the water heater circuit.

3.If the water has been excessively hot and is now cold, the high temperature limit control may have operated. To restore service, contact your dealer or utility company. Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION section.

4.The storage capacity of the heater may have been exceeded by large demands of hot water.

5.If the heater was installed when incoming water temperatures were warm, colder incoming temperatures will create the effect of less hot water.

6.Look for leaking or open hot water faucets.