Maintenance

SECTION VIII

This solar water heater is intended to provide a service life of many years. Components that require service, however, may be subject to failure. Failure to use the correct procedures or parts in these circumstances may make the water heater unsafe.

The owner should arrange to have the following inspections and simple maintenance procedure performed by qualified service personnel at the frequencies suggested.

1.Solar and Domestic Water Piping (Annual) - Check all piping for signs of leakage at joints, unions, and shut- off valves. Repair as needed.

2.Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (Annual) - The temperature-pressure relief valve should be checked to ensure that it is in operating condition. To check the relief valve, lift the lever at the end of the valve several times. The valve should seat properly and operate freely. If water does not flow, remove and inspect for obstructions or corrosion. Replace with a new valve of the recommended capacity as necessary. Do not attempt to repair the valve, as this could result in improper operation and a tank explosion. In areas with poor water conditions, it may be necessary to inspect the temperature-pressure relief valve more often than once a year.

CAUTION

Before manually operating the valve, make sure that a drain line has been attached to the valve to direct the discharge to an open drain. Failure to take this precaution could mean contact with extremely hot water discharging from the valve during this checking operation.

If the temperature–pressure relief valve on the heater discharges periodically or continuously, it may be due to thermal expansion of water in a closed water supply system, or it may be due to a faulty relief valve.

Thermal expansion is the normal response of water when it is heated. In a closed system, thermal expansion will cause the system pressure to build until the relief valve actuation pressure is equaled. Then the relief

valve will open, allowing some water to escape, slightly lowering the pressure. Contact your water supplier or local plumbing inspector on how to control this situation.

ABOVE ALL, DO NOT PLUG THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE. THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION AND CAN CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.

3.Anode Inspection and Replacement - This water heater is equipped with multiple sacrificial anodes. 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 anodes every year allows you to identify spent anodes and replace. Replace the anodes when its diameter is 3/8 of an inch, or every other year, 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 from the manufacturer.

To inspect or replace an anode:

The anodes on this water heater are easily accessible from the top of the heater making replacement simple and quick.

a.Turn the water heater and, if applicable, solar controller electricity off. Flow water until the discharge is cool or allow enough time for the potable water to cool naturally. Connect a hose to the drain valve. Locate the hose’s discharge in an area where any remaining hot water will not cause any damage or injury.

b.Open the drain valve to flush any sediment out of the bottom to the heater.

c.Shut off the cold water supply. Make sure all hot water fixtures and circulating pumps are turned off.

d.Wait for water flow from the hose to stop. Remove the anode using a socket of the appropriate size. Do not use an impact wrench.

e.Inspect and replace the anode as required. Use pipe tape or sealant when reinstalling the anode.

f.Close the drain valve. Open a hot water fixture to allow air to escape. Open the cold water supply to the heater and allow the tank to fill.

g.Check your anode and drain valve for leaks.

h.Turn the water heater and, if applicable, solar controller electricity on.

Solar Water Heater specifications

Bradford-White Corp is a well-known name in the water heater industry, and among its innovative offerings is the Solar Water Heater, a solution that combines sustainability with performance. As consumers increasingly seek energy-efficient alternatives, Bradford-White has successfully positioned itself as a leader in solar technology.

One of the key features of the Bradford-White Solar Water Heater is its ability to harness energy from the sun to provide hot water. This system uses solar collectors that capture sunlight and convert it into thermal energy. The solar collectors can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted, making them adaptable to various property designs. They are typically made with durable materials designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

The technology behind Bradford-White's solar water heating system includes a closed-loop system that circulates a heat transfer fluid through the solar collectors. This fluid absorbs heat and is pumped to a storage tank where heat exchangers transfer the energy to the water. This means that even on cloudy days, the system can still deliver energy-efficient hot water.

Another characteristic of Bradford-White solar water heaters is their compatibility with conventional water heating systems. This means that they can be installed as a stand-alone system or as a supplementary component to existing water heating units, offering flexibility depending on household needs and preferences. The integration of solar technology not only reduces energy bills but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Moreover, these systems are designed with user-friendly controls, enabling homeowners to monitor and optimize their hot water usage effortlessly. The advanced controls often come with features such as programmable settings, allowing users to take full advantage of solar energy during peak sunlight hours.

Bradford-White also prioritizes safety and efficiency in its solar water heaters. The systems are equipped with various safety features, including pressure relief valves and freeze protection measures to prevent damage in colder climates. The energy efficiency ratings are impressive, often exceeding industry standards and providing consumers with peace of mind regarding their investment.

In conclusion, Bradford-White Corp's Solar Water Heater presents an innovative solution for reducing energy costs while promoting sustainability. With advanced solar technology, durable construction, and user-friendly features, this system is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers seeking reliable hot water solutions.