Maintenance
General
Keep appliance area clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids. See Locating The Water Heater on page 11.
Water heater maintenance includes periodic tank flushing and cleaning, and removal of lime scale. The water heater should be inspected and adjusted to maintain proper combustion. See Initial Start Up on page 50. A periodic inspection of the venting system should be made. Where used, water circulating pump(s) should be oiled according to the pump manufacturers recommendations.
Precautions
CAUTION
Do not operate the water heater if it has been exposed to or exhibits the following:
•Flooding at or above the level of the burner or controls.
•External damage.
•Firing without water.
•Sooting.
Do not operate the water heater until all corrective steps have been made by a qualified service agent.
Never operate the water heater without first being certain it is filled with water and a properly sized and rated Temperature- Pressure Relief Valve is installed in the relief valve opening on the water heater. See
Explosion Hazard
Overheated water can cause water tank explosion.
Properly sized temperature and pressure relief valve must be installed in the opening provided.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn of the Main Gas Shutoff valve. See Figure 52 on page 37.
Water heater maintenance includes periodic tank flushing and cleaning, and removal of lime scale. The water heater should be inspected and adjusted to maintain proper combustion. Refer to the following table. A periodic inspection of the venting system should be made. Where used, the water circulating pump should be oiled according to the pump manufacturer's recommendations.
Maintenance Schedule
Table 14
Component | Operation | Interval | Required |
Tank | Sediment | Semi Annually | Flushing |
| Removal |
|
|
Tank | Lime Scale | Semi Annually |
|
| Removal |
|
|
Anode Rods | Inspection | Annually | Clean Scale |
| Cleaning |
| Deposits |
T&P Valve | Test Operation | Semi Annually | Test |
|
|
|
|
Vent System | Inspection | Annually | Termination |
|
|
| Screens Clean |
|
|
| Reseal/Repair |
Draining And Flushing
It is recommended that the water heater storage tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to reduce sediment buildup. The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures. See Features And Components on page 7 for the location of the water heater components described below.
Burn harzard.
Hot water discharge.
Keep hands clear of drain valve discharge.
To drain the water heater storage tank:
1.Turn off the electrical supply to the water heater.
2.Turn off the gas supply at the Main Gas Shutoff Valve if the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period.
3.Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open.
4.Open a nearby hot water faucet and let the water run until the water is no longer hot.
5.Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and terminate it to an adequate drain.
6.Close the cold water inlet valve.
7.Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the water to drain from the storage tank.
8.Close the water heater drain valve when all water in the storage tank has drained.
9.Close the hot water faucet opened in Step 4.
10.If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
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