A.O. Smith ECS-40, EJC-30, EJCN-40, ECT-80 Periodic Maintenance, Anode ROD Inspection, Draining

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

ANODE ROD INSPECTION

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The submerged rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank. Instead of corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color. The rod must be maintained to keep the tank in operating condition.

NOTE: Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank.

Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by a qualified technician, and at a minimum should be checked every three years. Typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod are as follows:

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

•Significant sections of the support wire (approximately 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 re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found.

TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OPERATION

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at least once a year.

When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation, make sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that the water discharge will not cause any property damage, as the water may be extremely hot, see Figure 9.

FIGURE 9.

If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.

If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter with a check valve. Consult your local water supplier or service agency for further information. Do not plug or remove the temperature-pressure relief valve.

DRAINING

The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures. Also periodic draining and cleaning of sediment from the tank may be necessary.

1.Turn electrical supply “OFF”.

2.CLOSE the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.

3.OPEN a nearby hot water faucet and leave open to allow for draining.

4.Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate to an adequate drain.

5.OPEN the water heater drain valve to allow for tank draining.

NOTE: If the water heater is going to be shut down and drained for an extended period, the drain valve should be left open with hose connected allowing water to terminate to an adequate drain.

6.Close the drain valve.

7.Follow the instructions in the “Filling the Water Heater” section.

THERMOSTAT REMOVAL / REPLACEMENT

15