Powered Anode Operation

To protect the glass-lined water tank from corrosion through electrolysis, this water heater is equipped with a non sacrificial powered anode rod. The powered anode rod is non sacrificial and should not need to be replaced unless damaged.

If the powered anode rod has been damaged then the powered anode rod should be removed and replaced from the water heater tank. IMPORTANT: If the damaged powered anode rod has not been replaced but has been remove permanently, this will void any warranties.

 

Powered Anode System

 

To ensure a long, trouble-free

Powered

operating life, this water

heater is equipped with a

Anode

powered anode system.

Rod

 

 

The powered anode rod is of

 

a permanent design and does

 

not need replacing unless

 

damaged.

FIGURE 22.

NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the powered anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found.

In replacing the powered anode:

1.Turn off electrical supply and gas supply to the water heater.

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

3.Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank (Refer to the “Draining and Flushing” section for proper procedures). Close drain valve.

4.Remove the wiring connection on the top of the powered anode and remove the old powered anode rod (Figure 22).

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 faucet to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if found.

7.Turn on electrical and gas supplies. 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

Draining and Flushing

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 and turn off the electrical power to the gas control/thermostat valve.

2.Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is not longer hot.

3.Close the cold water inlet valve.

4.Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an adequate drain or external to the building.

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 in this manual.

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, and main burner. 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 louvers of the air intake chamber.

Soot and/or carbon on the main 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.

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A.O. Smith GAHH-40, GAHH-50, 315456-002 Draining and Flushing, Routine Preventive Maintenance, Powered Anode Operation