A.O. Smith WATER HEATERS Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation, Draining, Service

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 annually after the warranty period.

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 8.

FIGURE8.

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 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.

DRAIN VALVE WASHER REPLACEMENT

(See Figure 9)

1.Follow “Draining” instructions.

2.Turning counter clockwise ( ), remove the hex cap below the screw handle.

3.Remove the washer and put the new one in place.

4.Screw the handle and cap assembly back into the drain valve and retighten using a wrench. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.

5.Follow instructions in the “Filling The Water Heater” section.

6.Check for leaks.

FIGURE 9.

SERVICE

If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the operation of the water heater contact a service agency.

Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater. Many suspected “Leakers” are not leaking tanks. Often the source of the water can be found and corrected.

If you are not thoroughly familiar with your water heater and safety practices, contact a qualified installer to check the water heater.

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