Corrosion due to water chemistry generally shows up first cleaned from the bottom of the tank. in the hot water system because heated water increases the
rate of corrosive chemical reactions.
Water heater maintenance includes periodic tank flushing and cleaning and removal of lime scale from the heating elements. Where used, the water heating system circulating pump should be oiled.
FLUSHING THE STORAGE TANK
1.Turn off main power at the electrical disconnect switch.
2.Open the drain valve. Allow water to flow until it runs clean.
3.Close the drain valve when finished flushing.
4.Open a hot water faucet closest to the water heater and the water to run to insure that no air was drawn into the tank during the flushing process. Close the faucet when the water runs clear with no discharge of air.
5.Turn on main power the electrical disconnect switch (after filling).
SEDIMENT REMOVAL
Water born impurities consist of dissolved minerals which precipitate out of the heated water and fine particles of soil and sand which settle out and form a layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. In time, if not removed, the level of sediment might reach the heating elements.
For convenience, sediment removal and element lime scale removal should be performed at the same time. Proceed with the following instructions:
Sediment and Lime Scale Removal
Sediment and lime scale accumulation on the heating elements is a normal condition common to all immersion type elements. Factors which affect the amount of this formation are:
1.Amount of hot water used. As the volume of water increases, more scale results.
2.Water temperature. As the temperature of the water is increased, more scale is deposited on the elements.
3.Characteristics of water supply. Regardless of water treatment, the elements should be examined regularly.
Scale accumulation in the bottom of the storage tank may be removed by turning off main power and draining the tank. Once all water is removed, the hand hole access can be removed. This will allow large accumulations of scale to be
NOTE:
All gaskets on disassembled
Water scale accumulations on the immersion heating element reduce the ability of the elements to heat water and may cause noise to occur during operation. It is recommended that a heating element be removed at least once a year for examination. If it is scaled, all of the elements should be removed and cleaned. The element gasket must be replaced when the element is removed for cleaning.
Small accumulations of lime scale may be removed with a stiff bristle brush. Severe accumulations of lime scale should be removed by dissolving the accumulation in a commercial delimer. Do not use muratic or hydrochloric acid base deliming solutions to remove lime scale from the elements. Do not pour delimer into tank. Deliming solutions may damage the glass lined interior of the tank.
DANGER
Keep all delimers away from anode rods to prevent the formation of flammable and explosive gas.
1. Drain the heater following "SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE" instructions.
2.Disconnect the wires attached to the element terminals. Try not to disturb the wiring unnecessarily and reconnection will be easier.
3.Loosen the
4.Remove the elements from the opening with a twisting, pulling action if the elements are scaled beyond the size of the tank flange openings. Brush loose scale from
elements.
5.Place scaled ends of heating elements into a deliming solution and allow scale to dissolve. Do not permit the delimer or water to contact heating element electrical terminals.
6.Flush clean ends of elements with water when deliming or cleaning is completed.
15
