Reliance Water Heaters 184123-000 Periodic Maintenance cont’d, Anode Rod Inspection, Draining

Periodic Maintenance (cont’d)

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.

Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not nec- essarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indi- cates 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 annually after the warranty period.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation

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

TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE

RELIEF VALVE

DISCHARGE PIPE

WARNING

When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve oper- ation, 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 manually discharged will not cause any property damage because the water may be extremely hot.

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.

Failure to install and maintain a new properly listed tempera- ture-pressure relief valve will release the manufacturer from any claim which might result from excessive temperature or pressure.

WARNING

If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or discharges periodically, this may be due to ther- mal expansion. Your water heater may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter with a check valve. Consult the water supplier and/or plumbing inspec- tor 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 the gas control knob to the “OFF” position.

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 instructions in the “Filling The Water Heater” section.

8.Follow the lighting instructions in the “Lighting” sec- tion to restart the water heater.

Drain Valve Washer

Replacement

NOTE: For replacement, use a 17⁄32″ x 13⁄64″ x 1⁄8″ thick wash- er available at your nearest hardware store.

1.Turn “OFF” gas supply to water heater.

2.Follow “Draining” instructions.

3.Turning counter clockwise, remove the hex cap below the screw handle.

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

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

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

7.Check for leaks.

8.Follow the lighting instructions in the “Lighting” sec- tion to restart the water heater.

HANDLE AND

CAP ASSEMBLY

WASHER

Service

If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the oper- ation of the water heater, let a qualified person check it out. Call the local utility and/or plumbing inspector.

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