Reliance Water Heaters D85500PE Hot Water Odor, Anode Rod Inspection, Draining and Flushing

Expansion on page 13. The Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve leakage due to pressure build up in a closed system that does not have a thermal expansion tank installed is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion tanks must be installed on all closed water systems.

DO NOT PLUG THE TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OPENING. THIS CAN CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Hot Water Odor

On occasion, hot water may develop a strong odor. If this occurs drain the heater completely, flush thoroughly, and refill. If the problem persists, chlorination of the heater and replacement of magnesium anodes with aluminum anodes may correct the condition.

Occasionally water softener companies recommend removal of heater anodes for odor reasons.

Unauthorized removal of the anode(s) will void the warranty. For further information contact your dealer.

Anode Rod Inspection

CAUTION

Property Damage Hazard

•Avoid water heater damage.

•Inspection and replacement of anode rod required.

The heater tank is equipped with anode rods to provide corrosion control. At least once a year the anode rods should be checked to determine if replacement is necessary. Initially the anode rods are approximately 7/8” in diameter with a 1/8” diameter steel core wire running down the center of the anode material. THE ANODES SHOULD BE REPLACED when the 1/8” diameter core wire is visible as this means that the anode material has been expended in the control of corrosion.

For models with top inlet and outlet, it is recommended that, before removing the inner cover for cleaning, inspection or removal of inner parts, you obtain two new nipple collars, part no. 9005783205. The nipple collars on the heater will usually be damaged when removed. New nipple collars will insure that the seal is such as to prevent leakage of flue products when properly installed.

NOTE: Anode rod inspection may need to be made more frequently in areas subject to acid rain that obtains their water supply from surface water as the low pH will accelerate anode activity.

CAUTION: Close cold water inlet valve serving heater and open nearby hot water faucet to relieve the pressure in the heater before attempting to remove anode(s) for inspection.

Draining and Flushing

Burn harzard.

Hot water discharge.

Keep hands clear of drain valve discharge.

It is recommended that the water heater storage tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to reduce sediment buildup. The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures.

TO DRAIN THE WATER HEATER STORAGE TANK:

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

2.Turn off the gas supply at the Main Gas Shutoff Valve if the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period.

3.Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open.

4.Open a nearby hot water faucet and let the water run until the water is no longer hot.

5.Close the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.

6.Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and terminate it to an adequate drain.

7.Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the water to drain from the storage tank.

8.Close the water heater drain valve when all water in the storage tank has drained.

9.Close the hot water faucet opened in Step 4.

10.If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period, the drain valve should be left open.

TO FLUSH THE WATER HEATER STORAGE TANK:

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

2.Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open.

3.Open a nearby hot water faucet and let the water run until the water is no longer hot. Then close the hot water faucet.

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

5.Ensure the drain hose is secured before and during the entire flushing procedure. Flushing is performed with system water pressure applied to the water heater.

6.Open the water heater drain valve to flush the storage tank.

7.Flush the water heater storage tank to remove sediment and allow the water to flow until it runs clean.

8.Close the water heater drain valve when flushing is completed.

9.Remove the drain hose.

10.Fill the water heater - see Filling The Water Heater in this manual.

11.Turn on the electrical supply to place the water heater back in operation.

12.Allow the water heater to complete several heating cycles to ensure it is operating properly.

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