Care and cleaning of the water heater:

DANGER: Before manually operating the

Routine Preventative Maintenance

relief valve, make certain no one will be exposed to the danger of the hot water released by the valve. The water may be hot enough to create a scald hazard. The water should be released into a suitable drain to prevent injury or property damage.

!DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for Hot Water Scalds.

DANGER: Failure to perform the recommended Routine Preventative Maintenance can harm the proper operation of this water heater, which can cause carbon monoxide dangers, excessive

hot water temperatures and other potentially hazardous conditions.

Properly maintained, your water heater will provide years of dependable trouble- free service.

It is recommended that a periodic inspection of the burner, relief valve, air intake filter, water filter and venting system should be made by service personnel qualified in gas appliance repair.

It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and followed by the user.

At least once a year, lift and release the lever handle on the pressure relief valve, located in the hot outlet piping of the water heater, to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line to an open drain.

NOTICE: If the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater discharges periodically, this may be due to a problem in the water system. Contact the water supplier or your plumbing contractor on how to correct this. DO NOT plug the relief valve outlet.

Rapid closing of faucets or solenoid valves in automatic water using appliances can cause a banging noise heard in a water pipe. Strategically located risers in the water pipe system or water hammer arresting devices can be used to minimize the problem.

Inspect the area around the water heater to ensure a safe operating environment. Keep appliance area clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids.

Ensure the unit has not been damaged. If damage or denting is present, contact a service personnel to verify proper operation.

Check for any abnormal sounds during normal operation of the water heater.

All piping should be checked for gas and/or water leaks. Refer to page 12 of this manual for instructions on leak testing.

The air intake and cold water supply filters should be cleaned monthly. Refer to the “Housekeeping” section for further information.

DO NOT operate the water heater if you feel something is wrong with the unit.

DO NOT allow children to operate or otherwise handle the unit.

Notice: After inspection, maintenance, and/or cleaning, ensure proper operation by turning on a hot water faucet.

!DANGER: Shock Hazard

Make sure the electrical power to the water heater is off to avoid potential serious injury or damage to components.

!DANGER: Combustible materials, such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc., must not be placed against or next to the water heater.

Housekeeping

Before performing Housekeeping tasks to this water heater, turn the unit off and disconnect the power supply.

Vacuum around the water heater for dust, dirt and lint on a regular basis.

Clean the water heater and remote control by using a damp soft cloth with a few drops of mild detergent and gently wiping the surfaces of the unit. Wipe any remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth.

To ensure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances must be maintained.

DO NOT block or obstruct the air intake opening located at the lower left corner of the water heater. A minimum of 12” (30 cm) is required between this combustion air inlet opening and any obstruction.

The Air Intake and Water filters should be cleaned on a monthly basis.

HOW TO CLEAN THE WATER FILTER:

Make sure the unit is OFF and the electrical power supply has been disconnected.

Turn the water supply OFF to the heater.

Drain heater. See “Draining The Water Heater” section on page 31.

Unscrew the water filter, and slide the filter out.

DO NOT tap the filter as it may deform and/or damage the filter.

To remove severe sediment and dirt, use a soft brush and wash with running water.

Return the filter to the water heater and screw in the filter.

Turn the electrical power supply and cold water supply ON to the water heater.

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Rheem AP13731 Routine Preventative Maintenance, Housekeeping, Drain heater. See Draining The Water Heater section on