Care and cleaning of the water heater:

!DANGER: DO NOT attempt to operate the water heater without the air intake filter. DO NOT alter the proving switch to force the unit to operate without the air intake filter.

Notice: The water heater may not work if the air intake filter is severely clogged.

Housekeeping continued

CLEANING THE AIR INTAKE FILTER/AIR FILTER:

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

Unscrew the holding screw to the right of the filter, and slide the filter down.

Using a vacuum cleaner, remove any loose dust particles. DO NOT tap the filter as it may deform and/or damage the filter.

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

Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling the filter on the water heater. Be sure to secure the filter by lining the guide tab in the hole and

tightening the screw.

CLEANING THE WATER HEATER AND REMOTE CONTROL(S):

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

DO NOT scrub the appliance with a brush.

Use only mild soapy water, other cleaners may damage the surface of the water heater.

DO NOT remove any label including the rating plate while cleaning or servicing.

DO NOT splash water on the remote controls when cleaning.

Venting System Inspection

The venting system of an indoor water heater should be inspected annually to ensure all of the vent sections are secure and air-tight.

It is recommended that qualified service personnel familiar with Category III venting inspect the venting system.

Check vent connection joint sections with a solution of soapy water to assure air- tightness while the unit is operating.

Bubbles around a joint connection indicates a seal leak. Refer to page 13 for vent sealing instructions.

DO NOT operate the unit if vent system shows signs of leaking exhaust.

Check to make sure that the air intake and vent outlet on the OUTDOOR water heater or the air intake filter and the vent terminal on the INDOOR water heater has not been blocked or contain debris.

Blue Flame

Proper burner pattern.

Burner Inspection

Visually inspect the main burners annually.

Through the sight glass, inspect the burner flame with the main burner off and inspect the main burner while firing.

If any unusual burner operation is noted, the water heater should be shut off until qualified service assistance can be obtained.

!CAUTION: For your safety, burner inspection and cleaning should be performed only by qualified service personnel.

For cleaning, a vacuum cleaner can be used on the burner.

Vacation and Extended Shut-Down

NOTICE: Refer to the Freeze Protection Section on page 31.

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If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended period of time, the power and water to the appliance should be turned off.

The water heater and piping should be drained if they might be subjected to freezing temperatures.

After a long shut-down period, the water heater’s operation and controls should be checked by qualified service personnel.

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Rheem AP13731 warranty Venting System Inspection, Burner Inspection, Vacation and Extended Shut-Down