Care and cleaning of the water heater:

Draining the Water Heater

°F

To Hot Water

Faucet(s)

Draining the water heater

WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions while draining the water heater can cause serious damage to the water heater as well as personal injury including scalding.

Below are instructions for draining water out of the water heater.

Turn off the switch on the remote control.

Close the gas shut-off valve(s).

Unplug the power supply cord (or disconnect breaker) at least 10 seconds after step #1.

Open all hot water faucets. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that COLD water is coming out of all hot water faucets.

Close the water shut-off valve.

Using a suitable container to catch water, remove the water filter from heater. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve installed in the hot water outlet line and direct the stream of water to a suitable drain where it will cause no damage. Leave water heater as is until next use.

To put the water heater back into operation after draining, follow the steps below.

Reinstall the drain plug and water filter. Close the hot water outlet drain valve.

Open the water shut-off valve and close again after making sure that water comes out from hot water faucets. (This step is to remove air from the water lines.)

Plug into an electrical outlet, fully open the gas shut-off valve and the water shut-off valve.

NOTICE: The water heater may not operate unless the above procedure is followed correctly.

WARNING: Failure to drain the water heater can cause serious damage to the water heater as well as personal injury.

NOTICE: DO NOT unplug the electric power supply cord for freeze protection.

Freeze Protection

Where the water heater may be exposed to freezing conditions, even for a short period of time, be sure to drain all water from the unit as instructed above.

Exposure to freezing conditions can occur from down draft of venting system or from installation in areas exposed to cold air.

The water heater is equipped with a Freeze Protection Electric Heater. As long as the electricity is supplied to the water heater, it prevents freezing inside the water heater up to an ambient temperature of approximately minus 30°F (-34°C) (without wind conditions)

This device only protects the internal components of the water heater. It does NOT protect piping and valves. Therefore, piping and valves should be wrapped with insulation material as instructed on page 24.

Another method of freeze prevention is by running a small volume of water. Running water will protect the water heater, piping and valves.

Follow the steps below to ensure proper water flow through the water heater and piping:

Turn off the switch on the remote control.

Close the gas shut-off valve.

Open the hot water faucet slightly until a stream of approximately 1/8” (.32 cm) is flowing. Be sure to check the flow periodically.

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Rheem AP13731 warranty Draining the Water Heater, Freeze Protection