Freeze Protection
Manual draining of the water heater
If the water heater is not going to be used during a period of possible freezing weather, it is recommended that the water inside the water heater be drained.
To manually drain the water:
1. | Shut off cold water supply and gas supply. | Hot water |
2. | Turn off the temperature controller. | outlet |
|
3.Disconnect the power to the water heater.
4.Open hot water drain plug at the hot water outlet.
5.Remove water filter to drain the cold water.
If an isolation kit is installed, remove the drain caps on both isolation valves and open both valves above the caps (blue and red valve handles).
To resume normal operation:
1.Confirm that all water drain plugs are removed, that the gas supply is turned off, and that all taps are closed.
2.Screw in the hot water drain plug.
3.Screw in the water filter in the cold water inlet.
If the isolation kit was used to drain the unit, replace the drain caps and close both isolation valves (blue and red valve handles).
4.Open the cold water supply.
5.Open a tap and confirm that water flows, and then close.
6.Turn on the power.
7.After confirming that the temperature controller is off, turn on the gas supply.
8.Turn on the temperature controller.
Hot water | Water |
drain plug * | filter |
Cold water inlet
*Use a wrench or other tool to unscrew the hot water drain plug.
Running a low volume of water through the water heater to prevent freezing
If the temperature exceeds the ability of the water heater to freeze protect itself, or if power is lost, the following steps may prevent the water heater and external piping from freezing. (Units connected with MSA or EZConnect should be drained to prevent freezing if not in use.)
1.Turn the water heater off.
2.Close the gas supply valve.
3.Reduce the flow to about 0.1 gal/min or to where the stream is about 0.2 inches thick.
ON! COLD
HOT
0.1gal/min or about 0.2 inch thick
When the water heater or external piping has frozen
1.Do not operate the water heater if it or the external piping is frozen.
2.Close the gas and water valves and turn off the power.
3.Wait until the water thaws. Check by opening the water supply valve.
4.Check the water heater and the piping for leaks.
22 | VB Series Outdoor LS Manual |
