24
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will
slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the water
heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Adverse
water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot water usage, and
water softening methods can increase the rate of anode rod deple-
tion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode
rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with
the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence
of hydrogen sul
fi
de gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do
not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties.
The parts list includes a special anode rod that can be ordered if
water odor or discoloration occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce
but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply system
may require special
fi
ltration equipment from a water conditioning
company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
Arti
fi
cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions.
The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water
heater tank.
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater tank every
3 years for inspection. NOTE: arti
fi
cially softened water requires the
anode rod to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
•
The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.
• Signi
fi
cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or
more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check
for any leaks and immediately correct if
found.
In replacing the anode:
Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
1.
Shut off the water supply and open a
2.
nearby hot water faucet to depressurize
the water tank.
Drain approximately 5 gallons of water
3.
from tank (Refer to “Draining” for proper
procedures). Close drain valve.
Remove old anode rod.
4.
Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe
5.
sealant on threads and install new
anode rod.
Turn on water supply and open nearby
6.
hot water faucet to purge air from
water system. Check for any leaks and
immediately correct any if found.
Restart the water heater as directed under
“Operating Your Water weater.” See the Repair Parts Illustration for
anode rod location.
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OPERATION
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at
least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation, make
sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-
pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that the water discharge
will not cause any property damage, as the water may be extremely
hot, see Figure 39.
FIGURE 39.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and
continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet
to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the
temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or
discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You
may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter
with a check valve. Consult your local water supplier or service agency
for further information. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief
valve.
DRAINING
The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing
temperatures. Also periodic draining and cleaning of sediment from
the tank may be necessary.
1. Turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” position.
2. OPEN nearby hot water faucets and leave open until the water is
no longer hot.
3. CLOSE the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate to an adequate
drain or outdoors.
5. OPEN the water heater drain valve to allow for tank draining.
NOTE: If the water heater is going to be shut down and drained for
an extended period, the drain valve should be left open with hose
connected allowing water to terminate to an adequate drain.
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
PITTED
ANODE
ROD
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
FIGURE 38
