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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, hydronic heating devices, and water softening methods
can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. 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 sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do
not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties. A
special anode rod may be available if water odor or discoloration
occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor
problems. The water supply system may require special filtration
equipment from a water conditioning company to successfully
eliminate all water odor problems.
Artificially 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 inspected after a maximum of three
years and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode rod
dictates its replacement.
NOTE: Artificially 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”.
• Significant 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:
1. Turn off electric supply to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet
to depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer to
“Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain
valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and
install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet
to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and
immediately correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the
Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
fLushInG thE wAtEr hEAtEr
1. Turn off the electrical supply to the water heater at the
breaker or disconnect switch.
2. Ensure the cold water inlet valve is open.
3. Open a nearby hot water faucet and let the water run until
the water is no longer hot. Then close the hot water faucet.
4. Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and terminate
it to an adequate drain.
5. Ensure the drain hose is secured before and during the
entire flushing procedure. Flushing is performed with system
water pressure applied to the water heater.
6. Open the water heater drain valve to flush the storage tank.
7. Flush the water heater storage tank to remove sediment and
allow the water to flow until it runs clean.
8. Close the water heater drain valve when flushing is
completed.
9. Remove the drain hose.
10. Fill the water heater – see the Filling The Water Heater
section in this manual.
11. Turn on the electrical supply to the water heater.
12. Place the water heater back in operation. Allow the water
heater to complete several heating cycles to ensure it is
operating properly.
sEdIMEnt rEMoVAL
Water borne impurities consist of fine particles of soil and sand which
settle out and form a layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. In
time, if not removed, the level of sediment might reach the heating
elements and cause their failure.
For convenience, sediment removal and element lime scale removal
should be performed at the same time as follows.
LIME sCALE rEMoVAL
Lime scale accumulations on the heating elements is a normal
condition, common to all immersion type elements. Factors which
affect the amounts of this formation are:
1. Amount of hot water used. As the volume of water heated
increases, more scale results.
2. Water temperature. As the temperature of the water is increased,
more scale is deposited on the elements.
3. Characteristics of water supply.
Regardless of water treatment, the elements should be examined
regularly.
Lime scale accumulations may cause noises to occur during operation.
It is recommended that a heating element be removed periodically
for examination. If it is scaled, all of the elements should be removed
and cleaned. If the tank bottom has an accumulation of sediment it
should be cleaned.
Lime scale should be removed by dissolving the accumulation in
UN•LIME
®
delimer. Do not use muriatic or hydrochloric acid base
deliming solutions to remove lime scale from the elements.
