19
18
Water Heater Tank
Drain a pail of water through the drain valve at least
once a year. This will remove excess sediment from
the bottom of the tank. This sediment, if allowed to
accumulate, will reduce the efficiency and the life of the
tank.
Temperature and Pressure-Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure-relief
valve at least once a year, standing clear of the outlet
to avoid being burned. Lift and release the operating
lever on the valve to make it operate freely. If, after
manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset
itself and continues to discharge water, replace it with
a new one.
Venting System Inspection
The venting system must be thoroughly inspected
once a year. Check the area where the water heater is
located to make sure that there is enough clean com-
bustion and ventilation air. Remove any possible
obstructions that would prevent proper air circulation
and venting. Check the venting system to make sure
that all of the connections are securely fastened, and
that all of the joints are properly sealed. If any part of
the venting system is damaged, it must be replaced
by a qualified service technician.
Anodes
This water heater is equipped with dual anodes that
are designed to prolong the life of the glass-lined
tank. The anodes are slowly consumed, protecting
the glass-lined tank from corrosion. The anodes
should be inspected every two (2) years. If more than
half of either anode has been consumed, it should be
replaced. Instructions on how to change the anodes
can be obtained from the manufacturer.
The life expectancy of the water heater is reduced
where a water softener is introduced to fight hard
water. The sodium salts added by a softener make the
water extremely conductive, therefore, the anodes
are consumed more rapidly. Under these conditions,
the anodes should be inspected every year.
In certain water conditions, the anode will react with
the water, producing discoloured or smelly water.
The most common complaint is hot water that smells
like rotten eggs. This phenomenon is the result of the
reaction between the anode and hydrogen sulfide
gas dissolved in the water, which occurs frequently in
well systems. This problem can usually be eliminated
or reduced by changing the anode to a type more
suitable for these conditions (aluminum anode) and
by chlorinating the water heater and plumbing sys-
tem. If the problem persists, special filtration equip-
ment may be required. Under no circumstances is
the anode to be removed from the water heater on a
permanent basis.
Removal of the anode will lead to
premature failure of the water heater and void the
warranty
.
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system
that has not been used for a long period of time
(generally two (2) weeks or more).
HYDROGEN
GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE
. It is highly
recommended to open the hot water faucet in the
kitchen for several minutes before you use any elec-
trical appliances connected to the hot water system,
such as a dishwasher or washing machine. If hydro-
gen gas is present, there will be an unusual sound,
such as air escaping through the pipe, as the hot water
faucet is opened.
DO NOT
smoke or introduce an
open flame near the faucet when it is opened.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
AVERTISSEMENT
ATTENTION
Draining the Water Heater
To completely drain the water heater:
1) Toggle the “ON/OFF” switch located on the gas
control to the “OFF” position.
2) Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
3) Close the gas supply manual shut-off valve.
4) Close the cold water supply manual shut-off valve.
5) Connect one end of a garden hose to the water
heater drain valve and put the other next to a free-
flowing drain.
6) Open the drain valve by inserting a flat-head
screwdriver into the slot on the head of the drain
valve and turning the knob counterclockwise
.
7) Open a hot water faucet to allow air into the system.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
