49-6000226 Rev. 7
11
CARE AND
CLEANING
Anode Rod
Anode rods are designed and installed to protect and
extend the life of residential water storage tanks.
The anode rod must be removed from the water heater’s
tank and inspected annually, and replaced when more
than 6” (15.2 cm) of core wire is exposed at either end of
the rod.*
NOTE:
Artificially softened water will cause the
anode rod to consume more rapidly.
Due to shock hazard and to prevent accidental water
leaks, this inspection should be done by a qualified
servicer or plumber, and requires that the electric power
and cold water supply be turned off before servicing the
anode rod.
NOTICE:
Do not remove the anode rod from the water
heater’s tank except for inspection and/or replacement,
as operation with the anode rod removed will shorten
the life of the glass-lined tank and will void warranty
coverage.
Some areas have water conditions that may cause
an odor to develop in the water heater. Special alloy
replacement rods are available to address this condition.
*
NOTE:
Failure to replace the anode rod when
consumed voids the warranty for the tank. Warranty
coverage for all other components remains intact,
and is unaffected by this maintenance requirement.
The replacement anode rod, and the inspection for
consumption are not covered by warranty.
Additional information for models with an anode
depletion sensing feature (Anode button on the control,
on equipped models):
When the depletion-sensing anode rod nears end of life,
the ANODE text will illuminate and the control will beep
and display F70. When this occurs, the anode rod must
be inspected and replaced if the core wire at the top of
the anode rod is exposed.* It is recommended to replace
the anode rod as soon as possible to ensure that the tank
will continue to be protected from corrosion. Call installer/
servicer to order or to replace the anode rod. (See page 12
for instructions to change the anode rod.)
Press the ANODE button once to silence the alarm. Once
replaced, reset the alarm by pressing and holding the
ANODE button for 5 seconds until the control beeps and the
Anode Light will turn off.
If special alloy anode rod is installed to address a water
odor condition, the anode depletion sensing feature must
be disabled. If disabled, annual inspections of the anode
rod are required since the water heater will no longer be
capable of alerting for a depleted anode rod.
To disable the feature:
1. Upon power-up following a special alloy anode rod
installation, the control will sound an alarm and F41 will
display. Press the ANODE button to quiet the alarm.
2. Press the ANODE button 3 times. “Off” or “On” will
display confirming that the feature has been disabled/
enabled.
To enable the feature if a new anode depletion sensing
anode rod is installed, follow Step 2 above.
Note: If the display is blank, press any button to wake the
control before entering a button combination.
NOTE:
If the water heater has been installed with a
device that periodically cuts power to the water heater, the
accuracy of the anode rod depletion sensing feature may
become compromised and anode rod inspection every 2-3
years is required.
If the water heater will be inactive for a long period of time
and the water heater cannot be drained, it is recommended
to leave the power turned on with the water heater in
vacation mode to ensure that the feature will continue to
operate properly while still conserving energy.
NOTE: Refer to the Hydrogen Gas Caution in the
Operating Instructions (see page 3).
Care and Cleaning
Routine Preventative Maintenance
Summary of Contents for GE50T BQT Series
Page 20: ...20 49 6000226 Rev 7 Notes NOTES...
Page 21: ...49 6000226 Rev 7 21 NOTES Notes...
