19
CARING FOR YOUR WATER HEATER
Preventive Maintenance
WARNING:
Failure to perform
routine preventive maintenance can prevent the
water heater from operating properly. Improper
operation can cause carbon monoxide dangers,
excessive water temperatures, and other
potentially hazardous conditions resulting in death,
personal injury, and/or product damage.
Properly maintaining your water heater will ensure
dependable, trouble-free service.
User Preventive Maintenance
Establish and follow a routine preventive
maintenance program. The following suggested
items should be included in your program.
• Monthly check and clean the water filter. See
“Water Filter Cleaning”
on page 17.
WARNING:
Hot water is released
during manual operation of the relief valve. Make
sure all people and animals are clear from the area
before performing this check to prevent death,
personal injury, and/or property damage from hot
drain water.
• Annually check the operation of the pressure-
relief valve. Lifting the lever handle on the
pressure-relief valve opens the valve to flush hot
water through the discharge line to the drain.
After several gallons have drained, release the
lever handle to close the valve and stop draining.
NOTICE:
If the pressure relief valve on
the hot water heater discharges periodically, this
may indicate a problem in the water system.
Contact the water supplier or a plumbing
contractor to correct the problem. DO NOT
plug the relief valve outlet.
• Inspect and keep the area around the water
heater clear and free of flammable materials,
such as gasoline and other flammable vapors
and liquids.
• Visually inspect the water heater for damage
and/or denting. If present, contact a service
personnel to verify proper operation.
• Check for abnormal sound during normal
operation (e.g., hissing or banging noises).
Contact a qualified service technician or
plumbing contractor.
• Check all gas and water pipes for leaks. See
page 55.
NOTICES:
– DO NOT operate the water heater if you feel
something is wrong with the unit.
– DO NOT allow children to operate or handle
the unit.
• After inspections, maintenance, and/or cleaning,
ensure proper operation by turning on a hot
water faucet.
Professional
Preventive Maintenance
It is recommended that a periodic inspection of
the water heater burner, relief valve, air intake filter,
water filter, and venting system be made by a
qualified service technician.
Relief
Valve
Care Instructions
