16
Screws
Wires
Element
Figure 15
Screw-in
Element
Figure 16
Gasket
Spud
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and
fl
ushed
every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up
during operation. The water heater should be drained if
being shut down during freezing temperatures. To drain the
tank, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit
breaker/fuse box.
2. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is no
longer hot.
3. Close the cold water inlet valve.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an
adequate drain or external to the building.
5. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all of the
water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with water
as needed to remove sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, re
fi
ll the tank (open the cold
water inlet valve), and restart the heater as directed in
this manual.
IMPORTANT:
Do not turn on power to the water heater
unless it is completely
fi
lled with water. To ensure that
the tank is full, open a hot water faucet and allow the
water to run until the air is purged and the water
fl
ows
uninterrupted from the faucet.
NOTE:
The water heater will conduct a system
diagnostic prior to operation.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended
period, the drain valve should be left open.
Heating Element Replacement
WARNING
Electric Shock Hazard
Disconnect power before
servicing.
Replace all parts and panels
before operating.
Failure to do so can result in
death or electrical shock.
Replacement heating elements must be of the same style
and voltage/wattage rating as the ones originally in the water
heater. This information can be found on the
fl
ange or terminal
block of the element or on the water heater data plate.
IMPORTANT:
Before replacing any element, con
fi
rm that
you have the correct replacement element (wattage). This
water heater has a 4500 watt upper element and a 4500
watt lower element. DO NOT replace the element(s) with a
wattage different than the ones speci
fi
ed for the upper and/
or lower element.
IMPORTANT:
Using an element greater than 4500 watts
will damage the water heater and void the warranty.
1. Turn off the power to the water heater.
2. Drain the water heater as directed in the “Draining
and Flushing” section.
3. Remove the access cover(s), then take off the white
fiber dam.
4. Remove the protective plastic cover(s) over the
elements from their attachment point.
5. Disconnect the electrical wires from the heating
element(s) by loosening the screws (Figure 15).
Remove the screw-in element(s) by turning the
element(s) counterclockwise with a 1-1/2 inch socket
wrench. Remove the existing gasket(s)
6. Clean the area where the gasket(s) fits to the tank
and internal threads. If you are replacing the bottom
element, remove any accumulated sediment on the
bottom of the tank.
7. Make sure the replacement element(s) has the correct
voltage and wattage rating by matching it to the rating
plate on the water heater. Position the new gasket(s)
on the element and insert it into the water heater tank
(Figure 16).
NOTE:
Apply a light coat of hand dishwashing soap
and water to the gasket. Tighten the element by turning
it clockwise until secure.
8. Close the drain valve and open the nearest hot water
faucet.
Then open the cold water shut off valve
and
allow the tank to fill completely with water. To purge
the lines of any excess air and sediment, keep the hot
water faucet open for 3 minutes after a constant flow of
water is obtained.
9. Check for leaks around the element(s).
10. Reconnect the electrical wires to the element and
securely tighten the screws (Figure 15).
11. Replace the
protective plastic cover(s) removed earlier.
Make sure the cover(s) are securely engaged on the
attachment point(s).
12. Replace the white fiber dam and access cover(s).
13. Although this water heater is equipped with “Dry Fire”
protection circuitry, be sure tank is completely filled with
water before applying electrical power to the water heater.
14. Reconnect electrical power to the water heater at the
circuit breaker/fuse box.
15. Set the desired water temperature and operating mode.
NOTE:
The water heater will conduct a system
diagnostic (approximately 8 minutes) prior to operation.
