13
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve
at least once a year to make sure it is working properly.
To prevent water
damage, the valve
must be properly
connected to a
discharge line which
terminates at an
adequate drain.
Standing clear of the
outlet (discharged
water may be
hot), slowly lift and
release the lever
handle on the
temperature and pressure relief valve to allow the valve to
operate freely and return to its closed position. If the valve
fails to completely reset and continues to release water,
immediately disconnect the electrical power, close the cold
water inlet valve and call a quali
fi
ed person.
Draining and Flushing
The water heater should be drained if being shut down
during freezing temperatures. It is recommended that the
tank be drained, and
fl
ushed every 6 months to remove
sediment which may buildup during operation. To drain the
tank perform the following steps:
Figure 14
T emperature and Pressure
Relief V alve
Manual Relief
Va lv e
Discharge line to drain
1. Turn off power to the water heater.
2. Open a hot water faucet until 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 the nearest
hot water faucet. Allow all the water to drain from the
tank. Flush the tank with water as needed to remove
sediment.
6. Close the drain valve and completely refill the water
heater tank.
CAUTION: Do not turn on power to the water heater
unless it is completely filled 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 flows
uninterrupted from the faucet.
7. Reconnect electrical power to the water heater.
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 presently 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.
1. Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater.
2. Drain the water heater as directed in the “Draining
and Flushing” section.
3. Remove the access cover. Fold up the insulation from
the heater element. Remove the plastic thermostat
cover from the thermostat making sure to disengage
the attachment point from the thermostat.
4. Disconnect the electrical wires from the heating
element by loosening the screws (Figure 15).
Remove the screw-in element by turning the element
counterclockwise with a 1-1/2 inch socket wrench.
Remove the existing gasket.
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company
personnel, and authorized service
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death or explosion.
WARNING
