ahl-631 Revision Date 2.14.22
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runs freely). Make certain that the heater is completely full of water
before restoring power.
Periodically (At least twice a year)
Check around the water heater and related plumbing for leaks. If
the combination temperature and pressure relief valve discharges
periodically, or water is leaking from around the heating elements,
there may be a problem with your water system. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO REPAIR LEAKS YOURSELF! Contact a qualified service contractor
for assistance.
Check the area around the water heater for flammable liquids or
combustible materials. If any are found, remove from the area.
Vacation (Extended shut-off periods)
During extended mild or warm weather periods when hot water will
not be in use, shut off the electric power to the tank. When hot water
is needed again, restore power to the water heater.
During extended cold weather periods when hot water will not be
in use and prone to freezing conditions, shut off electric power to
the tank, close the supply line shut-off valve, open the drain valve
and drain the water heater to a safe drainage location (as detailed
previously). Once drained, close the drain valve. When hot water is
needed again, restore the water supply to the tank. Once the tank is
full, restore power.
Water drained from the water heater may be scalding hot. Take
care to avoid scalding. Wear gloves and safety glasses, and direct
water to a safe drainage location. It is recommended to turn
power off to the water heater and run water at a hot water faucet
until it cools BEFORE draining water from the heater. Failure to
comply with this warning could result in property damage, severe
personal injury, or death.
The maintenance activities described below are only to be
performed by the
Installer / Qualified Service Provider
. These
maintenance items should be performed during recommended
annual
service and any service calls.
1. Ask the owner / user if there have been any issues with the water
heater. Diagnose any heater issues and repair / replace parts as
necessary.
2. Check the water heater and related plumbing for leaks. Repair any
that are found.
3. Check the area around the water heater for flammable liquids or
combustible materials. If any are found, remove from the area.
4. Check the heating elements while the heater is in operation. If
the elements are hissing / singing excessively, they may need to be
cleaned. Inspect the elements and clean if necessary.
5. Inspect the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve. See
instructions below.
6. Turn power supply off to the water heater. Open the drain valve
and drain a few gallons of water from the tank to clear any hard
water deposits. Once complete, close the drain valve and restore
power to the water heater.
T&P Relief Valve Maintenance Instructions:
•
Annually:
Certain naturally occuring mineral deposits may
adhere to the valve, blocking waterways and rendering the
valve inoperative. The T&P Relief Valve lever must be operated
to ensure the waterways are clear. If waterways are clear, hot
water will discharge from the valve. Take precautions to avoid
personal injury and property damage from contact with hot
water. Before operating lever, check to see that a discharge
line is connected to the valve, directing the flow of hot water
from the valve to a proper place of disposal.
•
Replacement of the valve is required if no water flows when
the lever is operated. Turn the water heater off until the valve
is replaced.
•
If water flows from the valve, drain a few gallons from the tank
to ensure the water flows freely.
•
At least once every three years:
To ensure that the T&P
valve has not been affected by corrosive water conditions
and that the valve and discharge line have not been altered
or tampered with illegally, relief valves should be inspected,
and replaced, if necessary, by a licensed plumbing contractor
or qualified service technician.
Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in failure
of relief valve operation, and possibly result in substantial
property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
