17
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Venting System Inspection
The venting system must be thoroughly inspected
once a year. Check the area where the water heater is
located to make sure that there is enough clean com-
bustion and ventilation air. Remove any possible
obstructions that would prevent proper air circulation
and venting. Check the venting system to make sure
that all of the connections are securely fastened, and
that all of the joints are properly sealed. If any part of
the venting system is damaged, it must be replaced
by a qualified service technician.
Anodes
This water heater is equipped with dual anode rods
that are designed to prolong the life of the glass-lined
tank. The anodes are slowly consumed, protecting
the glass-lined tank from corrosion. The anodes
should be inspected every two (2) years. If more than
half of either anode has been consumed, it should be
replaced. Instructions on how to change the anodes
can be obtained from the manufacturer.
The life expectancy of the water heater is reduced
where a water softener is introduced to fight hard
water. The sodium salts added by a softener make
the water extremely conductive, therefore, the anodes
are consumed more rapidly. Under these conditions,
the anodes should be inspected every year.
In certain water conditions, the anode will react with
the water, producing discoloured or smelly water.
The most common complaint is hot water that smells
like rotten eggs. This phenomenon is the result of the
reaction between the anode and hydrogen sulfide
gas dissolved in the water, which occurs frequently in
well systems. This problem can usually be eliminated
or reduced by changing the anode to a type more
suitable for these conditions (aluminum anode) and
by chlorinating the water heater and plumbing sys-
tem. If the problem persists, special filtration equip-
ment may be required. Under no circumstances is
the anode to be removed from the water heater on a
permanent basis.
Removal of the anode will lead to
premature failure of the water heater and void the
warranty
.
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water sys-
tem that has not been used for a long period of
time (generally two (2) weeks or more).
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMA-
BLE
. It is highly recommended to open the hot
water faucet in the kitchen for several minutes
before you use any electrical appliances
connected to the hot water system, such as a
dishwasher or washing machine. If hydrogen gas
is present, there will be an unusual sound, such as
air escaping through the pipe, as the hot water
faucet is opened.
DO NOT
smoke or introduce
an open flame near the faucet when it is opened.
Draining the Water Heater
To completely drain the water heater:
1) Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
2) Close the gas supply manual shut-off valve.
3) Close the cold water supply manual shut-off
valve.
4) Connect one end of a garden hose to the water
heater drain valve and put the other next to a
free-flowing drain.
5) Open the drain valve by inserting a flat head
screwdriver into the slot on the head of the drain
valve and turning the knob counterclockwise
.
6) Open a hot water faucet to allow air into the sys-
tem.
Vacation
If you are planning a vacation or other prolonged
absence, it is highly recommended to shut off the gas
supply and the cold water supply to the water heater.
This will save energy, protect against property dam-
age in the event the water heater leaks, and prevent
the build-up of hydrogen gas. If the water heater and
piping are exposed to freezing temperatures, they
should both be drained.
Remember to check the water heater thoroughly
after it has been shut off for an extended period of
time before putting it back in operation. Make sure
that the water heater is completely full of water, and
that the cold water supply manual shut-off valve is
open, before lighting the burner.
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENT
DANGER
