The life expectancy of the water heater is reduced
where a water softener is introduced to fight hard
water, because the sodium salts added by a softener
make this water extremely conductive. In these
conditions, the anode is consumed more rapidly and
should be verified 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 system. If
the problem persists, special filtration equipment 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 FLAMMABLE. 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
Drain a pail of water through the drain valve at least
once a year. This will remove excess sediment from
the bottom of the tank. This sediment, if allowed to
accumulate, will reduce the efficiency and the life of
the tank.
To completely drain the water heater:
1) Turn the temperature dial clockwise to the
“Pilot Lighting” position.
2) Depress slightly and turn the gas control knob
clockwise to the “OFF” position.
3) Close the gas supply manual shut-off valve.
4) Close the cold water supply manual shut-off valve.
5) Connect one end of a garden hose to the water
heater drain valve and put the other next to a free-
flowing drain.
6) 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
.
7) Open a hot water faucet to allow air into the
system.
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.
Service Procedure
If you are having problems with your water heater,
follow these three easy steps:
1) Consult the troubleshooting guide below. It lists
the most common problems experienced with
your gas-fired water heater. The solutions you
find listed may provide a quick and simple
solution to your problem and save you time and
money.
2) If the solution listed in the troubleshooting guide
does not solve the problem or if your particular
problem is not listed in the guide, contact the
installer of the water heater, or the local gas utility.
3) If you still cannot solve the problem, contact the
manufacturer’s Customer Service Department by
e-mail at [email protected] or toll free at
1-800-363-9354 (option 1). To help serve you in
a quick and efficient manner, always have the
following information ready:
a) Model number.
b) Serial number.
c) Date of installation.
d) Where the water heater was purchased.
e) Complete address where the water
heater is installed.
f) A description of the problem.
15
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
