29
6.0 Maintenance
The appliance will provide many years of reliable operation. Be aware that components such as sensors and
relief valves may require replacing and servicing. Depending on the quality of the water supply, sediment
and/or scale may coat the heating coil in the tank and reduce the hot water recovery rate. Failure to use the
correct procedures or parts could result in unsafe operation. Owners should arrange follow-up inspections
and simple maintenance procedures according to IBC's suggested maintenance schedule below.
For service or repairs to the water heater, call your heating contractor. Your water heater has been
manufactured to provide years of service. To insure proper service, the following information is provided to
enable the installation, operation, and maintenance of this water heater. When the installation is completed,
keep this manual with the water heater.
Maintenance Required
Frequency Check
Boiler and Domestic Water Piping: Check all piping for signs of leakage at the joints,
unions and shut-off valves. Repair as required.
Annually
□
Temperature and pressure relief valve
Annually
□
Sediment: Depending on water conditions, a varying amount of sediment may collect
in the tank. Levels requiring service are indicated by a small temperature difference
between the boiler supply and return lines, and a reduced recovery rate. Repeated
flushing typically clears such material. As a preventive measure, draw water from the
drain valve until it runs clear and consider installing a water filter.
Annually -
more
frequently
in hard
water
areas
□
Scale: Hard water may cause scale buildup on the outside of the heating coil inside
the tank. A water softener can help prevent this problem. Symptoms are identical to
sediment buildup. If repeated flushing does not resolve the problem, chemical
cleaning may be required.
Annually
□
6.1 Chemical cleaning of the heating coil
6.1.1 Flushing the tank
1. To avoid water damage, shut off the cold water supply to the water heater.
2. Make a note of the DHW temperature control setting on the IBC control, and turn off the power to the
boiler and water heater.
3. To reduce the risk of scalding, reduce the water pressure in the tank by opening a hot water faucet.
4. Remove the relief valve from the water heater.
5. Drain ⅓ of the water heater so that the tank is two-thirds full. The water level must cover the coil and
the thermostat well.