Roune maintenance will help your
water heater last longer and work
beer. If you can’t perform these
roune maintenance tasks yourself,
contact a qualied person.
Water Heater Maintenance
Aer the rst six months, drain and
ush the water heater and inspect the
anode rod. Depending on the hardness
of your water, repeat this process at
least annually, or more frequently if
needed. From me to me you may
need to replace a heang element or
a thermostat. All three maintenance
tasks are described below.
Water Heater
Tap water contains minerals that
can form lime deposits on heang
elements or sediment in the boom of
the tank. The amount of lime deposits
or sediment depends on the hardness
of your tap water. The rate at which
sediment builds up depends on water
quality and hardness in your area,
the temperature sengs, and other
variables. We recommend draining and
ushing the water heater aer the rst
six months of operaon to determine
the amount of sediment build up.
Draining sediment extends the life of
the tank, heang elements, and drain
valves.
• In areas with very hard water,
remove and check the heang
elements whenever you drain the
tank. If you have heavy lime deposits
on heang elements, you will need
to replace them more oen.
• Sediment may form large masses that
can prevent the tank from draining.
Have a qualied person use a de-
liming agent suitable for potable water
to remove the sediment buildup.
• In most cases, it is easier and cheaper
to replace lime-encrusted elements
than trying to remove heavy lime
deposits.
1
Locate the water heater’s
circuit breaker and turn it OFF
(or remove the circuit’s fuses).
Figure 24 - Circuit Breaker
2
Open a hot water faucet and
let the hot water run unl it is
cool.
Figure 25 - Water Faucet
3
Connect a garden hose to the
drain valve and place the
other end of the hose in a
drain, outside, or in buckets.
4
Turn the cold water supply
valve OFF.
5
Open the drain valve on the
water heater.
Figure 26 - Drain Valve
6
Open a hot water faucet to
help the water in the tank
drain faster.
DO NOT turn electrical power
back on unless the tank is completely
full of water.
7
Remove and inspect the
anode rod (see Repair Parts
Illustraon on page 28 for
locaon of the anode rod). Replace the
anode rod if it is depleted. Turn power
o. Run hot water unl it’s cool. Turn
cold water supply valve o. Open a hot
water faucet to depressurize tank.
Locate and remove the black plasc
cover marked “Anode.” Use a “key
hole” saw or similar tool to remove the
foam insulaon covering the anode
rod. Once the anode rod is exposed,
use a 1 1/16” socket wrench with an
extension to remove it. Inspect the
anode rod and replace if depleted.
Apply thread sealant tape or pipe joint
compound and reinstall the anode rod
ghtly. It is not necessary to replace
the foam removed to access the
anode. Turn cold water supply valve
on. When hot water runs full, close hot
water faucet. Check for leaks and
repair if necessary. Turn power on.
Figure 27 - Anode Rods from new (top) to
partially depleted (middle) to fully depleted
stage (bottom)
The anode rod is a
sacricial metal rod that helps reduce
corrosion and premature failure
(leaks) in the tank. The anode rod
is a consumable item. Inspect the
anode rod aer the rst six months of
operaon when you drain and ush
the tank. Replace the anode rod if it
is substanally worn out or depleted.
Thereaer, inspect the anode rod
annually or more frequently if needed.
If you use a water soener, your anode
rod will deplete faster than normal.
Inspect the anode rod more frequently,
24 • Commercial Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
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