Use and Care Guide

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 21
MAINTENANCE
the anode rod more frequently, replac-
ing the anode rod as needed. Obtain
new anode rods from your local Lowe’s®
or have a qualifi ed person replace it.
(Anode rods are a consumable item and
are not covered under warranty).
8
If the sediment was present
when the tank was drained,
fl ush the tank by opening the
cold water supply valve and le ng the
water run un l no more sediment
drains from the tank. Close the drain
valve when you are done.
NOTICE: Do not turn power back on
un l the tank is completely full of water.
For complete instruc ons on fi lling the
tank, follow Step 8 in the Installa on
sec on.
9
Refi ll the tank by opening the
cold water supply valve. Make
sure a hot water faucet is open
and the drain valve is closed. Allow the
hot water to run full for at least three
minutes to make sure the tank has all
the air removed and is completely full
of water. Failure to perform this step
can cause the upper hea ng element to
burn out. Once you are certain the tank
is completely full of water, close the hot
water faucet.
10
Restore power to the water
heater. It may take two hours
for the tank to heat up.
Replacing the Hea ng Element
WARNING! Working on an ener-
gized circuit can result in severe injury
or death from electrical shock. Turn
power off . Check wires with a non-con-
tact circuit tester to make sure power
is off . When you are fi nished, be sure
all covers are secured to reduce the
risk of fi re and electric shock.
If you are not comfortable replacing a
hea ng element or thermostat your-
self, have this work done by a qualifi ed
person. To replace the hea ng element,
you’ll need the following tools and sup-
plies:
Figure 28 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester
• Always turn power OFF and check
the power wires with a non-contact
circuit tester before working on the
water heater.
Figure 29 - Heating Element (with
gasket)
• Check your water heater’s data
plate for the correct wattage and
voltage. Heating elements are
available Lowe’s® .
Figure 30 - Element Wrench
• Some regular sockets (1 1/2 inch)
may work, but regular sockets are
often beveled and may slip. Inex-
pensive element wrenches are avail-
able at Lowe’s® .
• Garden hose to drain the tank
• Hand dishwashing soap to lubricate
the gasket
• A clean cloth to clean the threaded
opening
• A flat blade and a Phillips screw-
driver
Steps for Replacing the Hea ng
Element:
1
Turn the power OFF at the circuit
breaker or remove fuses.
Figure 31 - Circuit Breaker
2
Open the electrical junc on
box on top of the water heater.
Using a non-contact circuit
tester, check the power wires to make
certain the power is OFF.
Figure 32 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester
3
Open a hot water faucet and
let the hot water run un l it is
cool.
Figure 33 - Water Faucet
WARNING! Be sure the water runs
cool before draining the tank to reduce
the risk of scalding.
4
Connect a garden hose to the
drain valve and place the other
end of the hose in a drain or
outside (or use buckets). Turn OFF the
cold water valve that supplies the water
heater. Open the drain valve on the
water heater. Opening a hot water