Installation Guide

20
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and fl ushed
every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up
during operation. The water heater should be drained if
being shut down during freezing temperatures. To drain the
tank, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual
gas shut-off valve.
2. Turn off the electrical supply to the water heater.
3. Close the cold water inlet valve.
4. Open a nearby hot water faucet.
5. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to
an adequate drain.
NOTE: The drain hose should be rated for at least 200°F
(93°C). If the drain hose does not have this rating, open
the cold water inlet valve and a nearby hot faucet until the
water is no longer hot.
6. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the
water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with
water as needed to remove sediment.
7. Close the drain valve, refi ll the tank, and restart the
heater as directed under “Operating Your Water
Heater”.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended
period, the drain valve should be left open.
IMPORTANT: Condensation may occur when refi lling the
tank and should not be confused with a tank leak.
Routine Preventive
Maintenance
At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of
the venting and air supply system, piping systems, main
burner, and fl ame sense/hot surface igniter. Check the
water heater for the following:
• Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting
system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air
supplies are not obstructed.
• Build up of soot and carbon on the main burner and
pilot burner. Check for a soft blue fl ame.
• Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.
• Presence of fl ammable or corrosive materials in the
installation area.
• Presence of combustible materials near the water
heater.
• Verify proper operation after servicing this water
heater.
IMPORTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required
to properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualifi ed person.
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company
personnel, and authorized service
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death, or explosion.
WARNING
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve
at least once a year to make sure it is working properly
(see Figure 19.) To prevent water damage, the valve must
be properly connected
to a discharge line
which terminates at
an adequate drain.
Standing clear of the
outlet (discharged
water may be hot),
slowly lift and release
the lever handle on
the temperature and
pressure relief valve
to allow the valve to
operate freely and
return to its closed position. If the valve fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately shut off
the manual gas shut-off valve and the cold water inlet valve
and call a qualifi ed person.
Figure 19
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Manual Relief
Valve
Discharge line to drain