Use and Care & Installation Guide

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 29
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Rou ne Maintenance
Rou ne maintenance will help your
water heater last longer and work bet-
ter. If you can’t perform these rou ne
maintenance tasks yourself, contact a
qualifi ed person.
Water Heater Maintenance
A er the fi rst six months, drain and
fl ush the water heater and inspect the
anode rod. Depending on the hard-
ness of your water, repeat this process
at least annually, or more frequently if
needed. From  me to  me you may
need to replace a hea ng element or
the electronic thermostat. All three
maintenance tasks are described below.
Draining and Flushing the
Water Heater
Tap water contains minerals that can
form lime deposits on hea ng elements
or sediment in the bo om of the tank.
The amount of lime deposits or sedi-
ment 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 tempera-
ture se ngs, and other variables. We
recommend draining and fl ushing the
water heater a er the fi rst six months
of opera on to determine the amount
of sediment build up. Draining sedi-
ment extends the life of the tank, heat-
ing elements, and drain valves.
• In areas with very hard water, remove
and check the hea ng elements
whenever you drain the tank. If you
have heavy lime deposits on hea ng
elements, you will need to replace
them more o en.
• Sediment may form large masses that
can prevent the tank from draining.
Have a qualifi ed 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.
To drain and fl ush the tank:
1
Locate the water heater’s
circuit breaker and turn it OFF
(or remove the circuit’s fuses).
2
Open a hot water faucet and
let the hot water run un l it is
cool.
WARNING! Be sure the water runs
cool before draining the tank to reduce
the risk of scalding.
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.
6
Open a hot water faucet to
help the water in the tank
drain faster.
NOTICE: 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 Illustra-
 on on back cover for loca on
of the anode rod). Replace the anode
rod if it is depleted. Turn power off . Run
hot water un l it’s cool. Turn cold water
supply valve off . Open a hot water
faucet to depressurize tank. Locate and
remove the black plas c cover marked
“Anode Rod”. Use a “key hole” saw or
similar tool to remove the foam
insula on covering the anode rod. Once
the anode rod is exposed, use a 11/16”
socket wrench with an extension to
remove it. Inspect the anode rod and
replace if depleted. Apply Tefl on® 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.
Anode Rod. The anode rod is a sacrifi cial
metal rod that helps reduce corrosion
and premature failure (leaks) in the tank.
The anode rod is a consumable item.
Inspect the anode rod a er the fi rst six
months of opera on when you drain and