Installation Guide

Electric Mini Tank Water Heater • 19
Rou ne Maintenance
Rou ne maintenance will help your water
heater last longer and work be er. If you
can’t perform these rou ne maintenance
tasks yourself, contact a qualifi ed person.
A er the fi rst six months, drain and fl 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 hea ng
element or a thermostat. All three mainte-
nance 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 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 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 sed-
iment extends the life of the tank, hea ng
elements, and drain valves.
• In areas with very hard water, remove
and check the heating element when-
ever you drain the tank. If you have
heavy lime deposits on heating ele-
ment, you will need to replace it more
often.
• Sediment may form large masses that
can prevent the tank from draining. Have
a qualified 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
For 6 gallon models, locate the
water heater’s circuit breaker and
turn it OFF (or remove the circuit’s
fuses). For 2.5 and 4 gallon models, unplug
unit from wall outlet.
Figure 22 - Circuit Breaker
2
Open a hot water faucet and let
the hot water run un l it is cool.
Figure 23 - Water Faucet
WARNING! Be sure the water runs cool
before draining the tank to reduce the risk
of scalding.
3
Turn the cold water supply valve
OFF and open a nearby faucet to
relieve pressure inside the tank.
4
Remove inlet and outlet connec-
 ons and siphon water out.
5
Tilt unit over to drain any remain-
ing water.
NOTICE: DO NOT turn electrical power
back on unless the tank is completely full
of water.
6
Remove and inspect the anode
rod.
Figure 24 - Anode Rods from new (top) to par-
tially depleted (bottom)
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 fl ush the tank.
Replace the anode rod if it is substan ally
worn out or depleted. Therea er, inspect
the anode rod annually or more frequently
if needed. If you use a water so ener, your
anode rod will deplete faster than normal.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE