Instructions / Assembly

16
Care and cleaning of the water heater.
Draining the Water Heater
Routine Preventative Maintenance
Properly maintained, your water heater
will provide years of dependable trouble-
free service.
It is suggested that a routine preventive
maintenance program be established and
followed by the user.
It is further recommended that a periodic
inspection of the operating controls,
heating elements and wiring should be
made by service personnel qualified in
electric appliance repair.
Most electrical appliances, even when
new, make some sound when in operation.
If the hissing or singing sound level
increases excessively, the electric heating
element may require cleaning. Contact a
qualified installer or plumbing contract to
inspect.
At least once a year, lift and release the
lever handle on the temperature pressure
relief valve, located near the top of the
water heater, to make certain the valve
operates freely. Allow several gallons to
flush through the discharge line to an open
drain.
A water heater’s tank can act as a settling
basin for solids suspended in the water. It
is therefore not uncommon for hard water
deposits to accumulate in the bottom of
the tank. It is suggested that a few quarts/
liters of water be drained from the water
heater’s tank every month to clean the tank
of these deposits.
Rapid closing of faucets or solenoid
valves in automatic water using appliances
can cause a banging noise heard in a
water pipe. Strategically located risers in
the water pipe system or water hammer
arresting devices can be used to minimize
the problem.
Water conditions can cause mineral
deposits to build up inside pipes. This
buildup can reduce the effectiveness of the
vacuum relief valve. The vacuum relief
valve should be replaced every six years.
DANGER: Before
manually operating the relief
valve, make certain no one will
be exposed to the danger of
coming in contact with the hot
water released by the valve.
The water may be hot enough
to create a scald hazard. The
water should be released into a
suitable drain to prevent
injury or property damage.
NOTICE: If the temperature
and pressure relief valve
on the hot water heater
discharges periodically,
this may be due to thermal
expansion in a closed water
system. Contact the water
supplier or your plumbing
contractor on how to correct
this. Do not plug the relief
valve outlet.
Vacation and Extended Shut-Down
If the water heater is to remain idle for an
extended period of time, the power and
water to the appliance should be turned off
to conserve energy.
If the water heater is installed in a
location where it could freeze when not
operational, all water must be drained
from the unit and piping If the tank is full
of water and freezes, the tank will break.
See the "Draining the Water Heater"
section for details on draining the unit.
Freeze damage is not covered under the
manufacturer's warranty.
After a long shut-down period, the
water heater’s operation and controls
should be checked by qualified service
personnel. Make certain the water heater
is completely filled again before placing it
in operation.
Shut off power to the water heater.
Open a hot water faucet nearest the
water heater. Run water until cold.
Turn off the cold water supply to
the water heater.
Leave the hot water faucet open.
Attach a garden hose to the drain
valve on the bottom of the water
heater and direct the hose to a
drain.
Lift open the handle on the relief
valve, and leave open. (top center
fitting on water heater) (some water
may be released)
Open the drain valve.
Drain water heater completely.
Close the drain valve.
Close the relief valve.
NOTICE: Additional
instructions for draining
the unit are located on the
water heater.
Please reference the "To Fill
the Water Heater" section
(see page 8) for instructions
on how to refill the unit.