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30 • Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide
MAINTENANCE
fl ush the tank. Replace the anode rod if
it is substan ally worn out or depleted.
Therea er, inspect the anode rod annu-
ally or more frequently if needed. If you
use a water so ener, your anode rod
will deplete faster than normal. Inspect
the anode rod more frequently, replac-
ing the anode rod as needed. Obtain
new anode rods from 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 wa-
ter. 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-
contact 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 ele-
ment, you’ll need the following tools
and supplies:
• Always turn power OFF and check
the power wires with a non-contact
circuit tester before working on the
water heater.
• Check your water heater’s data plate
for the correct wa age and voltage.
Hea ng elements are available at
most hardware stores.
• Some regular sockets (1 1/2 inch)
may work, but regular sockets are
o en beveled and may slip. Inexpen-
sive element wrenches are available
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 fl at blade and a Phillips screwdriver
Steps for Replacing the Hea ng
Element:
1
Turn the power OFF at the
circuit breaker or remove fuses.
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.
3
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.
Non-Contact Circuit Tester
Hea ng Element (with gasket)
Element Wrench
MAINTENANCE
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