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Residen al Electronic Thermostat Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 25
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Rou ne Maintenance
Rou ne maintenance will help your
water heater last longer and work more
effi ciently. 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).
Figure 27 - Circuit Breaker
2
Open a hot water faucet and
let the hot water run un l it is
cool.
Figure 28 - Water Faucet
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.
Figure 29 - Drain Valve
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 thread
sealant 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.
Figure 30 - Anode Rods from new (top) to partially
depleted (middle) to fully 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
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