A.O. Smith 185762-000 - Manual (Page 15)

15
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OPERATION
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated
at least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation, make
sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-
pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that the water discharge will
not cause any property damage, as the water may be extremely hot, see
Figure 9.
FIGURE 9B.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and
continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to the
water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the temperature-
pressure relief valve with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps
or discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion.
You may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water
meter with a check valve. Consult your local water supplier or
service agency for further information. Do not plug or remove the
temperature-pressure relief valve.
DRAINING
The water heater should be drained if being shut down during
freezing temperatures. Also periodic draining and cleaning of
sediment from the tank may be necessary.
1. Turn electrical supply “OFF”.
2. CLOSE the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.
3. OPEN a nearby hot water faucet and leave open to allow for
draining.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate to an adequate drain.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly
deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the water heater by
protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Adverse water quality,
hotter water temperatures, high hot water usage, hydronic heating
devices, and water softening methods can increase the rate of anode
rod depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to
corrode, eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode rod
and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode
rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen
sulfi de gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this
anode rod permanently as it will void any warranties. A special anode
rod may be available if water odor or discoloration occurs. NOTE: This
anode rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The water
supply system may require special fi ltration equipment from a water
conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the process
substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions. The use of a
water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of three years
and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode rod dictates its
replacement. NOTE: Artifi cially softened water requires the anode rod
to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
•
The majority of the anode rod’s diameter is less than 3/8”.
• Signifi cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the
anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check for any
leaks and immediately correct if found.
FIGURE 9A.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to
depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer to
“Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use
Tefl on® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and install
new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to purge
air from water system.
7. Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if found.
8. 7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the
Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE