American Water Heater 6510238 - Manual (Page 21)

Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve
is dripping or leaking, have a licensed
plumber correct the problem.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death, or explosion.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed
every 6 months to remove sediment which may buildup
during operation. The water heater should be drained
if being shut down during freezing temperatures.
To drain the tank, perform the following steps:
1.
Turn off the gas to the water heater at the Manual
Gas Shutoff Valve.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve.
3. Open a nearby hot water faucet.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate
it to an adequate drain.
Note: The drain hose should be rated for at least 200°F.
If the drain hose does not have this rating, open
the cold water inlet valve and a nearby hot faucet
until the water is no longer hot.
5. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all
the water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank
with water as needed to remove sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart
the heater as directed under “Operating Your
Water Heater”.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an
extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
Important: Condensation may occur when refilling the
tank and should not be confused with a tank leak.
3 Month Inspection
At least every 3 months, a visual inspection should be
made of the venting and air supply system, piping
systems, main burner and pilot burner. Check the water
heater for the following:
·
Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the
venting system. Make sure the ventilation and
combustion air supplies are not obstructed.
· Buildup of soot and carbon on the main burner
and pilot burner. Check for a soft blue flame.
· Leaking or damaged water piping or gas piping.
· Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in
the installation area.
· Presence of combustible materials near the water
heater.
Important: Verify proper operation after servicing this
water heater.
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief
valve at least once a year
to make sure it is working
properly. To prevent water
damage, the valve must be
properly connected to a
discharge line which
terminates at an adequate
drain.
Standing clear of the outlet
(discharged water may be
hot), slowly lift and release
the lever handle on the temperature and pressure relief
valve to allow the valve to operate freely and return to
its closed position. If the valve fails to completely reset
and continues to release water, immediately shut off
the manual gas valve and the cold water inlet valve and
call a qualified service technician.
Figure 18
Temperature and
Pressure Relief Valve
Manual Relief
Valve
Discharge Line to Drain
Self-cleaning (Some Models)
Some water heaters may include a self-cleaning device
that inhibits the buildup of lime and other sediment on
the metal surfaces of the water heater. As cold water
passes through the dip tube, lime-causing particles and
minerals are suspended automatically. This controls
sediment and lime buildup within the tank and results
in higher efficiencies and lower operation costs.
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