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MAINTENANCE OF YOUR 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 20
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Manual Relief
Valve
Discharge line to drain
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief
valve is dripping or leaking, have a
qualified service technician replace it.
• Do not plug valve.
• Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death or explosion.
20
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed
every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up
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 Shut-off 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.
Routine Preventative
Maintenance
At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of
the venting and air supply system, piping systems,
main burner, pilot burner, and Flame-trap. 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.
!
Build up of soot and carbon on the main burner and
pilot burner. Check for a soft blue flame.
!
Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.
!
Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the
installation area.
!
Presence of combustible materials near the water
heater.
!
Verify proper operation after servicing this water
heater.
Important: If you lack the necessary skills required to
properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified service
technician.