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Service and Maintenance (cont’d)
Element Cleaning/
Replacement
2. Turn off the water supply to the water heater at the water
shutoff valve or water meter.
WARNING
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing
any access panels or servicing the water heater,
make sure the electrical supply to the water heater
is turned “OFF”. Failure to do this could result in
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
NOTE: These instructions are written for element cleaning
and element replacement for the lower element. If it is nec-
essary to clean or replace the upper element, then repeat
these instructions.
To remove the element from your tank in order to clean or
replace it:
1. Before beginning turn “OFF” the electric power supply to
the water heater.
3. Attach a hose to the water heater drain valve and put the
other end in a floor drain or outdoors. Open the water
heater drain valve. Open a nearby hot water faucet which
will relieve pressure in the water heater and speed draining.
4. Remove the two screws securing the access panel, and
remove panel.
WARNING
The water passing out of the drain valve may be
extremely hot. To avoid being scalded, make sure all
connections are tight and that the water flow is
directed away from any person.
5. Remove the insulation pad to expose the opening.
Anode Rod Inspection
The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion.
Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The
submerged rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank. Instead of
corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode
rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color. The rod
must be maintained to keep the tank in operating condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not nec-
essarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indi-
cates high water conductivity and should be checked and/or
replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be
intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the
life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by a
qualified service technician, and at a minimum should be
checked annually after the warranty period.