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21
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 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 the “Operating Your Water
Heater” section.
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 Preventive
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.
• After servicing this water heater, check to make sure
it is working properly. (See “Operating Your Water
Heater” section of this manual.)
IMPORTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required to
properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified person.
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 control valve and the
cold water inlet valve and call a qualified person.
Figure 21
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
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company
personnel, and authorized service
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death, or explosion.
WARNING