Use and Care Manual

LP-436 Rev. 5.2.18
19
To Control Sediment Build-Up:
1. Drain a pail of water through the drain valve once a month.
2. Every 3 months, use the following procedure to clean out
the bottom of the water heater through the cleanout hole
opening:
• Drain out the water. (Refer to Draining the Water Heater).
• Remove the cleanout door on the lower right side of the
water heater jacket.
• Undo the 6 hex head bolts securing the cleanout cover and
remove the cover.
• Remove any excess sediment accumulation from the
bottom of the water heater, taking care not to damage the
water heater’s glass lining.
• Inspect the cleanout cover’s gasket for wear and replace it
if necessary.
• Replace the cleanout cover and cleanout cover door.
• Rell the water heater (refer to Filling the Water Heater)
and turn on the gas (refer to Lighting Instructions).
E. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve at least
once a year. Stand clear of the outlet to avoid being burned. Lift and
release the operating lever on the valve to make it operate freely. If,
after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and
continues to discharge water, replace it with a new valve (refer to
Draining the Water Heater).
F. Venting System Inspection
The venting system must be thoroughly inspected once a year.
Check the area where the water heater is located to make sure that
there is enough clean combustion and ventilation air. Remove any
possible obstructions that would prevent proper air circulation and
venting. Check the venting system. Make sure all of the connections
are securely fastened, and that all of the joints are properly sealed. If
any part of the venting system is damaged, it must be replaced by a
qualied service technician. Test the ventilation system to make sure
that it is venting properly (refer to Drafthood Operation).
G. Anode
This water heater is equipped with multiple anode rods that
are designed to prolong the life of the glass-lined tank. By the
electrolytic action, these anodes are slowly consumed, protecting
the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Each anode should be checked
every 2 years. If more than half of an anode has been consumed, it
should be replaced. Instructions on how to change an anode can be
obtained from the manufacturer.
The life expectancy of the water heater is reduced where a water
softener is introduced to ght hard water. The sodium salts added
by a softener make this water extremely conductive. In these
conditions, the anodes are consumed more rapidly and should be
inspected every year.
In certain water conditions, the anodes will react with the water,
producing discolored or smelly water. The most common complaint
is hot water that smells like rotten eggs. This phenomenon is the
result of the reaction between the anodes and hydrogen sulde
gas dissolved in the water which occurs frequently in well systems.
This problem can usually be eliminated or reduced by changing
the anodes to a type more suitable for these conditions (aluminum
anodes) and by chlorinating the water heater and plumbing system.
If the problem persists, special ltration equipment may be required.
Under no circumstances are the anodes to be removed from the
water heater on a permanent basis. Removal of the anodes will
lead to premature failure of the water heater and void the
warranty.
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has
not been used for a long period of time (generally 2 weeks or
more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. It is highly
recommended to open the hot water faucet in the kitchen for
several minutes before you use any electrical appliances connected
to the hot water system, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
If hydrogen gas is present, there will be an unusual sound, such as
air escaping through the pipe, as the hot water faucet is opened.
DO NOT smoke or introduce an open ame near the faucet when it
is opened.
H. Draining the Water Heater
To completely drain the water heater:
1. Turn o gas to the appliance (refer to Turn O Gas to
Appliance).
2. Close the gas supply manual shut-o valve.
3. Close the cold water supply manual shut-o valve.
4. Connect one end of a garden hose to the water heater drain
valve and put the other next to a free owing drain.
5. Open the drain valve by turning the knob counterclockwise.
6. Open a hot water faucet to allow air into the system.
I. Vacation
If you are planning a vacation or other prolonged absence, it is highly
recommended to shut o the gas supply and the cold water supply
to the water heater. This will save energy, protect against property
damage in the event the water heater leaks, and prevent the build-
up of hydrogen gas. The water heater and piping should be drained if
exposed to freezing temperatures.
Remember to check the water heater thoroughly after it has been shut
o for an extended period of time before putting it back in operation.
Make sure that the water heater is completely full of water and that
the cold water supply manual shut-o valve is open before lighting
the burner.
J. Getting Service for the Water Heater
If you are having problems with your water heater, follow these two
easy steps:
1. Consult the Troubleshooting Guide in this manual. It will guide
you to the most common problems experienced with a gas-
red water heater. The solutions you nd listed may provide a
quick and simple solution to your problem and save time and
money.
2. If the solution listed in the Troubleshooting Guide does not
solve the problem, or if your particular problem does not
appear in the guide, contact the installer of the water heater,
or the local gas utility.