Installation Guide

whl-647 Rev. 000 Rel. 000 Date 8.11.17
14
C. Heating Element Replacement Procedure
Step #1 - Turn o power to the water heater. Use a Phillips Head
screwdriver to remove the wires from the element.
Failure to disconnect the power from the water heater before
attempting heating element replacement will result in property
damage, severe personal injury, or death due to electric shock.
Step #2 - Run hot water at a faucet in the system. When it runs cold,
shut o the faucet. Then shut o water at the main cold water inlet or,
if possible, valve o the water heater from the system. Drain the water
from the system, or just the water heater if it can be isolated from the
system.
Completely drain the water heater before removing and replacing
a heating element or elements. Failure to do so will result in a
leakage of water and property damage, and could possibly result in
moderate to severe personal injury or death.
Water drained from the water heater may be scalding hot. Take care
to avoid scalding. Wear gloves and safety glasses, and direct water to
a safe drainage location. Failure to comply with this warning could
result in property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
DO NOT replace heating element with a generic heating element.
Only Westinghouse heating elements are approved for use with this
water heater. Failure to follow this warning will result in premature
product failure and VOID the warranty.
Step #3 - Remove the element with a 1 1/2” socket wrench or element
tool.
Step #4 - Inspect the removed element. Determine whether the
replacement element will need a square or circular gasket and washer.
Figure 13 - Heating Element Detail
When lling the water heater, open a hot water tap to release air
in the tank and piping. The tank must be full of water before the
heater is turned on. Failure to ensure the water heater is full before
turning it on will result in damage to the water heater, and could
result in property damage, serious personal injury, or death. Such
damages ARE NOT covered by water heater warranty.
Step #9 - Pressure check the tank for leaks around element. If no
leaks are found, use a Phillips Head screwdriver to connect the wires
to the element.
Step #10 - Turn power back on to the water heater.
Failure to rell the tank before restoring power to the water
heater will result in damage to the heating elements and property
damage. Such damages ARE NOT covered by warranty.
Part 7 - Maintenance
Considerations
• To avoid electric shock, disconnect electrical supply before
performing maintenance.
• To avoid severe burns, allow heater to cool before
performing maintenance.
NOTE: In addition to the routine maintenance detailed in this
manual, this water heater should be inspected annually by a
qualied service technician to assure that all the equipment is
operating safely and eciently. The owner should make necessary
arrangements with a qualied heating contractor for periodic
maintenance of the heater. Installer must also inform the owner
that lack of proper care and maintenance may result in a hazardous
condition, premature heater failure, and void the warranty.
Routine preventative maintenance ensure the water heater
operates safely and eciently over its service life. The Owner / User
may perform the maintenance activities described below.
Monthly (Every two weeks in hard water locations)
It is recommended that a few quarts of water be drained from the
heater. This will ush sediment deposits from the bottom of the
heater and lengthen the heater’s service life. Turn o power to
the heater during ushing operation, so the elements will not be
damaged.
Figure 14 - Sealing the Water Heater for Sanitary Applications
Step #5 - Ensure thread and opening are completely free of debris. Use
a nylon brush to clear away any debris.
Step #6 - Put a small amount of NSF approved lubricant and sealant
on the appropriate gasket and/or washer for the installation. Put the
gasket and/or washer on the element.
Step #7 - Screw the element clockwise into the tank, and tighten with
the 1 1/2” socket wrench or element tool. Be sure O-ring seats properly.
NOTE: Repeat Steps 3 - 6 as Necessary for Multiple Elements
Step #8 - Open the main cold water inlet. If the water heater has been
isolated from the system, open the valves. Rell the tank with cold
water. Open a hot water faucet high in the system to bleed any air
pressure from the system. Water will ow freely when air is completely
bled.
Failure to shut o the heater when draining may damage the
heating elements. Operating a partially lled / empty water
heater could lead to damage from “dry-ring”. Failures due to such
damage ARE NOT covered by warranty.