GSW 61009 REV. C (09-03) - Manual (Page 14)

V) MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
General Housekeeping
As a precaution against fire, and to maintain an adequate
flow of combustion air to the heater:
•
keep the appliance area clear and free from com-
bustible material, gasoline, and other flammable
vapours and liquids.
• keep the terminal openings unobstructed.
• do not pile cartons, paper or combustible material on
top of the heater.
Tank
Drain at least a pail of water from the drain valve once a
month. Some deposit will be washed out of the tank. If larg-
er particles, resembling coarse sand are washed out, or if
the drain becomes clogged while draining, an excess of
lime deposit has settled on the tank bottom and it is time to
do a major tank cleaning. Consult your local Gas Utility or a
qualified serviceman.
Venting System Inspection
Every 3 months, when inspecting the burner flame, an
inspection of the venting system should be made.
Check:
1. That the vent terminal is securely attached and free of
obstruction.
2. The air pipe to make certain its components are secure-
ly fastened, sealed and are in good condition.
3. That the inner door on water heater is securely fas-
tened.
CORRECT ANY DEFECTS IMMEDIATELY.
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P valve) is
a part of the safety equipment on the water heater. In order
to keep the T&P valve functioning properly, operate the
valve at least once a year by lifting the manual lever until
water discharges from the overflow pipe.
Cathodic Protection
Depending on the model, one or two magnesium anodes
are factory installed inside the tank to provide corrosion pro-
tection and to extend tank life. Permanent removal of the
anode(s) for any purpose will void the warranty. Read the
warranty attached to this water heater for a full explanation
of the time period that parts and the heater are warranted.
It is advisable to inspect the condition of the anode(s) at cer-
tain intervals. A two (2) year period may be a guide to begin
with. The life of the anode depends on many factors and
can differ greatly from one location to another.
To remove an anode, proceed as follows:
1. Turn the gas off at the inlet to the heater.
2. Turn water off at the cold-water inlet valve.
3. Open a nearby hot water tap.
4. Drain approximately one pail full of water from the
heater.
5. With a 1-1/16 in. hexagon socket wrench, loosen the
anode from the fitting in the tank top.
Note: The anode has been factory installed using a power
tool. It will be necessary for a second person to restrain the
heater. A few sharp blows on the handle of the socket
wrench will loosen the anode nut.
If an impact wrench (power drive) is available, this is an
easy way to remove an anode.
6. Lift the anode up and inspect. There should be at least
10mm (3/8 in.) to 12mm (1/2 in.) of anode diameter left.
The surface may be rough, full of pits and crevices, but
this is normal. If there is less than approximately 10mm
(3/8 in.) diameter left, the anode needs to be replaced.
7. Apply a good grade of pipe dope to the threads of the
anode adapter and screw securely into the tank top.
8. Open a hot water faucet and the cold water inlet valve
and fill tank.
9. Check for leaks.
10. Relight burner by following lighting instructions on the
side of the water heater (and also included in this man-
ual).
Water supply conditions may vary depending on the region
where this water heater is installed, and in some cases the
water may have an adverse effect on the operation of the
anode. If a sulphurous, or “rotten egg” smell is noticeable in
the hot water supplied by this heater, it is an indication that
the water source is not compatible with the magnesium
anode which is factory installed. Replace the anode with an
aluminum anode or add a water treatment system to
remove sulphur from the water supply.
Control
If the heater or the controls have been subjected to flooding,
shut off the gas at the manual shut-off valve to the heater
and call your gas company.
The heater operates under a fully automatic control. Once
the desired water temperature has been selected, the gas
control will maintain that temperature within close limits.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE GAS CONTROL!
CAUTION
The water flowing from the valve will be HOT.
Keep hands and feet away from the stream of water. Take
care that the discharging water does not damage any
flooring, carpeting or other parts of the building which may
be damaged by water.
See also section on T&P valve in the installation section.
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