State GS6 75 URRBS - Manual (Page 20)

20
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater tank every
3 years for inspection. NOTE: artifi cially softened water requires
the anode rod to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
• The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.
• Signifi cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of
the anode rod’s length) are visible.
FIGURE 19
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check for
any leaks and immediately correct if found.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to
depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer to
“Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain
valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Tefl on® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and
install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to purge
air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately
correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the
Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
HOUSEKEEPING
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a
regular basis.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure suffi cient ventilation
and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater
must be maintained. See “Locating the New Water Heater” section.
Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or
fl ammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to
the water heater which can cause a fi re.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will
slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the water
heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Adverse
water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot water usage,
and water softening methods can increase the rate of anode rod
depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to
corrode, eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode
rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with
the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence
of hydrogen sulfi de gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do
not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties. A
special anode rod may be available if water odor or discoloration
occurs. NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor
problems. The water supply system may require special fi ltration
equipment from a water conditioning company to successfully
eliminate all water odor problems.
Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions.
The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water
heater tank.