American Water Heater DCG - Manual (Page 22)

22
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 buildup
during operation. Note: Warranty is null and void in the
event lime & scale deposits are allowed to exceed two
inches in depth.
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 and turn off electricity.
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
(49°C). 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.
6. Remove the screws holding the cleanout
plate, then remove the plate for access.
7. Remove any lime, sediment, or scale from the
tank. Be careful not to damage the glass lining.
8. Flush the tank with water as needed to remove
any remaining sediment.
9. Check gasket on cleanout plate, replace if
necessary.
10. Replace the cleanout plate and screws, tighten
sufficiently.
11. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart
the water heater as directed under “Operating Your
Water Heater”.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extend-
ed 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 Preventative
Maintenance
At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of the
venting and air supply system, piping systems, main burner,
and pilot burner. 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.
• Verify proper operation after servicing this water
heater
Important: If you lack the necessary skills required to prop-
erly perform this visual inspection, you should not proceed,
but get help from a qualified service technician.
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief
valve is dripping or leaking, have a
qualified service technician replace it.
• Do not plug valve.
• Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death or explosion.
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief
valve at least once a year to make sure it is working prop-
erly (See Figure 16). To prevent water damage, the valve
must be properly connected to a discharge line which ter-
minates 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 contin-
ues to release water, immediately shut off the manual gas
valve, electric power and the cold water inlet valve and
call a qualified service technician.
Figure 16: T&P Valve Test
Index