American Water Heater Power Flex 40-42K BTU - Manual (Page 18)

18
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 build up
during operation. 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.
2. Turn off the electrical supply to the water heater.
3. Close the cold water inlet valve.
4. Open a nearby hot water faucet.
5. 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 (93°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.
6. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the
water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with
water as needed to remove sediment.
7. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the
heater as directed under “Operating Your Water
Heater”.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an
extended 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 Preventive
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 properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified person.
Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve
FIGURE 15
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
Manually operate the temperature and pressure relief valve
at least once a year to make sure it is working properly
(see Figure 15.) To prevent water damage, the valve must
be properly connected
to a discharge line
which terminates 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
continues to release water, immediately shut off the manual
gas shut-off valve and the cold water inlet valve and call a
qualifi ed person.
Explosion Hazard
If the temperature and pressure relief valve
is dripping or leaking, have a qualified
person replace it.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed plumbers, authorized gas company
personnel, and authorized service
personnel.
Do not plug valve.
Do not remove valve.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death, or explosion.
WARNING