A.O. Smith Water Heater - Manual (Page 24)

Anode Rod/Water Odor
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which
will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank
from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater.
Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will
cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The
most common complaint associated with the anode rod
is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of
hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT:
Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any
warranties. The parts list includes a special anode that
can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water
odor problems. The water supply system may require
special aeration or chlorination equipment from a water
conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water
odor problems.
The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the
water heater tank.
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater
tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical
(but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
• The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.
• Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or
more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it should be
replaced. NOTE: Whether reinstalling 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 the “Draining
and Fiushing” section for
proper procedures). Close
drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Teflon® tape or
approved pipe sealant on
threads and install new
anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and
open 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 under the “Cperating Your Water Heater.”
See the “Repair Parts Illustration” section for anode
rod location.
TEFLON® is a registered trademark of E.i. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
Draining and Flushing
ADANGER
• Hotwater discharge burn hazard.
• Keep clear of relief valve discharge
unit.
• Temperature limiting valves are
available.
• Read instruction manual for safe
temperature setting.
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. Close the cold water inlet valve.
3. Cpen a nearby hot water faucet.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to
an adequate drain.
NCTE: The drain hose should be rated for at least 200°R
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. Cpen 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.
6. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the
heater as directed under the “Cperating Your Water
Heater” section.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an
extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
IMPCRTANT: 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, pilot burner, and flame-arrestor. Check the water
heater for the following:
• Cbstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting
system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air
supplies are not obstructed.
• Clean any dust or debris from the base-ring filter.
• Soot and/or carbon on the main burner and pilot
burner. Contact a qualified technician.
• 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.
• After servicing this water heater, check to make sure
it is working properly. (See “Cperating Your Water
Heater” section of this manual.)
IMPCRTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required to
properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified technician.
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