Anode Rod Maintenance - A.O. Smith 300 Series Installation And Operating Manual

ANODE ROD MAINTENANCE

CAUTION
Property Damage Hazard
• Avoid water heater damage.
• Inspection and replacement of anode rod required.
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that helps avoid
corrosion and premature failure (leaks) in the tank. The
anode rod is a consumable item. Inspect the anode rod
after the first six months of operation when you drain and
flush the tank. Replace the anode rod if it is substantially
worn out or depleted (see Figure 55). Thereafter, inspect
the anode rod annually or more frequently if needed. If
you use a water softener, your anode rod will deplete
faster than normal. Inspect the anode rod more frequently,
replacing the anode rod if it is depleted. Once the anode
rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually
developing a leak. Obtain a new anode rod from your local
plumbing supplier or have a qualified person replace it.
(Anode rods are a consumable item and are not covered
under warranty).
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 sulfide gas
dissolved in the water. The removal of the anode rod
requires a 1-1/16" socket.
Important: Do not operate the water heater without a
functioning anode rod as this 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
filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
To replace the anode:
1. Turn "OFF" the electrical supply to the water heater.
2. Turn "OFF" the gas supply at the Main Gas shut-off
Valve.
3. CLOSE the cold-water inlet valve to the water heater.
4. OPEN a nearby hot-water faucet and leave open to
allow for draining.
5. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer
to "Draining And Flushing" for proper procedures).
Close drain valve.
6. Remove old anode rod.
7. Use Teflon tape or approved pipe sealant on threads
®
and install new anode rod.
8. Remove the hose and follow instructions in the
"Filling The Water Heater" section.
9. Follow the lighting instructions on the label or see
"Lighting Instructions" to restart the water heater.
See Figure 56 for anode rod location.
100304526_2000545240 _Rev. 01
* THE ANODE ROD IS COVERED
BY URETHANE FOAM LOCATED
UNDER THE CAP. CHIP AWAY
THE FOAM TO EXPOSE THE
TOP OF THE ANODE ROD
CAP
ANODE ROD *
www.hotwater .com
NEW
PARTIALLY DEPLETED
FULLY DEPLETED
Figure 55.
Figure 56.
51