Bradford White EFTM Installation & Operating Manual page 42

Internet Version for Reference Only
DRAIN VALVE AND TANK ACCESS PANEL
The water heaters are equipped with a ¾ inch drain valve.
An access panel covers the cleanout opening in the tank, which is sealed by a gasket and cover. RELIEF VALVE
At least twice a year, the temperature and pressure relief valve should be checked to ensure that it is in operating condition.
To check the relief valve, lift the lever at the end of the valve several times. The valve should seat properly and operate
freely.
If water does not flow, remove and inspect for obstructions or corrosion. Replace with a new valve of the recommended
size as necessary. A thorough inspection of the valve should be performed at least every three years by removing the
temperature and relief valve from the tank. Do not attempt to repair the valve, as this could result in improper operation
and a tank explosion. In areas with poor water conditions, it may be necessary to inspect the T&P valve more often than
the recommended maintenance schedule
Before manually operating the valve, make sure that a drain line has been attached to the valve to direct the
discharge to an open drain. Failure to take this precaution could mean contact with extremely hot water passing out
the valve during this checking operation.
If the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater discharges periodically or continuously, it may be due to
thermal expansion of water in a closed water supply system, or, it may be due to a faulty relief valve.
Thermal expansion is the normal response of water when it is heated. In a closed system, thermal expansion will cause the
system pressure to build until the relief valve actuation pressure is equaled. Then, the relief valve will open, allowing some
water to escape, slightly lowering the pressure.
Contact your water supplier or local plumbing inspector on how to control this situation.
Above all, do not plug the temperature and pressure relief valve. This is not a solution and can create a hazardous
situation.
VENT AND AIR INTAKE SYSTEM
Examine the vent and air intake system every 3 months. Points of inspection are as follows:
1. Check for obstructions and/or deterioration of vent piping and vent terminal. Replace immediately where needed.
2. Vent pipe and vent terminal screen should be cleaned of any foreign material. The screen is located inside the vent
terminal outlet and is accessible from the outside of the vent terminal elbow. Do not reach inside the vent terminal
when the water heater is in operation.
3. Check all venting system connections for leakage and reseal as required.
Figure 28. Powered Anode locations
CAUTION
WARNING
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