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Operating the water heater without the proper anode
rod protection will decrease tank life and will void
the tank manufacturer's warranty on the tank. To
extend the anode life, drain the water from the wa-
ter heater tank whenever the RV is not being used.
Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in
the tank.
To prevent a water leak when replacing the anode rod,
a pipe thread sealant approved for potable water (such as Teflon Tape) must be applied to
the threads of the anode rod. Proper application of a thread sealant will not interfere with
the anode.
High Altitude Deration
Operation of the water heater at high altitudes may require derating. If the water heater is
not properly derated, lack of sufficient oxygen for combustion may produce improper burn-
er operation. Pilot outage caused by burner lift-off or sooting from a yellow burner may
occur, indicating the possibility of carbon monoxide. You may also notice a lack of effi-
ciency in heating the water because of incomplete combustion of the burner at these higher
altitudes. Consult with the local propane company, your dealer or the water heater manufac-
turer for proper derating of the water heater. Change out of the orifice (derating) should be
done by the dealer or a qualified service agency.
NOTE: It is important that once the RV has returned to lower
elevation (below 4500 feet) any high altitude deration or other adjust-
ments be reversed for proper operation of the water heater.
Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve is designed to open if the temperature of the water
within the heater reaches 120° F, or if the water pressure in the heater reaches 150 pounds.
When this pressure is reached, the pressure relief valve will open and water will drip from
the valve.
This "weeping" or dripping will continue until the pressure is reduced to below 150 pounds,
and the valve closes. This condition is normal and does not indicate a defective relief valve.
One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain an air pocket at the top
of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form in the tank by design; however, it will be
reduced over time by the everyday use of your water heater. To replenish this air pocket:
Turn off the water heater.
1.
Turn off the cold water supply line.
2.
3.
Open a faucet in the recreation vehicle.
Pull out the handle of the pressure relief (P&T) valve and allow water to flow from the
4.
valve until it stops.
5.
Release the handle on the P&T valve - it should snap closed.
Close the faucet and turn on the cold water supply. As the tank fills, the air pocket will
develop. Repeat this procedure as often as needed to reduce the frequency of the weeping
P&T valve.
Section 8: Plumbing System
Anode Rod Replacement Chart
127
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