Deliming Solvents; Tank Cleanout Procedure; Deliming Using Flo-Jug Method - American Water Heater BCG3 Instruction Manual

deliming solVents

A. o. Smith recommends the use of uN•Lime for deliming.
uN•Lime is a patented food grade acid which is safe to handle
and does not create the harmful fumes which are associated
with other products.
uN•Lime may be obtained from your dealer, distributor or A. o.
Smith Product Service Division. order Part Number 9005416105,
1 gallon, packed 4 gallons per case or Part Number 9005417105,
5 gallon container.
NoTe: un•Lime is not available for use in Canada.
Hydrochloric base acids are not recommended for use on glass
lined tanks.
observe handling instructions on label of product being used.

tank cleanout procedure

The following practices will ensure longer life and enable the
unit to operate at its designed efficiency:
1. once a month the heater should be flushed. open the drain
valve and allow two gallons of water to drain from the heater.
inlet water valve should remain open to maintain pressure
in tank.
2. A cleanout opening is provided for periodic cleaning of the
tank. Gas must be shut off and heater drained before opening
cleanout.
To clean heater through cleanout opening, proceed as follows:
3. Drain heater.
4. Remove outer cover plate from lower side of heater jacket.
5. Remove six (6) hex head screws securing tank cleanout plate
and remove plate.
6. Remove lime, scale, or sediment using care not to damage
the glass lining.
7. inspect cleanout plate gasket, if new gasket is required,
replace with part no. 9004099215.
8. install cleanout plate. Be sure to draw plate up tight by
tightening screws securely.
9. Replace outer jacket cover plate.
in some water areas the sediment might not be removed by this
method and may result in the water heater making rumbling or
boiling noises. To dissolve and remove these more stubborn
mineral deposits, A. o. Smith uN•Lime Professional Delimer
should be used.

deliming using flo-jug method

uN•Lime in the 5 gallon size is recommended for deliming of all
models. Contact your local A.o. Smith dealer, distributor or, A.o.
Smith Water Products Company:
Telephone: (800) 433-2545
fax: (800) 433-2515
Website: www.hotwater.com/parts
Prepare the Water Heater
To delime the water heater using the flo-Jug method, first
prepare the heater for deliming.
Do not smoke or have open flame or sparks in vicinity of heater.
Do not mix uN•Lime with other chemicals. Do not allow contact
with magnesium, aluminum or galvanized metals.
Chemical Hazard
• Product contains phosphoric acid.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Use rubber or neoprene gloves.
Contains phosphoric acid. in case of external contact, flush
with cool water. if irritation persists, get medical attention. if
swallowed, give 1 or 2 glasses of water or milk and call physician.
Get immediate medical attention for eyes. Keep out of reach of
children.
note: the use of ruBBer or neoprene gloVes is
recommended, especially if you haVe any open
sores or cuts to aVoid unnecessary irritation
or discomfort.
1. Turn off fuel and/or power supply to heater. Also, turn
off power to any electrical device or equipment, which is
attached, or part of the system.
2. open hot water side of faucet closest to heater and allow
water to run until it is cool enough to handle safely.
3. Close cold water inlet valve to heater.
4. Connect hose to drain valve at bottom of heater and start
draining heater into suitable floor drain area.
5. Remove relief valve while heater is draining. NoTe: Do not
replace relief valve until deliming is completed. Relief valve
opening will also act as a vent in case of possible contact
between the delimer and the anode rod(s), which may
produce flammable hydrogen-air mixtures.
6. if relief valve appears to be limed-up, place it in a clean glass
or plastic container adequate in size so that you can pour
enough uN•Lime® into the container to cover the valve and
allow space for foaming. When foaming stops, run fresh cool
water into the container and rinse the relief valve for a few
minutes.
7. if heater does not drain completely after a reasonable
length of time, turn off the main water supply valve to stop
water from entering the tank due to a by-pass problem or
defective cold water inlet valve. Also, check for clogged drain
valve opening. Heater must be completely drained before
introducing uN•Lime.
30
Explosion Hazard
Flammable hydrogen gases
may be present.
Keep all ignition sources away
from faucet when turning on
hot water.