Operational Conditions - A.O. Smith Solar Storage Tank Water Heater Use & Care Manual

Operational Conditions

Anode Rod/Water Odor
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which
will slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life
of the water heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from
corrosion. Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures,
high hot water usage, hydronic heating devices, and water
softening methods can increase the rate of anode rod
depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start
to corrode, eventually developing a leak.
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 sulfi de gas
dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this
anode rod permanently as it will void any warranties.
A special anode rod may be available if water odor or
discoloration occurs. NOTE: This anode rod may reduce
but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply
system may require special fi ltration equipment from a water
conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water odor
problems.
Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because
the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and
calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the
life of the water heater tank.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of
three years and annually thereafter until the condition of
the anode rod dictates its replacement. NOTE: Artifi cially
softened water requires the anode
rod to be inspected annually.
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 power 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 Flushing" section for proper
procedures). Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
12
5. Use Teflon
6. Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet
7. Restart the water heater as directed under the
®
TEFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or
noises may be heard. These noises are common and may
result from the following:
1. Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts
2. Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create
Stratifi cation
Temperature stratifi cation may occur as water from the
solar collectors fl ows into the water heater tank. Since
this water may be hotter than the thermostat setting, the
temperature at the hot water outlet may be higher than
expected. An anti-scald device is recommended in the hot
water supply line to reduce the risk of scald injury.
Figure 13:
Anode Rod Depletion
tape or approved pipe sealant on threads
®
and install new anode rod.
to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and
immediately correct any if found.
"Operating Your Water Heater" section. See the "Repair
Parts Illustration" section for anode rod location.
during periods of heat-up and cool-down.
varying amounts of noise and may cause premature
tank failure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under
the "Draining and Flushing" section.