Anode Rod Inspection; Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation; Draining And Flushing; Drain Valve Washer Replacement - Lochinvar RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS Instruction Manual

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation and
combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater must
be maintained. See "Locating the New Water Heater" section.
Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable
liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater
which can cause a fire.

ANODE ROD INSPECTION

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, 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 rod permanently as it 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 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 removed from the water heater tank every
3 years for inspection. NOTE: artificially 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".
• Signifi cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of
the anode rod's length) are visible.
FIGURE 18.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode rod, check for any
leaks and immediately correct if found.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off gas supply 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 "Draining
and Flushing" for proper procedures). Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Tefl on® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and install
new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to
purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately
correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the Repair
Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE OPERATION
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at
least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation, make
sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-
pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that the water discharge
will not cause any property damage, as the water may be extremely
hot, see Figure 18.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and
continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to
the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the
temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or
discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You
may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter
with a check valve. Consult your local water supplier or service
agency for further information. Do not plug the temperature-pressure
relief valve.
20
FIGURE 19.