Draining The Water Heater; Water Quality; Anode Inspection And Replacement - Rheem 3805 Series Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions

Note: if it is necessary to switch the power off to the water heater and there is a risk of freezing,
then it is recommended to drain the water heater; failure to do so may result in damage if freezing
occurs.

Draining the Water Heater

When carrying out maintenance or when going on long holidays during the winter time it may be
necessary to drain the water heater. Drain the heater as follows:
Warning: Exercise care, as water discharged from the water heater may be of a very high
temperature.
1. Switch off the electrical supply to the water heater.
2. Close the cold water isolation valve.
3. Close all hot water taps.
4. Operate the relief valve release lever - do not let the lever snap back or you will damage the
valve seat. Operating the lever will release the pressure in the water heater.
5. Disconnect the cold water inlet and connect a flexible hose to tank. Place the other end of
flexible hose in drain.
6. Open a hot tap or relief valve. This will let air into the water heater and allow the water to
drain through the hose.

Water Quality


Poor water quality will have a detrimental effect on the water heater and its operation and /or
life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water quality, information can be obtained from your
local water supply authority.

This water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most public reticulated water
supplies. The total dissolved solid content (TDS) of the water supply is to be less than 2500mg/L.
Note if the TDS level exceeds 600mg/L the consumption of the sacrificial anode rod will be
accelerated and the life span of water heater will be shortened accordingly.

Anode inspection and replacement


The anode installed in your water heater will dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of
the cylinder may be extended by replacing the anode.

For water supplies which are either of a poor quality, softened, desalinated or where the water
supply may alternate between a water tank and a reticulated public supply or another supply, it
is recommended the anode be checked regularly and replaced as necessary.
CAUTION

If the water supply has a TDS of less than 150 mg/L or greater than 600 mg/L there is the
possibility the anode may become overactive and hydrogen gas could accumulate in the top of
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