Anode Rod Inspection; Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation; Water Heater Sounds - A.O. Smith Cirrex SUN-80 Instruction Manual

7. Attach the wires to the new thermostat.
NOTE: Some of the terminals may require straight-in wiring
through an eye-opening. If wires are now looped, recut and
strip wire 3/8" (9.525 mm) to a straight length and insert.
8. Put plastic terminal cover back in place.
9. Replace the insulation to cover the thermostat.
10. Replace outer door then turn the electric power on.

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 sulfide 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 filtration equipment
from a water conditioning company to successfully eliminate all
water odor problems.
Artificially 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" (9.5mm).
• Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more
of the anode rod's length) are visible.
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 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 (19 L)
of water from tank. (Refer to "Draining
and Flushing" for proper procedures).
Close drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Teflon® 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

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 16.
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.
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the water heater 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 or remove the
PITTED
ANODE
temperature-pressure relief valve.
ROD

WATER HEATER SOUNDS

1. The solar water heater is equipped with an immersion
heating element for fastest recovery. If the solar water
heater occasionally makes noises this is not a defect or a
safety hazard.
EXPOSED
2. Lime or scale has accumulated on the heating element
SUPPORT
causing a hissing sound. Element scale removal can be
WIRE
accomplished by using vinegar or by scraping.
Figure 14.
15
15
in this manual. See the Repair Parts Illustration for anode
rod location.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.