Draining And Flushing; Heating Element Replacement - American Water Heater Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater User Manual

Draining and Flushing

It is recommended that the tank be drained and fl ushed
every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up
during operation. The water heater should be drained if
being shut down during freezing temperatures. To drain the
tank, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit
breaker/fuse box.
2. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is no
longer hot.
3. Close the cold water inlet valve.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an
adequate drain or external to the building.
5. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all of the
water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with water
as needed to remove sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, refi ll the tank (open the cold
water inlet valve), and restart the heater as directed in
this manual.
Do not turn on power to the water heater
IMPORTANT:
unless it is completely fi lled with water. To ensure that
the tank is full, open a hot water faucet and allow the
water to run until the air is purged and the water fl ows
uninterrupted from the faucet.
NOTE: The water heater will conduct a system
diagnostic prior to operation.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended
period, the drain valve should be left open.

Heating Element Replacement

WARNING
Disconnect power before
servicing.
Replace all parts and panels
before operating.
Failure to do so can result in
death or electrical shock.
Replacement heating elements must be of the same style
and voltage/wattage rating as the ones originally in the water
heater. This information can be found on the fl ange or terminal
block of the element or on the water heater data plate.
Before replacing any element, confi rm that
IMPORTANT:
you have the correct replacement element (wattage). This
water heater has a 4500 watt upper element and a 4500
watt lower element. DO NOT replace the element(s) with a
wattage different than the ones specifi ed for the upper and/
or lower element.
Using an element greater than 4500 watts
IMPORTANT:
will damage the water heater and void the warranty.
1. Turn off the power to the water heater.
2. Drain the water heater as directed in the "Draining
and Flushing" section.
16
Electric Shock Hazard
3. Remove the access cover(s), then take off the white
fiber dam.
4. Remove the protective plastic cover(s) over the
elements from their attachment point.
5. Disconnect the electrical wires from the heating
element(s) by loosening the screws (Figure 15).
Remove the screw-in element(s) by turning the
element(s) counterclockwise with a 1-1/2 inch socket
wrench. Remove the existing gasket(s)
Figure 15
Screws
6. Clean the area where the gasket(s) fits to the tank
and internal threads. If you are replacing the bottom
element, remove any accumulated sediment on the
bottom of the tank.
7. Make sure the replacement element(s) has the correct
voltage and wattage rating by matching it to the rating
plate on the water heater. Position the new gasket(s)
on the element and insert it into the water heater tank
(Figure 16).
Figure 16
Screw-in
Element
NOTE: Apply a light coat of hand dishwashing soap
and water to the gasket. Tighten the element by turning
it clockwise until secure.
8. Close the drain valve and open the nearest hot water
faucet. Then open the cold water shut off valve
allow the tank to fill completely with water. To purge
the lines of any excess air and sediment, keep the hot
water faucet open for 3 minutes after a constant flow of
water is obtained.
9. Check for leaks around the element(s).
10. Reconnect the electrical wires to the element and
securely tighten the screws (Figure 15).
11. Replace the protective plastic cover(s) removed earlier.
Make sure the cover(s) are securely engaged on the
attachment point(s).
12. Replace the white fiber dam and access cover(s).
13. Although this water heater is equipped with "Dry Fire"
protection circuitry, be sure tank is completely filled with
water before applying electrical power to the water heater.
14. Reconnect electrical power to the water heater at the
circuit breaker/fuse box.
15. Set the desired water temperature and operating mode.
NOTE: The water heater will conduct a system
diagnostic (approximately 8 minutes) prior to operation.
Wires
Element
Spud
Gasket
and