Whirlpool Gas Water Heater High Efficiency Atmospheric Vent Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual page 22

Powered Anode Operation
To protect the glass-lined water tank from corrosion
through electrolysis, this water heater is equipped with a
non sacrificial powered anode rod. The powered anode
rod is non sacrificial and should not need to be replaced
unless damaged.
If the powered anode rod has been damaged then the
powered anode rod should be removed and replaced from
the water heater tank.
IMPORTANT: If the damaged powered anode rod has not
been replaced but has been remove permanently, this will
void any warranties.
Figure 22
Powered
Anode
Rod
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the powered
anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if
found.
In replacing the powered anode:
1. Turn off electrical supply and 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 the "Draining and Flushing" section for proper
procedures). Close drain valve.
4. Remove the wiring connection on the top of the
powered anode rod and remove the old powered
anode rod (Figure 22).
5. Use Teflon tape or approved pipe sealant on threads
®
and install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet
to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks
and immediately correct any if found.
7. Turn on electrical and gas supplies. Restart the water
heater as directed under the "Operating Your Water
Heater." See the "Repair Parts Illustration" section for
anode rod location.
TEFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
®
Powered Anode System
To ensure a long, trouble-free
operating life, this water
heater is equipped with a
powered anode system.
The powered anode rod is of
a permanent design and does
not need replacing unless
damaged.
Draining and Flushing
It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed
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 gas to the water heater at the manual gas
shut-off valve and turn off the electrical power to the
gas control/thermostat valve.
2. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is not
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 the
water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with water
as needed to remove sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the
heater as directed in this manual.
If the water heater is going to be shut down for an
extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
IMPORTANT: Condensation may occur when refilling the
tank and should not be confused with a tank leak.
Routine Preventive Maintenance
At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of
the venting and air supply system, piping systems, and
main burner. Check the water heater for the following:
• Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting
system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air
supplies are not obstructed.
• Clean any dust or debris from the louvers of the air
intake chamber.
• Soot and/or carbon on the main burner. Contact a
qualified technician.
• Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.
• Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the
installation area.
• Presence of combustible materials near the water
heater.
• After servicing this water heater, check to make sure
it is working properly. (See "Operating Your Water
Heater" section of this manual.)
IMPORTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required to
properly perform this visual inspection, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified technician.
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