Flushing Water Heater; Draining Water Heater; Filling Water Heater; Sediment & Limescale - andrews ECOflo EC230/600 Installation Manual, Operation And Maintenance Manual

40
SECTION 6 • MAINTENANCE / SERVICE

FLUSHING WATER HEATER

1. Turn OFF the water heater electrical disconnect
switch.
2. Open the drain valve and allow water to flow until it
runs clean.
3. Close the drain valve when finished flushing.
4. Turn ON the water heater electrical disconnect switch.

DRAINING WATER HEATER

The water heater must be drained if it is to be shut down
and exposed to freezing temperatures. Maintenance and
service procedures may also require draining the water
heater.
1. Turn off the water heater electrical disconnect switch.
2. Connect a hose to the drain valve.
3. Locate hose's discharge in an area where hot water
will not cause any damage or injury.
4. Close the cold water inlet valve to water heater.
5. Open a nearby hot water tap to vent the system.
6. Open the heater drain valve.
7. If the water heater is being drained for an extended
shutdown, it is suggested the drain valve be left open
during this period.

FILLING WATER HEATER

1. Close the water drain valve by turning the knob or
valve stern clockwise. If alternative water connections
are provided but not used, make certain they are
plugged (i.e. side connections).
2. Open the cold water supply shut-off valve.
3. Open several hot water taps to allow air to escape
from the system.
4. When a steady stream of water flows from the faucets,
the water heater is filled. Close the faucets and check
for water leaks at the water heater drain valve,
combination temperature and pressure relief valve and
the hot and cold water connections.
SEDIMENT AND LIMESCALE
Waterborne impurities consist of the particles of soil and
sand, which settle out and form a layer of sediment on
the bottom of the tank.
The amount of calcium carbonate (scale) released from
water is in direct proportion to water temperature and
usage. The higher the water temperature or water usage,
the more scale deposits are dropped out of the water.
This is the limescale, which forms in pipes, water heaters
and on cooking utensils.
Scale accumulation not only reduces the life of the
equipment but also reduces efficiency of the water heater
and increases fuel consumption.
The usage of water softening equipment greatly reduces
the hardness of the water. However, this equipment does
not always remove all of the hardness (scale). For this
reason it is recommended that a regular schedule of
de-scaling be maintained.
The depth of the build-up should be measured
periodically. Water heaters will have about 3 inches of
scale build-up when the level of scale has reached the
bottom of the cleanout opening or about 1 inch of scale
build-up if it has reached the drain valve opening.
A schedule for de-scaling should be set up, based on the
amount of time it would take for a ½ inch build-up of
scale.
Example: Initial inspection shows ½ inch of scale
accumulation. Therefore, the water can be de-scaled
once a year.
TO REMOVE SEDIMENT AND LIMESCALE
1. Drain the heater. Refer to DRAINING THE WATER
instructions in this section.
2. Remove outer cover plate from lower side of water
heater jacket.
3. Remove cover and gasket from cleanout opening.
4. Remove lime scale or sediment taking care not to
damage the glass-lining.
5. Inspect cleanout plate gasket: Replace gasket if
necessary (refer to parts list on page 52).
6. Install gasket and cleanout plate. Be sure to draw
plate up tight by tightening bolts securely.
7. Close the drain valve. Open a hot water fixture to allow
air to escape. Open the cold water supply to water
heater and allow the tank to fill. Follow the lighting
instructions.
8. Check for water leakage.
9. Install outer jacket cover plate.