Page 225 - 12558 Drexler Builder Binder.pdf

MAINTENANCE

anode rod more frequently, replacing person. To replace the hea ng ele- Steps for Replacing the Hea ng
the anode rod as needed. Obtain new ment, you’ll need the following tools Element:
anode rods from your local plumbing and supplies:

supplier or have a qualied person 1 Turn the power OFF at the

replace it. (Anode rods are a consum- circuit breaker or remove fuses.
able item and are not covered under
warranty).
8 If the sediment was present
when the tank was drained,

ush the tank by opening the Figure 28 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester Figure 31 - Circuit Breaker
cold water supply valve and le ng the • Always turn power OFF and check Open the electrical junc on
water run un l no more sediment the power wires with a non-contact 2 box on top of the water
drains from the tank. Close the drain circuit tester before working on the heater. Using a non-contact
valve when you are done. water heater. circuit tester, check the power wires to
NOTICE: Do not turn power back on make certain the power is OFF.
un l the tank is completely full of wa-
ter. For complete instruc ons on lling

the tank, follow Step 8 in the Installa- Figure 29 - Heating Element (with
on sec on. gasket)
Rell the tank by opening the • Check your water heater’s data

9 cold water supply valve. Make plate for the correct wattage and
sure a hot water faucet is voltage. Heating elements are
open and the drain valve is closed. available your local plumber sup-
Allow the hot water to run full for at plier. Figure 32 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester
least three minutes to make sure the
tank has all the air removed and is 3 Open a hot water faucet and
completely full of water. Failure to let the hot water run un l it is
perform this step can cause the upper cool.
hea ng element to burn out. Once you
are certain the tank is completely full
of water, close the hot water faucet. Figure 30 - Element Wrench
Restore power to the water • Some regular sockets (1 1/2 inch)
10 heater. It may take two hours may work, but regular sockets are

for the tank to heat up. often beveled and may slip. Inex-
pensive element wrenches are
Replacing the Hea ng Element available at your local plumber sup-
WARNING! Working on an ener- plier. Figure 33 - Water Faucet
gized circuit can result in severe injury WARNING! Be sure the water runs
or death from electrical shock. Turn • Garden hose to drain the tank cool before draining the tank to re-
power o . Check wires with a non- • Hand dishwashing soap to lubricate duce the risk of scalding.
contact circuit tester to make sure the gasket
power is o . When you are nished, 4 Connect a garden hose to the

be sure all covers are secured to re- • A clean cloth to clean the threaded drain valve and place the other
end of the hose in a drain or
opening
duce the risk of re and electric shock. • A flat blade and a Phillips screw- outside (or use buckets). Turn OFF the

MAINTENANCE self, have this work done by a qualied driver heater. Open the drain valve on the
If you are not comfortable replacing a
cold water valve that supplies the water
hea ng element or thermostat your-

water heater. Opening a hot water

22 • Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide