A water heater’s tank can act as a settling basin for solids suspended in the water. It is therefore not uncommon for hard water deposits to accumulate in the bottom of the tank. If allowed to accumulate, these solids can cover the gas control (thermostat) sensors, causing the sensors to operate erratically. Because accumulated solids can prevent the gas control (thermostat) sensors from accurately reading the water temperature, the water
at the fixture can be hotter than the gas control (thermostat) dial setting. It is suggested that a few quarts of water be drained from the water heater’s tank every month to clean the tank of these deposits.

It is recommended that a periodic inspection of the gas control (thermostat), burner, relief valve, internal flue-way and venting system should be made by service personnel qualified in gas appliance repair.

It is suggested that a routine preventative maintenance program be established and followed by the user.

The anode rod should be removed from the water heater’s tank annually for inspection and replaced when more than 6” of core wire is exposed at either end of the rod.
Make sure the cold water supply is turned off before removing anode rod.

At least once a year, lift and release the lever handle on the temperature pressure relief valve, located near the top of the water heater, to make certain the valve operates freely. Allow several gallons to flush through the discharge line to an open drain.

The water heater’s internal flue must be inspected annually to be certain it is clean by removing the draft hood and flue baffle.
When reinstalling the flue baffle make certain it is hung securely by its hanger at
the top of the flue way. Reinstall the draft hood. Inspect the gas venting system and the chimney. Make certain the vent connector from positioned and securely attached. If after inspection of the vent system you found soot or deterioration; call the local gas utility to correct the problem and clean the flue, or replace the flue, flue baffle, and venting system
before resuming operation of the water heater.
Test for spillage at the draft hood relief opening after 5 minutes of burner operation. Use a flame of a match or candle or smoke.

Burner Inspection
Visually inspect the pilot burner and main burner annually.
Through the sight glass, inspect the pilot burner flame with the main burner off and
inspect the main burner while firing. If any unusual burner operation is noted, the water heater should be shut off until qualified service assistance can be obtained.
The burner operates in radiant mode and glows bright orange when burning correctly. Allow approximately 30 seconds after turning on for the burner to reach the radiant mode! CAUTION: For your safety, cleaning of the burner must be performed only by qualified service personnel. The burner chamber is a sealed area. If the burner inner door, lower air box, or inner door
burner assembly are removed, the inner door gaskets, burner access door gasket, and transition pan gasket must be replaced. For cleaning, remove the inner door and inner door burner assembly from the water heater. A vacuum cleaner can be used on the burner and inside the water heater. The burner can also be cleaned by blowing air over the burner surface. Do not allow any large debris to remain inside the burner.