Kolter Homeowner Guide

General maintenance You probably won’t realize your water heater is about to fail — or appreciate all of your uses for hot water — until the unit fails. It often happens suddenly. That’s because rust and limestone sediment attack your water heater from the inside. As a result, even a failing water heater may look perfectly fine on the outside. Though steel water heater tanks often have a glass lining designed to prevent rust, small openings may develop in the lining due to temperature fluctuations that cause it to expand and contract. Water eventually gets into the lining and then contacts the tank and causes it to rust. Heated water also causes the formation of limestone in the water heater tank. The limestone settles in the bottom of the tank. In both electric and gas water heaters, the limestone eventually diminishes its ability to heat water. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your water heater functioning properly and to extend its useful life. HOME TIP: Switch off the breaker that provides electricity to the water heater if you are gone from home for an extended period of time. This will reduce electricity use and help preserve the heating element.

Testing the pressure relief valve Limestone can clog the pressure relief valve. Test the valve once a year to ensure its proper function. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure the water tank is full.

2. Ensure the valve connects to a pipe directed down and away from the tank. Failure to do so could cause spraying of scalding water if excessive pressure causes the valve to release water.

3. Set a bucket beneath the drainpipe.

4. Lift the handle slightly to open the valve. Be careful, as the valve will release hot water.

Also, see Electrical Troubleshooting (Page 14).

Draining the water heater Drain the water heater annually to remove built- up sediment. Removing all sediment, especially if you haven’t drained the water heater regularly, may require multiple attempts. Before draining the water heater make sure it’s full of water.

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