EarthLinked GSTE-119 Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual - page 22
SWH-IOM (08/10)
Page 22
7. Maintenance
The following schedule covers the items that require regular checking and maintenance on the
GSTE storage water heater. The details for each item follow the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance Schedule
Every 6 Months (First Year Only)
Check Anode Rod(s)
Every 12 Months
Check Anode Rod(s)
Flush Tank
T&P Valve
Check Anode Rod(s) – First Year
The anode rods should be inspected twice the first year. The first time check the anode rods is
six months after the heater is installed.
The anode rod is a 3/4” diameter magnesium rod that “sacrifices itself” to control corrosion. If
an anode rod has reduced in size to 1/4” diameter or shows signs of pitting it is time for
replacement. To check the anode rod, follow these steps:
• Turn OFF the electric power.
• Shut OFF the water supply by means of the main cold water supply isolation valve.
• Open a drain valve in the piping illustration long enough to relieve the tank pressure and
drain water, as appropriate, to lower water level below top of tank.
• Remove caps on top of the storage tank.
• Use a 1-1/16” six-sided socket wrench and breaker bar. Snap hard to break the anode
rod seal.
• Remove rod(s), inspect and replace with new rod(s) as necessary. (An anti-sieze pipe
sealant is recommended, teflon tape is acceptable). Replacement anode rods are
specified in the storage water tank and storage water heater literature that came with
the tank or heater. The anode rods can be ordered through the local Bock dealer listed
at www.bockwaterheaters.com
• Tighten the anode rod nut(s) and snap the caps into place.
• Be sure all drain valves are closed, turn on the main cold water supply isolation valve
and purge the air from the tank and associated piping, as appropriate.
• Turn ON the electric power and initiate normal unit operation.