Whirlpool E2F40RD045V Owner's Manual

Residen  al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 21

Rou  ne maintenance will help your 
water heater last longer and work bet-
ter. If you can’t perform these rou  ne 
maintenance tasks yourself, contact a 
qualifi ed person. 

A  er the fi rst six months, drain and 
fl ush the water heater and inspect the 
anode rod. Depending on the hard-
ness of your water, repeat this process 
at least annually, or more frequently if 
needed.  From   me to   me you may 
need to replace a hea  ng element or a 
thermostat. All three maintenance tasks 
are described below.

Tap water contains minerals that can 
form lime deposits on hea  ng elements 
or sediment in the bo  om of the tank. 
The amount of lime deposits or sedi-
ment depends on the hardness of your 
tap water. The rate at which sediment 
builds up depends on water quality and 
hardness in your area, the tempera-
ture se   ngs, and other variables. We 
recommend draining and fl ushing the 
water heater a  er the fi rst six months 
of opera  on to determine the amount 
of sediment build up. Draining sedi-
ment extends the life of the tank, heat-
ing elements, and drain valves. 

•  In areas with very hard water, remove 

and check the hea  ng elements 
whenever you drain the tank. If you 
have heavy lime deposits on hea  ng 
elements, you will need to replace 
them more o  en.  

•  Sediment may form large masses that 

can prevent the tank from draining. 
Have a qualifi ed person use a de-liming 
agent suitable for potable water to 
remove the sediment buildup. 

•  In most cases, it is easier and cheaper 

to replace lime-encrusted elements 
than trying to remove heavy lime 
deposits.

Locate the water heater’s 
circuit breaker and turn it OFF 
(or remove the circuit’s fuses).

Open a hot water faucet and 
let the hot water run un  l it is 
cool.

Connect a garden hose to the 
drain valve and place the other 
end of the hose in a drain, 

outside, or in buckets. 

Turn the cold water supply 
valve OFF. 

Open the drain valve on the 
water heater.

Open a hot water faucet to 
help the water in the tank 
drain faster. 

NOTICE: DO NOT turn electrical power 
back on unless the tank is completely 
full of water. 

Remove and inspect the anode 
rod (see Repair Parts Illustra-

 on on back cover for loca  on 

of the anode rod). Replace the anode 
rod if it is depleted.

Anode Rod. The anode rod is a sacrifi cial 
metal rod that helps reduce corrosion 
and premature failure (leaks) in the tank. 
The anode rod is a consumable item. 
Inspect the anode rod a  er the fi rst six 
months of opera  on when you drain and 
fl ush the tank. Replace the anode rod if 
it is substan  ally worn out or depleted. 
Therea  er, inspect the anode rod annu-
ally or more frequently if needed. If you 
use a water so  ener, your anode rod 
will deplete faster than normal. Inspect 
the anode rod more frequently, replac-
ing the anode rod as needed. Obtain 
new anode rods from Lowe’s® or have 
a qualifi ed person replace it. (Anode 
rods are a consumable item and are not 
covered under warranty).

If the sediment was present 
when the tank was drained, 
fl ush the tank by opening the 

cold water supply valve and le   ng the 
water run un  l no more sediment 

Anode Rods from new (top) to par  ally depleted 
(middle) to fully depleted stage (bo  om)