State Industries GS6 40 YBRS Series 200 Manuel D’Utilisation

24

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which 
will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank 
from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. 
Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, 
eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will 
cause a reaction between this rod and the water.  The 
most common complaint associated with the anode rod 
is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of 
hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: 
Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any 
warranties. The parts list includes a special anode that 
can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs. 
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water 
odor problems. The water supply system may require 
special aeration or chlorination equipment from a water 
conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water 
odor problems. 
The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the 
water heater tank. 
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater 
tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical 
(but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
• 

The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

• 

Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or 
more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it should be 
replaced.  NOTE: Whether reinstalling  or replacing the 
anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if 
found.
In replacing the anode:
1.  Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
2.  Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water 

faucet to depressurize the 
water tank.

3.  Drain approximately 5 

gallons of water from tank 
(Refer to the “Draining 
and Flushing” section for 
proper procedures). Close 
drain valve.

4.  Remove old anode rod.
5. Use 

Teflon

®

 tape or 

approved pipe sealant on 
threads and install new 
anode rod.

6.  Turn on water supply and 

open nearby hot water 
faucet to purge air from 
water system. Check for 
any leaks and immediately 
correct any if found.

7.  Restart the water heater 

as directed under the “Operating Your Water Heater.” 
See the “Repair Parts Illustration” section for anode 
rod location.

TEFLON

® 

is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company

It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed 

every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up 

during operation. The water heater should be drained if 

being shut down during freezing temperatures. To drain the 

tank, perform the following steps:
1.  Turn off the gas to the water heater at the manual gas 

shut-off valve.

2.  Close the cold water inlet valve.
3.  Open a nearby hot water faucet.
4.  Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to 

an adequate drain.

NOTE: The drain hose should be rated for at least 200°F. 

If the drain hose does not have this rating, open the cold 

water inlet valve and a nearby hot faucet until the water is 

no longer hot.
5.  Open the water heater drain valve and allow all the 

water to drain from the tank. Flush the tank with water 

as needed to remove sediment.

6.  Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restart the 

heater as directed under the “Operating Your Water 

Heater” section.

If the water heater is going to be shut down for an 

extended period, the drain valve should be left open.
IMPORTANT: Condensation may occur when refilling the 

tank and should not be confused with a tank leak.

At least annually, a visual inspection should be made of 

the venting and air supply system, piping systems, main 

burner, pilot burner, and flame-arrestor. Check the water 

heater for the following:
• 

Obstructions, damage, or deterioration in the venting 

system. Make sure the ventilation and combustion air 

supplies are not obstructed. 

• 

Clean any dust or debris from the base-ring filter.

• 

Soot and/or carbon on the main burner and pilot 

burner. Contact a qualified technician.

• 

Leaking or damaged water and gas piping.

• 

Presence of flammable or corrosive materials in the 

installation area.

• 

Presence of combustible materials near the water 

heater.

• 

After servicing this water heater, check to make sure 

it is working properly. (See “Operating Your Water 

Heater” section of this manual.)

IMPORTANT: If you lack the necessary skills required to 

properly perform this visual inspection, you should not 

proceed, but get help from a qualified technician.