Kenmore 32646 Owners Manual - Page 7

Removing the Old Water Heater The water passing out of the drain valve may be extremely hot. To avoid being scalded, make sure all connections are tight and that the water flow is directed away from any person. 4. Check again to make sure the electrical supply is turned "OFF" to the water heater. Then unplug the water heater (cord set) or disconnect the electrical supply connection from the water heater junction box. 1. Turn "OFF" electrical supply to the water heater. FIGURE 1. 2. Turn "OFF" the water supply to the water heater at the water shut-off valve or water meter. FIGURE 4. 5a. If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two copper water pipes can be cut with a hacksaw approximately four inches away from where they connect to the water heater. This will avoid cutting off the pipes too short. Additional cuts can be made later if necessary. Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater is now completely disconnected and ready to be removed. FIGURE 2. 3. Attach a hose to the water heater drain valve and put the other end in a floor drain or outdoors. Open the water drain valve. Open a nearby hot water faucet which will relieve pressure in the water heater and speed draining. FIGURE 3. FIGURE 5a, 5b. If you have galvanized pipe to the water heater, loosen the two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in each line. Also disconnect the piping remaining to the water heater. These pieces should be saved since they may be needed when reconnecting the new water heater. Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater is now completely disconnected and ready to be removed. * Burn hazard , Hot water discharge. , Keep hands clear of drain valve discharge. FIGURE 5b.