Rheem SolPak Use and Care Manual - Page 24

Section 9: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 9) MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING The following simple procedures are intended to optimize the performance of your solar water heating system and also to extend the life of the primary components. 9.1 Fluid Quality: It is extremely important to monitor the quality of the Dowfrost HD HTF on a periodic basis. The chemical composition of the heat transfer fluid may change over time. System pH must be maintained between 8 and 10 to avoid damage to the collector loop and absorber plate piping. 9.2 The second most important component in your system, at least from a longevity standpoint, is often ignored and never seen. We are referring to the sacrificial "anode rod" installed in your solar storage tank (No. 14). Typically constructed from magnesium, anode rods are installed in "glass lined" water heaters and storage tanks to inhibit corrosion. As the name implies, the "sacrificial" anode rod is consumed so that the tank lining is not. At a certain point in the process, the anode rod is no longer completely effective and the corrosive processes begin to eat away at the tank's glass lining. In time the solar storage tank, like any other gas or electric water heater, will begin to leak. The process is not reversible and the tank must be replaced. System temperatures and water quality affect the rate at which the anode rod is consumed. In general, the higher the average system temperature the faster the rate of corrosion. By changing the anode rod after the fifth year of system operation, and every three to five years thereafter, it is possible to extend the life of the solar storage tank. Periodic replacement of the anode rod in your solar storage tank can significantly extend the tank life. 9.3 The solar storage tank also should be flushed annually to minimize sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. If you live in an area with high mineral content in your water, flush the tank on a semi-annual basis. Turn the heating element to the solar tank off before flushing. Turn the controller to the off position. Open the flush valve on the bottom of the storage tank (No. 18) and drain a sufficient volume of water to eliminate the sediment. After the procedure is complete make sure the tank is completely full of water before turning on the heating element. Turn the controller to the "on" position. 9.4 If you live in a dusty climate it is a good idea to wash off the dirt that settles on the collector glass once a month. Clean glass allows the collector to maintain a high level of thermal performance. 9.5 Check the exterior pipe insulation annually and patch or repair any exposed surfaces or degraded areas. Repaint as necessary. 9.6 In the unusual instance of collector glass breakage, the glass should be replaced immediately. This will reduce the likelihood of water accumulating inside the collector and deteriorating the insulation. Contact your installation contractor. 9.7 If you detect a glycol or water leak, or the glycol loop pressure drops unexpectedly, contact your installation contractor immediately to diagnose the problem and recharge the system. 9.8 If it's been a sunny day and you don't have hot water, first make sure that the controller is set in the automatic position. If the controller is properly set and the pump has not been running, unplug the line cord from the controller receptacle and plug the pump directly into a nearby 115 volt outlet. If the pump does not run it may need to be replaced. If the pump does run 24