How to Access, Remove, & Clean Hot Water Tank Inlet Filter Screens

**For Model:** Cash-Acme Heatguard 020

Additional Manufacturer Documentation: Tank Booster Pro Mixing Valve Installation Instructions

**Important:** This is not a permanent solution to low pressure. Per the manufacturer, hot water tanks should be maintained annually and serviced. Maintenance includes draining the tank, servicing and replacing the anode rod, checking for or clearing sediment, checking for or clearing mineral crystallization, etc. Refer to the sticker on the front of the tank that lists the model number and find your specific maintenance information attached to the model number.

*Note: It is recommended that this service be performed by a licensed plumber.*

Section 1: What You Will Need

Channellock pliers
Needlenose pliers
Small bucket
Rags or paper towels
Wire brush / toothbrush (or similar)
**2x** 3/4" stainless steel water inlet filter screens
Pair of Kevlar/silicone (or similar) heat-resistant gloves

Section 2: Draining the Tank

Caution: This process involves draining **extremely hot water** out of the hot water tank.

The insulation within the tank walls can keep the water inside hot for up to **2 days**.

To avoid burns, consider unplugging the tank (Step 1) the night before, and pausing hot water usage until the entire process is complete so the water can cool down overnight. Otherwise, handle this hot water with care.

Step 1

Unplug the HW (hot water) tank.

Do not plug it back in until the tank is refilled with water.

Step 2

Slowly shut off the cold-water supply valve that goes into the HW tank.

Step 3

Shut off water to the whole ManaBloc.

- Split style home: located underneath the ManaBloc

- Ranch style home: located next to the water main

Step 4

Shut off all hot water valves on the left side of the ManaBloc. The cold-water valves can stay open.

Step 5

Place a bucket underneath HW tank drain. You could also attach a hose to feed the water to the outdoors. If you have not allowed the water in the tank to cool down, do not empty into a drain. This may cause damage to the PVC drain pipes.

*Note: Always handle the tank and drain with heat-resistant gloves on. The tank’s metal exterior and the water inside will be very hot.*

Step 6

Using a flathead screwdriver, twist open the HW tank drain valve and drain about 15 gallons of water from the tank, then twist the valve closed.

**After water is drained, direct attention to the top of the tank.**

Section 3: Cleaning the Screens

Step 1 – Access Screen #1

Using a Channellock wrench, slowly twist open the nut connecting the flexible hose to the mixing valve (Screen #1).

*Note: Do this carefully, as residual water inside the hose will leak out when you open it up. If there is more water than a few paper towels can handle, the tank is too full of water to proceed. You will need to drain a few more gallons out. In some cases, the screen may be on the other end of this same braided hose.*

Step 2 – Remove Screen #1

Using needle nose pliers, remove the screen from the flexible hose opening, and clean with a small brush as necessary.

Step 3 – Access Screen #2

Using a Channellock wrench, open the nut connecting the mixing valve to the HW tank (Screen #2).

Step 4 – Remove and Clean Screen #2

Pry the screen out with needlenose pliers, then clean with a small brush as necessary.

Step 6 – Reassemble

Reinsert filters and reconnect both fittings before starting the refill process.

Section 4: Refilling the Water Tank

Step 1

Slowly open the ManaBloc water valve completely.

Step 2

On the ManaBloc: re-open only the hot water valve to "bath 2 tub” (guest bathroom tub). Keep all other hot water valves in the *OFF* position.

*Note: A fixture will need to be open so the air in the HW tank can escape as it refills with water. Any sediment stirred up while draining the tank will block the aerators in faucets and showerheads. The tub spout does not have an aerator like faucets and showerheads do, so sediment will pass through without blocking the fixture.

Step 3

Very slowly, slightly open the cold-water main to the HW tank. Angle the handle to be open about **45 degrees**. You will hear water pouring into the emptied tank. Keep the handle at 45 degrees until it is filled.

**Extremely important:** Do not completely open the cold-water main to the HW tank before the tank is refilled. Opening it to a full 90 degrees can send all the pressure in the expansion tank through the open ManaBloc valves, which could pop fittings that hold the pipes together.

Step 4

Upstairs: turn on the hot water to the tub spout. There will be no water coming out (because the HW tank has been drained), but be sure it stays open as if you are filling the tub with hot water. Air inside the HW tank will whistle out of the tub spout as the tank refills.

Step 5

Allow **5–10 minutes** for the HW tank to fill back up. You will hear water splashing inside the tank as it fills. When fully filled, the sound of water flowing inside will stop, water will start flowing through the ManaBloc, and water will start flowing out of the tub spout upstairs.

Step 6

Open the cold-water valve to the HW tank very slowly and in small increments. Allow ample time for excess air in the tank to pass through before each turn you make on the cold-water valve.

Step 7

When the valve is fully opened, plug the water heater back in.

Step 8

Slowly reopen all the hot water valves on the left side of the ManaBloc.

Step 9

Test all fixtures for hot water. Fixtures may sputter air and water at first—allow time for air to purge out of the lines before normal use.

*Note: Repeat the entire process as necessary over extended periods of use.