Kenmore 153.331572 User Manual

Page 34

Read this manual first. Then, before checking the water heater,
make sure the gas supply has been turned “OFF”, and never
turn the gas “ON” before the tank is completely full of water.

Never use this water heater unless it is completely filled with
water. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be filled
with water. Water must flow from the hot water faucet before
turning “ON” gas to the water heater.

A. Water at the draft hood is water vapor which has condensed

out of the combustion products. This is caused by a
problem in the vent. Contact a qualified technician.

B. *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or

pipe connections may be leaking.

C. *The anode rod fitting may be leaking.

D. Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure relief

valve may be due to thermal expansion or high water
pressure in your area.

E. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at

the tank fitting.

F. Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being

slightly opened.

G. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.

H. Combustion products contain water vapor which can

condense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets form
and drip onto the burner or run on the floor. This is common
at the time of start-up after installation and when incoming
water is cold.

I. Water in the water heater bottom or on the floor may be

from condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve.
DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection
of all possible water sources is made and necessary
corrective steps taken.

Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage
should also be checked.

* To check where threaded portion enters tank, insert cotton

swab between jacket opening and fitting. If cotton is wet, follow
draining instructions in the “Draining and Flushing” section and
then remove fitting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads
and replace. When you are finished, follow the steps in “Filling
the Water Heater” in the Installation Instructions earlier in this
manual.

if the flame is absent. This unit is also equipped with a thermal
switch, designed to shut off the gas supply in the event the
water heater has been exposed to flammable vapors (e.g.,
spilled gasoline), poor combustion caused by a blocked vent or
insufficient combustion air. If the thermal switch opens:

1. Check the fl ame-arrestor for signs of high temperature (blue

or black discoloration). See Figure 38.

2. If there are signs of high temperature or that the thermal switch

has opened, inspect your installation for problems with venting,
combustion air supply, or a possible fl ammable vapor event.
(See “Pilot Light Troubleshooting Flowchart” section.) Correct
any issues prior to resetting the thermal switch. If you suspect
a fl ammable vapor incident has occurred, do not use this
appliance. Immediately call a qualifi ed technician to inspect
the appliance. Water heaters subjected to a fl ammable vapors
ignition will require replacement of the entire water heater.

3. Reset the thermal switch by depressing the small button in the

center of the thermal switch. Follow the Lighting Instructions
found on the front of your water heater. A high temperature
limit switch or ECO (Energy Cut Off) in the tank is used to
shut off the unit if the water temperature exceeds 195°F
(91°C). The ECO is a single-use switch, which, if activated,
requires complete replacement of the entire gas control valve/
thermostat. If the ECO should activate, the water heater cannot
be used until the gas control valve/thermostat is replaced by
a qualifi ed technician. Contact Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME
(1-800-469-4663) to request service.

Leakage Checkpoints

6” MAXIMUM
AIR GAP

†

DRAIN VALVE LOCATED BEHIND OUTER DOOR.

†

FIGURE 43.