Kenmore 153.33204 User Manual

Page of 36
10
FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because 
the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the 
occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the 
appliance.  This water heater is not for use in manufactured (mobile) 
homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a 
new location, the following critical points must be observed:
1.   Select a location indoors as close as practical to the vent terminal or 
location to which the water heater vent piping is going to be connected, 
and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.  
2.  Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing 
and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner 
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the fl ow will not cause 
damage to the structure.  For this reason, it is not advisable to install the 
water heater in an attic or upper fl oor.  When such locations cannot be 
avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater.  
Drain pans are available at your local hardware store.  Such a drain pan 
must have a minimum length and width of at least 2” (5.1 cm) greater 
than the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate 
drain.  The pan must not restrict combustion air fl ow.  
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and the 
environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters are 
sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property 
damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain. However, 
unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector 
or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. 
These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers 
and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:
•  Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off the 
incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.
•  Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply to the 
entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
•  Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water pressure 
differential between the cold water and hot water pipes connected to 
the water heater.
•  Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while at 
the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) 
ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE 
AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, 
solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.) and other substances (such as 
adhesives, etc.) emit fl ammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas 
water heater’s hot surface igniter or main burner.  The resulting fl ashback 
and fi re can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area. This 
water heater is equipped with a FV sensor for detecting the presence of 
fl ammable vapors, see Figure 8. When the sensor detects those vapors, 
the unit will shut down and not operate. Should this happen, please 
refer to the troubleshooting guide on pages 29-30.  Even though this 
water heater is a fl ammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and 
is designed to reduce the chances of fl ammable vapors being ignited, 
gasoline and other fl ammable substances should never be stored or 
used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other 
open fl ame or spark producing appliance.
FIGURE 8.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject 
to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.  Carpeting 
must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath the appliance 
extending beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least 
3” (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed in an alcove 
or closet, the entire fl oor must be covered by the panel.  Failure to heed 
this warning may result in a fi re hazard.
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible 
construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 5” (12.7 cm) from the front