Kenmore 153.33204 User Manual

25

CONDENSATE
Whenever the water heater is fi lled with cold water, some condensate 
will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leaking 
when in fact the water is condensate. This usually happens when:

a.  A new water heater is fi lled with cold water for the fi rst time.
b.  Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, particularly high 

effi ciency models where fl ue temperatures are lower.

c.  Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the refi ll 

water in the tank is very cold.

Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the cooler tank 
surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other 
hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” or “frying” noise.

Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensate water 
may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the water in the tank warms 
up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disappear.

Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been enough 
time for the water in the tank to warm up.

An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water 
heater must be sized properly to meet the family’s demands for hot water 
including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.

Excessive condensate may be noticed during the winter and early spring 
months when incoming water temperatures are at their lowest.

Good venting is essential for a gas fi red water heater to operate properly 
as well as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.

SMOKE/ODOR
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor 
during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal parts, 
and will disappear in a short while.

Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line 
pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer among others, 
have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, 
back  fl ow preventers, etc. to control these types of problems. When 
these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, and no other 
measures are taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed. 
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed systems 
do not allow for the expansion of heated water.

The water within the water tank expands as it is heated and increases 
the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of the water 
heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the valve will 
release the excess pressure. The temperature-pressure relief valve 
is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This is 
an unacceptable condition and must be corrected. It is recommended 
that any devices installed which could create a closed system have a 
by-pass and/or the system have an expansion tank or device to relieve 
the pressure built by thermal expansion in the water system. Expansion 
tanks are available through Sears stores and Sears Service Centers. 
Contact Sears Service Center for assistance in controlling these 
situations, see Figure 27.

 

  153.331020 

2 

8 (203 mm)  12-3/4 (323 mm)   3/4” Male

  153.331050 

5 

11 (279 mm)  14-3/4 (375 mm)   3/4” Male

 

 

  Expansion  40psi  2  2 2 5 5

 

Tank 

50psi  2  2 2 5 5

 

Capacity  60psi  2  2 5 5 5

 

Needed 

70psi  2  2 5 5 5

   

80psi  2  5 5 5 5

 *Highest recorded inlet water pressure in a 24 hour period or regulated 
water pressure.