Kenmore 153.33204 User Manual

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STRANGE SOUNDS
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts 
during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily represent 
harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area during 
heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. See 
“Condensate” in this section.
OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod (see parts 
section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions 
will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common 
complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a “rotten egg smell” 
in the hot water. The smell is a result of four factors which must all be 
present for the odor to develop:
a.  A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b.  Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c.  A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the water 
heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).
d.  An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the 
corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models 
by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then 
chlorinating the water heater tank and all water lines. Contact Sears 
Service Center for further information concerning Anode Replacement 
Kit #9001453 and this chlorination treatment. Anode replacement and 
chlorination of the tank are not covered by the water heater’s limited 
warranty.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination 
treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination or aeration of the water 
supply be considered to eliminate the water problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing 
so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
“AIR” IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water 
system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally 
two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely fl ammable  and 
explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, 
we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be 
opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances 
which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a 
dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there 
will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the 
pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking 
or open fl ame near the faucet at the time it is open.
HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas shut-off system. 
This system works when high water temperatures are present. Turn 
“OFF” the entire gas supply to the water heater. The high temperature 
shut-off is built into the gas control valve. It is non-resettable. If the 
high temperature shut-off activates, the gas control valve must be 
replaced. Contact your gas supplier or Sears Service Center.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
VENTING SYSTEM INSPECTION
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting 
system.  You should look for:
1.   Obstructions which could cause improper venting.  The combustion 
and ventilation air fl ow must not be obstructed.
2.  Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or 
leakage of combustion products.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of 
dangerous fl ue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious health 
risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the fl ue and vent system may occur if air 
for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can propellants, 
cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming 
pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach and process 
chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration, 
something is wrong.  Call the local gas utility to correct the problem and 
clean or replace the fl ue and venting before resuming operation of the 
water heater.
BURNER OPERATION AND INSPECTION
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately 
detectable. However, over a period of time a fl ooded water heater will 
create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS 
BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact Sears Service 
Center to replace a fl ooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the 
unit! It must be replaced!