Kenmore 153.33204 User Manual

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Read this manual fi rst. 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 fi lled with water.  To 
prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be fi lled with water.  Water 
must fl ow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” gas to the water 
heater.

A.  Water at the blower assembly is water vapor which has condensed 

out of the combustion products.  This is caused by a problem in the 
vent.  Contact the gas utility.

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

connections may be leaking.

C.  *The anode rod fi tting may be leaking (anode is located under the 

Blower Assembly).

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 

fi tting.

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 fi tting.

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 fl oor.  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 fl oor 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 fi tting.  If cotton is wet, follow “Draining” 
instructions in the “Periodic Maintenance” section and then remove 
fi tting.  Put pipe dope or tefl on tape on the threads and replace.  
Then follow “Filling the Water Heater” instructions in the “Installation 
Instructions” section.

Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater.  Many suspected 
“Leakers” are not leaking tanks.  Often the source of the water can be 
found and corrected.

If you are not thoroughly familiar with gas codes, your water heater, 
and safety practices, contact Sears Service Center to check the water 

heater.