Kenmore 153.339762 Housekeeping, Anode Rod, Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation

Housekeeping

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a regular basis.

At least once every six monthsavisual inspection should be made of the air intake screen. Clean if lint accumulations are noticed.

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater must be maintained. See Facts to Consider About the Location section. Combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater because they could catch on fire.

Anode Rod

Each heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak. The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the water heater tank. The anode rod should be removed from the water heater tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:

•The majority of the rod’s diameter is less than 3/8”.

•Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it should be replaced. NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode

rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found. In situations where clearance above the water heater is limited it may be necessary to bend the anode rod for removal. Flexible anode rods are available for replacement.

In replacing the anode:

1.Turn off gas supply to the water heater.

2.Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to depressurize the water tank.

3.Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank (Refer to the “Draining and Flushing” section for proper procedures). Close drain valve.

4.Remove old anode rod.

5.Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and install new anode rod.

6.Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if found.

7.Restart the water heater as directed under the “Operating Your Water Heater” section. See the “Repair Parts Illustration” section for anode rod location.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at least once a year.

When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation, make sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that the water discharge will not cause any property damage, as the water may be extremely hot, see Figure 25.

FIGURE 25.

If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.

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