Kenmore 153.338003 Service and Adjustment, Tank Sediment Cleaning, Vent System Inspection

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

Tank (Sediment) Cleaning

Sediment build-up on the tank bottom may create varying amounts of noise, and if left in the tank will cause permanent tank failure. Once a month the heater should be flushed by opening the drain valve and allowing two gallons of water to drain from the heater. The inlet water valve should remain open to maintain pressure in tank. In some water areas, you may not be able to drain all sediment deposits by simply draining the tank. In these cases one or both of the following methods may be used to remove sediment:

·Clean the water heater through the cleanout opening:

1.Turn the gas control knob clockwise ( ) to the “OFF” position, depressing slightly. NOTE: The knob cannot be turned from “PILOT” to “OFF” unless knob is depressed slightly. DO NOT FORCE.

2.Drain the heater by following the steps in the Draining section of this manual.

3.Remove the outer jacket cover plate from the lower side of the heater jacket.

4.Remove six (6) hex head screws securing the tank cleanout plate and remove the plate.

5.Remove lime, scale, or sediment using care not to damage the glass lining.

6.Inspect the cleanout plate gasket. If a new gasket is required, replace the gasket by contacting the Sears Service Center with the appropriate part number from the Parts Order List in this manual.

7.Install the cleanout plate. Be sure to tighten the screws securely and slightly compress the gasket to avoid leaks.

8.Fill the heater with water by following the steps in the Filling the Water Heater section. Inspect for leaks around the cleanout plate.

9.Replace the outer jacket cover plate.

10.Follow the lighting instructions in the Operating Instructions section.

•Mag-Erad (part no. 23600) can be used to help remove the sediment deposits. This may be ordered from the Sears Service Center. For ordering, refer to the Parts Order List section of this manual.

Vent System Inspection

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting system. You should look for:

•Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.

•Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or leakage of combustion products.

• Rusted flakes around top of water heater.

Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape of dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.

Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious health risk or asphyxiation.

Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue 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 when inspecting the vent system you find sooting or deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas supplier to correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting before resuming operation of the water heater.

Burner Inspection

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Contact a Sears Service Center to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!

At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the main burner and pilot burner, see Figure 23.

You should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair proper combustion.

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before further use. Turn “OFF” gas to water heater and leave off until repairs are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire causing death, serious injury, or property damage.

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