Kenmore 153.33439 Troubleshooting Guide, Start Up Conditions, Condensation, Thermal Expansion

Troubleshooting Guide

Start Up Conditions

CONDENSATION

Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain

amount of condensation will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leakingwhen in fact the water is condensation, This usually happens when:

•When a new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.

heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue tem-

i hen gas burns and water vapor isproduced in water pera_res are lower.

When you use large amounts of hot water in a short time and the refillwater 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.

Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water run- ning down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting out the pilot.

Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation 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 condensation may be noticed during the winter and

early spring months when incoming water temperatures ate at their lowest.

THERMAL EXPANSION

Water supply systems may, because of high line pressure, fre- quent cut-offs,the effects of water hammer and others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, back flow 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 sys-

tem to be dosed. As water is heated, it expands (thermal expan- sion) and closed systems do not allow for the expansion of heat- ed water.

The water within the water heater 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 w_ll relieve the excess pressure. The tempera- ture-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 expan- sion tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering

through the Sears Service Center. Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier, and/or the Sears Service Center for assistance in controlling these situations.

Thermal	Expansion	Tank Specifications
Model	Tank Capacity	Dimensions	in Inches	Pipe Fitting
Number	In Gallons	Diameter	Length	On Tank
153.331020	2	8 inches	12_ inches	_" Male
153.331050	5	11 inches 14_inches		_" Male

Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate

properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.

SMOKEIODOR

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.

Expansion	Tank	Sizing	Chart
	Inlet*	Water Heater Capacity			(Gallons)
Water
Expansion	Pressure	30	40	50	66	82
	40psi	2	2	2	5	5
Tank
Capacity	50psi	2	2	2	5	5
Needed	60psi	2	2	5	5	5
	70psi	2	2	5	5	5
		2	5	5	5	5
	80psi

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

NOT]8: Expansion tanks are pre-charged with a 40 psi air

charge. If the inlet water pressure is hig_a,er than 40 psi, the expansion tanks air pressure must be adjusted to match that

pressure, but must not be higher than 80 psi.

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