Kenmore 153.31604 owner manual Filling the Water Heater

prescribed temperature-pressure relief valve installed in the designated opening in the water heater in place of the factory furnished valve.

For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly into the fitting of the water heater designed for the relief valve. Position the valve downward and provide tubing so that any discharge will exit only within 6 inches (153 mm) above, or at any distance below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact is made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive length, over 30 feet (9.14 m), or use of more than four elbows can cause restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.

No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to discharge drain unless a 6 inch air gap is provided. To prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage, the relief valve must be allowed to discharge water in quantities should circumstances demand. If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable means, the water flow may cause property damage.

The Discharge Pipe:

•Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.

•Shall not be plugged or blocked.

•Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.

•Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.

•Shall terminate at an adequate drain.

•Shall not have any shut-off valve between the relief valve and tank nor in the discharge pipe.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at least once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged will not cause any bodily injury or property damage because the water may be extremely hot.

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.

FIGURE 10.

Filling the Water Heater

Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of water. To prevent damage to the tank and heating element, the tank must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” power.

To fill the water heater with water:

•Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to the right (clockwise). The drain valve is located on the lower front of the water heater.

•Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.

NOTE: The cold water supply valve must be left open when the water heater is in use.

•To insure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit by opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water to run until a constant flow is obtained. This will let air out of the water heater and the piping.

•Check all new water piping for leaks. Repair as needed.

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