Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat

IMPORTANT: The gas control valve/thermostat is a standard valve with a right-hand thread thermocouple. Use only factory authorized replacement parts.

Removing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat:

1.Turn the gas control knob on the combination gas control valve/thermostat clockwise to the “OFF” position. NOTE: Depress the dial stop on Robertshaw valves before turning the gas control knob. See Lighting Instructions on the water heater.

2.Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve on the gas supply pipe (Figure 3).

3.Drain the water heater. Refer to “Draining” section and follow the procedure.

4.Disconnect the igniter wire from the igniter. NOTE: First remove the igniter from the bracket by depressing front and rear holding tabs and lift. Next remove igniter bracket from the gas control valve/thermostat. Disconnect the thermocouple (right-hand threads), pilot tube, and manifold tube at the gas control valve/thermostat (Figure 25).

5.Refer to “Gas Piping” section and disconnect the ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the remaining pipe from the gas control valve/thermostat.

6.To remove the gas control valve/thermostat, thread a correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas control valve/thermostat (counterclockwise.) Do not use pipe wrench or equivalent to grip body. Damage may result, causing leaks. Do not insert any sharp objects into the inlet or outlet connections. Damage to the gas control valve/thermostat may result.

Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat:

To replace the gas control valve/thermostat, reassemble in reverse order. When replacing the gas control valve/ thermostat, thread a correctly sized pipe into the inlet and use it to turn the gas control valve/thermostat (clockwise.) DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN, damage may result.

•Be sure to use approved Teflon® tape or pipe joint compound on the gas piping connections and fitting on the back of the gas control valve that screws into tank.

•Be sure to remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control valve/thermostat.

•Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks. Test all connections by brushing on an approved noncorrosive leak-detection solution. Bubbles will show a leak. Correct any leak found.

•Be sure tank is completely filled with water before lighting and activating the water heater. Follow the “Operating Instructions”

•If additional information is required, contact Sears Service at: 1-800-4-MY-HOME®(1-800-469-4663).

TEFLON® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

Housekeeping

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

AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS A VISUAL INSPECTION SHOULD BE MADE OF THE FLAME ARRESTOR. 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 Inspection

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The submerged rod deteriorates to protect the tank. Instead of corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color. The rod must be maintained to keep the tank in operating condition.

EXPOSED

SUPPORT

WIRE

 

EXPOSED

 

SUPPORT

PITTED ANODE ROD

WIRE

FIGURE 32

Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/

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