Kenmore 153.331572 Housekeeping, Anode Rod Inspection, Temperature-PressureRelief Valve Operation

Housekeeping

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

Fire and Explosion Harzard

Do not obstruct combustion air openings at the bottom of the water heater.

Do not use or store flammable vapor products such as gasoline, solvents or adhesives in the same room or area near water heater or other appliance.

At least annually, check the base-ring filter and flame arrester for any dust, lint, or debris that may have accumulated. Clean as necessary.

Can cause serious injury or death.

AT LEAST ANNUALLY, A VISUAL INSPECTION SHOULD BE MADE OF THE BASE-RING FILTER AND FLAME ARRESTER. CLEAN IF LINT ACCUMULATIONS ARE NOTICED.

INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To ensure sufficient ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water heater must be maintained. See “Installation Instructions.” 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.

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/ or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by calling the Sears Service Center for an authorized contractor. At a minimum, the anode(s) should be checked annually after the warranty period.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation

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

Burn harzard

Hot water discharge.

Keep clear of relief valve discharge outlet.

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 30.

FIGURE 30.

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.

If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter with a check valve. Consult the Sears Service Center for further information. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief valve.

Draining and Flushing

It is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to remove sediment which may build up during operation. The water heater should be drained if being shut

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