TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Start Up Conditions

Thermal Expansion

NOTE: Expansion tanks are pre-charged with a 40 psi air charge. If the inlet water pressure is higher than 40 psi, the expansion tank’s air pressure must be adjusted to match that pressure, but must not be higher than 80 psi.

As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system, the volume of water will grow. As the volume of water grows, there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent temperature-pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up. The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This condition is not covered under the limited warranty.

A properly sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion. Thermal expansion tanks are available from Sears stores and through the Sears Service Centers. Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier and/or the Sears Service Center for assistance in controlling these situations. See Figure 42.

TABLE 5

Thermal Expansion Tank Specifications

 

Tank

Dimensions

Pipe

Model

Capacity

in Inches

 

Fitting

Number

In Gallons

Diameter

 

Length

On Tank

153.331020

2

8 (203 mm)

12-3/4 (323 mm)

3/4” Male

153.331050

5

11 (279 mm)

14-3/4 (375 mm)

3/4” Male

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 6

Expansion Tank Sizing Chart

 

Inlet*

 

Water Heater Capacity (Gallons)

 

Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expansion

Pressure

 

30

40

50

66

82

40psi

2

2

2

5

5

Tank

50psi

2

2

2

5

5

Capacity

60psi

2

2

5

5

5

Needed

70psi

2

2

5

5

5

 

80psi

2

5

5

5

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

FIGURE 42.

Strange Sounds

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not represent harmful or dangerous conditions.

Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. See “Condensation” section.

Draft Hood Operation

Check draft hood operation by performing a worst case depressurization of the building. With all doors and windows closed, and with all air handling equipment and exhaust fans operating such as furnaces, clothes dryers, range hoods and bathroom fans, a match flame should still be drawn into the draft hood of the water heater with its burner firing. If the flame is not

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Kenmore 153.331572 owner manual Troubleshooting Guide, Start Up Conditions