Service and Adjustment
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning
Sediment
Venting System Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the venting system. You should look for:
•Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The com- bustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
•Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting or leakage of combustion products.
•Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
AWARNING
Chemical vapor corrosionof the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustioncontainscertain chemicalvapors. Spray can propellants,cleaningsolvents,refrigerator and air conditioner refrigerants, swimmingpool chemicals,calcium and sodium chloride,waxes,bleach,and processchemicalsare typicalcompoundswhichare potentiallycorrosive.
Check main burner every 12 months for proper flame character- istics. This is done by removing outer and inner doors on heater. The main burner should provide complete combustion of gas; ignite rapidly; give reasonably quiet operation; cause no excessive
flame lifting from burner ports. Make sure that the flow of com- bustion andventilation air is not blocked.
If proper flame characteristics are not evident, check for accu-
mulation of lint or other foreign material that restricts or blocks the air openings in the heater or burner. Also check Combustion Air and Ventilation requirements.
AWARNINGI
Soot
beforefurther use.Turn "OFF" gasto water heaterand leave "OFF" until repairs are made, becausefailure to correct the I
causeofthe sootingcanresult in a fire. | I |
AE,WARNINGI Obstructed or deterioratedvent systemsmaypresenta serious healthr skor asphyxat on.
AWARNINGI
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent I escape of dangerousflue gasseswhich could causedeadly
asphyxat on.
AWARNING
If after inspection of the vent system you found sooting or deterioration, something is wrong; a Sears Service Technician must be called in, the problem corrected, and the flue and venting cleaned or replaced before resuming operation on the water heater.
Burner Inspection
AWARNING
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or immediately detectible. However,over a period of time a flooded water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE. Call a Sears Service Technicianor
contractor to replace a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
Burner Cleaning
NOTE: Burner assembly must be handled carefully to avoid damaging the hot surface ignitor.
In the event your burner needs cleaning, use the following instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the control box to
"OFF" position and allow the burner to cool.
Loose deposits on or around the burner can be removed by care-
fully using the hose of a vacuum cleaner inserted through the access door of the water heater. If the burner needs to be
removed for additional cleaning, call the local gas utility or local Sears Service Center to remove and clean the burner with a soft
brush. Clean main burner orifice with a suitable soft material. Correct the problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
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 sub- merged rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank. Instead of cor-
roding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not aflect 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 neces- sarily 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 a Sears service technician, and at a minimum should be checked annually after the warranty period.
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