Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)

CONDENSATION

Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain

amount of condensation will form while the burner is on. A water heater may appear to be leaking when in fact the water is

condensation. This usually happens when:

When a new water heater is filled with cold water for the first time.

When gas burns and water vapor is produced in water

heaters, particularly high efficiency models where flue tem-

peratures are lower.

When you use large amounts of hot water in a short time and the refill water is very cold.

Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the

cooler tank surfaces and form drops of" water which may.fall

onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a sizzling or

"frying" noise.

Operational Conditions

SMELLY WATER

In each glasslined water heater there is installed at least one

anode rod (see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this

rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a "rotten egg smell". This odor is derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:

a.a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.

b.little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.

c.a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)

d.an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode.

Because of the suddenness and amount of"water, condensation

water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disap-

pear.

Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.

An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The

water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's

demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.

Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and

early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at their lowest.

Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate

properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and water vapor.

SMOKE/ODOR

It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of"smoke and

odor. during the initial start-up. This is due to burning offof oil from metal parts, and will disappear in a short while.

Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact Sears Service for further information concerning

an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this Chlorination "fi-eatment.

If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo- rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlori- nation and filtering conditioning equipment be considered to eliminate the water problem.

Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.

"AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS

AWARNING

HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogengascan be producedin a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammableand explosiveTo. preventthe possibili- ty of injury under these conditions,we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before any electricalappliances which are connectedto the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washingmachine). If hydrogengasis present,there will prob- ably be an unusualsoundsimilar to air escapingthrough the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smokingor openflame near the faucetat the time it is open.

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Kenmore 153.332870HA, 153.33296, 153.332861 Troubleshooting Guide contd, Condensation, Smoke/Odor, AIR in HOT Water Faucets