Kenmore 153.335916 Operational Conditions, Hotter Watercan SCALDWater heatersareintendedto

Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)

CONDENSATION

Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, a certain amount of condensation will form while rile burner is on. A

water heater may appear to be leaking when in Fact die 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 isproduced in water heaters, particularly high ei_]ciency 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.

Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water run- ning down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting out the pilot.

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 sizedproperly 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,

AWARNING

HOTTER WATERCAN SCALD:Water heatersareintendedto

_roducehot water. Water heatedto a temperaturewhichwill satisfyclotheswashing,dishwashing,and other sanitizing needs can scaldand permanentlyinjureyou uponcontact.Somepeo- >leare more likelyto be permanentlyinjuredbyhot waterthan others.Theseincludethe elderly,children,the infirm,or physical- ly/mentallyhandicappedIf. anyoneusinghot water in yourhome fitsintoone ofthese groupsor if there isa localcodeor statelaw requiring a certaintemperature waterat the hot watertap, then €oumusttake specialpRcautionsIn. additionto usingthe lowest )ossibletemperaturesettingthat satisfiesyourhot water needs,

imeanssuchasa mixingvalve,shouldbe usedat the hot water tapsusedby these peopleor at the water heater.Mixingvalves

areavailableat plumbingsupplyor hardwarestoresFollowman.- ufacturers instructionsfor installationof the valves. Before

changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature Regulation"sectionin this manual.

SMOKE/ODOR

It is not unconnnon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal parts, and will disappear in a short while.

Operational Conditions

SMELLY WATER

In each glass[ined water heater there is installed at [east 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.

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 Treatment.

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.

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