Service And Adjustment; Venting System Inspection; Burner Inspection - Kenmore 153.552400 Use And Care Manual

Vent 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
combustion 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.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent escape
of dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur
if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium
chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical
compounds which are potentially corrosive.
If when inspecting the vent system you find sooting or
deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas supplier to
correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting
before resuming operation of the water heater.

Burner Inspection

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

23
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or
immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded
water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Contact a Sears Service Center to replace a flooded water
heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year, a visual inspection should be made of the
main burner. See Figure 23.
CORRECT FLAME
SOFT BLUE
FIGURE 23.
Inspect burner flames through viewport. Flames should be very
small with a blue haze and small amounts of yellow or orange
at the edges. After several minutes of operation, the burner
screen may glow red. If large flames are observed at any time,
shut-off the unit and contact the Sears Service Center.