Sears 153 Owner's Manual page 4

Safety Precautions
AWARNING
The water heater with draft hood installed must be prop-
erly vented to a chimney which terminates outdoors.
Never operate the water heater unless it is vented to the
outdoors and has adequate air supply to avoid risks of
improper operation, explosion or asphyxiation.
_WARNING
Hinlmum clearances between the water beater and com-
bustible construction are I" at the sides and rear, 4" at the
front, and 6" from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the
jacket is 18" on most models. Note that a lesser dimension may
be allowed on some models. Refer to the label on the water
heater adjacent to the gascontrol valve for all clearances.
_CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation ol
the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow of
water will not cause damage to the structure. When such
locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should
be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are avail-
able at your local Sears store. Such a drain pan must be
not greater than I |/2 inches deep, have a minimum
length and width of at least 2 inches greater than the
water heater dimensions and must be piped to an ade-
quate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air
flow. Under no circumstances is the manufacturer or
Sears to be held liable for any water damage in connec-
tion with this water heater.
I ,_WARNING t
Do not use this appliance if any part of it has been under I
water. Immediately call a Sears Service Technician to I
inspect the appliance and to replace the gas control or any I
part of the burner system which has been under water. I
AWARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot
water system that has not been used for a long period of
time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is
extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possi-
bUity of injury under these conditions_ we recommend the
hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the
kitchen sink before any electrical appliances which are
connected to the hot water system are used (such as a dis-
_washer or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present,
there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air
escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is
opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near
the faucet at the time it is open.
_WARNING
INSULATING JACKETS: When installing an external
water heater insulation jacket on a gas water heater:
• DO NOT cover the temperature-pressure relief valve.
• DO NOT put insulation over any part of the top of the
gas water heater.
• DO NOT put insulation over the gas control valve or gas
control valve/burner cover, or any access areas to the
burner.
• DO NOT let insulation around the gas water heater to
get within 8 inches of the floor (air must get to the
burner).
• DO NOT cover or remove operating instructions, and
safety related warning labels and materials affixed to the
water heater.
Failure to heed this will result in the possibility of a fire or
explosion.