Anode Rod Inspection; Drain Valve Washer Replacement; Service - Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 153.318131 Owner's Manual

Service and Adjustment (cont'd)
Element Cleaning/
Replacement (cont'd)
Drain Valve Washer
Replacement
17. Replace the insulation pad and tape on so that it complete-
ly covers the thermostat and element.
NOTE: For replacement, use a _2" x _¾_"x g_" thick washer
available at your nearest hardware store. For ordering a
replacement washer, refer to the Repair Parts section.
• Before beginning turn "OFF" the electrical power supply to
the water heater.
AWARNING
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing
any access panels or servicing the water heater, make
sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned
"OFF". Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI-
OUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
18. Replace access panel.
19. "[hrn "ON" electric power to water heater.
• Follow "Draining" instructions in the "Service andAdjustment"
section.
• "[iirning counter clockwise, remove the hex cap below the screw
handle.
I
I
• Remove the washer and put the new one in place.
• Screw the handle and cap assembly back into the drain valve
and retighten using a wrench. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
• Follow "Filling the Water Heater" instructions in the
"Installation Instructions" section.
• Check for leaks.
• "[hrn "ON" electric power to the water heater.
A CAUTION I
Never use this water heater unless it is completely I
full of water. To prevent damage to the tank and I
heating element, the tank must be filled with I
water. Water must flow from the hot water faucet
before turn ng ' ON ' power.
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.
"['his does not affect the water's taste or color. "['he 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.
_HANDLE AND
CAP ASSEMBLY
WASHER
Service
Before calling for repair service, read the Start Up Conditions
and Operational Conditions found in the Troubleshooting
Guide of this manual.
If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the operation
of the water heater, let a qualified person check it out. Contact
SEARS Repair Services at 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-
4663).
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