Leakage Checkpoints - Kenmore 153.333931 Owner's Manual

Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)
Leakage Checkpoints
Use this guide to check a "Leaking" water heater. Many suspect-
ed "Leakers" are not leaking tanks. Often the source of the water
can be found and corrected.
lfyou are not thoroughly familiar with your local gas codes your
water heater, and safety practices, contact the Sears Service
Center to check the water heater.
A CAUTION
Read this manual first. Then before checking the water
heater make sure the gas supply has been turned
"OFF", and never turn the gas "ON" before the tank is
comp ete y fu of water.
ACAUTION I
Never use this water heater unless it is completely filled I
with water. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank
must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot I
water faucet before turning "ON" gas to the water
heater.
O Water at the draft hood is water which has
vapor
con-
densed
out of the combustion products. This is caused by a
problem in the vent. Contact the Sears Service Center.
O *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or
pipe connections may be leaking.
O *The primary anode rod fitting may be leaking.
Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure relief
Q valve, may be due to thermal expansion or high water pres-
sure In your area.
o'The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at
the tank fitting.
O Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve opened
slightly.
O'The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.
O Combustion products contain water vapor which can con-
dense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets form and
drip into the fire or run on the floor. This is common at
the time of startup after installation and when incoming
water is cold.
O
Water in the water heater bottom or on the floor may be
from condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve.
DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection
of all possible water sources is made and necessary correc-
tive steps taken. Leakage from other appliances, water
lines, or ground seepage should also be checked.
NOTE: To check where threaded portion enters tank,
insert cotton swab between jacket opening and fitting.
If cotton is wet, follow "Draining" instructions in the
"Service and Adjustment" section and then remove fit-
ting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads and
replace. Then follow "Filling the Water Heater"
instructions in the "Installation Instructions section.
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