Combustion Chamber And Burner Cleaning; Housekeeping; Anode Rod Inspection - Kenmore 153.331350 Use & Care Manual

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires
correction before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to
water heater by unplugging the power cord and
leave off until repairs are made. Failure to correct
the cause of the sooting can result in a fire causing
death, serious injury, or property damage.
ventilation, proper clearances from the water heater
must be maintained. See "Locating the New Water
Heater" section. Combustible materials such as
clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids,
etc. must not be placed against or adjacent to the
water heater which can cause a fire.
IGNITER
AND FLAME
ROD
VIEWPOR]
Figure 49
MAIN
BURNER
BLUE
LIGHT BLUE
INNER INCORRECT
CONES ARE FLAME LAZY
SATISFACTORY YELLOW
CORRECT
FLAME SOFT
BLUE
Figure 50
Combustion Chamber And Burner
Cleaning
In the event your burner or burner air openings
require cleaning, Call Sears Service to remove
and clean the burner and correct the problem that
required the burner to be cleaned.
Housekeeping
Fire and Explosion Hazard
Anode Rod Inspection
Each water heater contains at least one anode
rod, which will slowly deplete (due to electrolysis)
prolonging the life of the water heater by protecting
the glass-lined tank from corrosion. Adverse
water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot
water usage, hydronic heating devices and water
softening methods can increase the rate of anode
rod depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, the
tank will start to corrode eventually developing a
leak.
Artificially softened water can be exceedingly
corrosive because the process substitutes sodium
ions for magnesium and calcium ions.
The anode rod should be inspected after a
maximum of three years and annually thereafter
until the condition of the anode rod dictates its
replacement.
NOTE: Artificially softened water requires the
anode rod to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a
depleted anode rod:
• The majority of the anode rod's diameter is less
than 3/8".
• Significant sections of the support wire (approx.
1/3 or more of the anode rod's length) are visible
(see Figure 51).
Do not obstruct combustion air
openings at the bottom of the
water heater.
Do not use or store flammable
vapor products such as gaso-
line, solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near water
heater or other appliance.
Can cause serious injury or
death.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA:
To ensure sufficient air for combustion, dilution and
If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it
should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode
rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if
found.
Exposed \ ., ....
wire\ _
rm}_ _ _ . _ ,. \ Exposed
HlUlIIIIF====_',i_;'_ _"f._',_ , _ ;_Z _%_¢" Support
................ _ Wire
f
Pitted Anode Rod
Figure 51
50