Troubleshooting Guidelines - Kenmore 153.33385 Owner's Manual

These guidelines should be used by a qualifi ed service agent. Call Sears Service at 1-800-4-MY-HOME
Inform the associate that this is a "Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant" Product.
Problem
WATER
LEAKS
LEAKING
T&P VALVE
SMELLY ODORS
PILOT WILL
NOT LIGHT
BURNER WILL
NOT STAY LIT
PILOT OUTAGE
NOT ENOUGH
HOT WATER
WATER TOO HOT
WATER HEATER SOUNDS
SIZZLING - RUMBLING
SOOTING
VENT GAS ODORS

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

Cause
Improperly sealed, hot or cold supply connection,
relief valve, drain valve, or thermostat threads.
Leakage from other appliances or water lines.
Condensation of fl ue products.
Thermal expansion in closed water system.
Improperly sealed valve.
High sulfate or mineral content in water supply.
Bacteria in water supply.
Gas control knob not positioned correctly.
Main gas supply off.
Igniter tip more than 1/8" from pilot hood.
Thermocouple malfunction.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
Melted insulation on igniter wire or shorting of
igniter wire.
High ambient room temperature.
Wire disconnected from spark igniter.
Broken electrode or electrical wire.
Piezo Igniter generator fails to operate or
malfunctions.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
High ambient room temperature.
Dirty or clogged air intake screen.
Flame arrestor openings blocked.
Defective Gas Control.
Dirty pilot burner.
Dirty or clogged air intake screen.
Thermocouple tip is not in contact with pilot fl ame.
Thermocouple malfunction.
Thermocouple TCO malfunction.
Defective Gas Control.
Heater not lit or thermostat not on.
Thermostat set too low.
Heater undersized.
Low gas pressure.
Incoming water is unusually cold.
Leaking hot water pipes or fi xtures.
High temperature limit switch activated.
Thermostat set too high.
Condensation dripping on burner.
Sediment or calcium in bottom of heater tank.
Improper combustion.
Lack of supply air.
Improperly installed vent piping.
Downdraft.
Poor combustion.
Solution
Tighten threaded connections.
Inspect other appliances near water heater.
Refer to CONDENSATION.
Install thermal expansion tank (DO NOT plug T&P valve).
Check relief valve for proper operation (DO NOT plug
T&P valve).
Drain and fl ush heater thoroughly, then refi ll.
Chlorinate or aerate water supply.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Turn on main gas Shut-off valve.
Adjust igniter tip.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
Reconnect wire connector to spark igniter.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace Piezo Igniter generator.
Replace pilot assembly.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
Clean and reinstall air intake screen.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
Replace Gas Control.
Clean pilot assembly.
Clean and reinstall air intake screen.
Insert thermocouple correctly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace pilot assembly.
Replace Gas Control.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION.
Reduce hot water use.
Contact your gas supplier.
Allow more time for your heater to re-heat.
Have plumber check and repair leaks.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION.
Refer to CONDENSATION.
Clean sediment from tank. Refer to DRAINING
instructions in Maintenance section of manual.
No adjustment available. Contact Sears Service to
determine cause.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
29
®
(1-800-469-4663) for assistance.