Operational Conditions - Kenmore 153.331762 Use & Care Manual

• Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters,
particularly high efficiency models where flue temperatures
are lower.
• Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the
refill water in the tank is very cold.
Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the cooler
tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the
burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or
"frying" noise.
Excessive condensation can cause pilot outage due to water
running down the flue tube onto the main burner and putting
out the pilot.
Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensation
water may be diagnosed as a "tank leak". After the water in
the tank warms up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should
disappear.
Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.
An undersized water heater will cause more condensation.
The water heater must be sized properly to meet the family's
demands for hot water including dishwashers, washing machines
and shower heads.
Excessive condensation may be noticed during the winter and
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at
their lowest.
Good venting is essential for a gas fired water heater to operate
properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and
water vapor.
Smoke Odor
It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and
odor during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil
from metal parts, and will disappear in a short while.

OPERATIONAl CONDITIONS

Smelly Odor
I n each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod
(see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain
water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the
water. The most common complaint associated with the anode
rod is one of a "rotten egg smell". This odor is derived
from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is
the result of four factors which must all be present for the odor
to develop:
• a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
• little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
• a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
• an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by
the corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water
heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active
material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all
hot water lines. Contact Sears Service for further information
concerning an Anode Replacement and this Chlorination
Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and
chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that chlorination
or aeration of the water supply be considered to eliminate the
water problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By
doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
"AIR" In Hot Water Faucets
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 possibility of injury under these conditions,
we recommend the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be
opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances
which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a
dishwasher 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.
High Temperature Shut-Off System
This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas shutoff
system. This system shuts off the gas supply to the water heater
burner when high water temperatures are present. It is non-
resettable. If the high temperature shut off activates, the gas
control valve must be replaced. If this were to occur, turn "OFF"
the entire gas supply to the water heater. Contact the Sears
Service Center.
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