Water Piping; Filling The Water Heater - Kenmore 153.316050 Use & Care Manual

than the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating
plate. (Electric heaters - watts x 3.412 equal Btu/hr input rate)
For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not
be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly
into the fitting of the water heater designed for the relief valve.
Position the valve downward and provide tubing so that any
discharge will exit only within 6 inches (153 mm) above, or at any
distance below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact is
made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must
not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances.
Excessive length, over 30 feet (9.14 m), or use of more than
four elbows can cause restriction and reduce the discharge
capacity of the valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the
relief valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to
discharge drain unless a 6 inch air gap is provided. To prevent
bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage, the relief
valve must be allowed to discharge water in quantities should
circumstances demand. If the discharge pipe is not connected
to a drain or other suitable means, the water flow may cause
property damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
• Must not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the
valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.
• Must not be plugged or blocked.
• Must be of material listed for hot water distribution.
• Must be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the
temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.
• Must terminate a maximum of six inches above a floor drain
or external to the building. In cold climates, it is recommended
that the discharge pipe be terminated at an adequate drain
inside the building.
• Must not have any shut-off valve between the relief valve and
tank nor in the discharge pipe.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually
operated at least once a year. Caution should be taken to
ensure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the
temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the
water manually discharged will not cause any bodily injury or
property damage because the water may be extremely hot.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately close
the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief
valve with a new one.

Filling the Water Heater

Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of water.
To prevent damage to the tank and heating element, the tank
must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water
faucet before turning "ON" power.
To fill the water heater with water:
• Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to
the right (clockwise). The drain valve is located on the lower
front of the water heater.
• Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
NOTE: The cold water supply valve must be left open
when the water heater is in use.
• To ensure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit by
opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water to run until
a constant flow is obtained. This will let air out of the water
heater and the piping.
• Check all new water piping for leaks. Repair as needed.
12
FIGURE 10.