Housekeeping; Anode Rod Inspection; Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation - Kenmore 153.331760 Owner's Manual

Housekeeping

Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a
regular basis.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient
ventilation and combustion air supply, proper clearances from
the water heater must be maintained. See Facts to Consider
About the Location section. Combustible materials such as
clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must
not be placed against or adjacent to the water heater because
they could catch on fire.

Anode Rod Inspection

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion.
Most hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The
submerged rod deteriorates to protect the tank. Instead of
corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the
anode rod. This does not affect the water's taste or color.
The rod must be maintained to keep the tank in operating
condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not
necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod
indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/
or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be
intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the
life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by
calling the Sears Service Center for an authorized contractor.
At a minimum, the anode(s) should be checked annually after
the warranty period.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually
operated at least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation,
make sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of
the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that
the water discharge will not cause any property damage, as the
water may be extremely hot, see Figure 25.
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.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or
discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion. You
may have a check valve installed in the water line or a water meter
with a check valve. Consult the Sears Service Center for further
information. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief valve.
21
FIGURE 25.