Operational Conditions; Smelly Water; Air In Hot Water Faucets; Rumbling Noise - Kenmore 153.31206 Owner's Manual

Troubleshooting Guide
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In 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 comg!aint 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 tour
factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
d. 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 the local Sears Service Center for further informa-
tion concerning an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this
Chlorination Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo-
rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlori-
nation and filtering conditioning equipment 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
J&WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a
hot water system that has not been used for a long peri-
od of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas
is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the
possibility of injury under these conditions, we recom-
mend the hot water faucet be opened for several min-
utes at the kitchen sink 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 he 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.
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on
your heating dements. This buildup will ,,causea rumbling noise.
Follow "Element Cleaning/Replacement instructions to clean
and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset
button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit
behind the access panel.
• Before beginning, turn "OFF" electrical power supply to the
water heater,
&WARNING
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCKI Before removing
any access panels or servicing the water heater, make
[ sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned
[ "OFF". Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI-
[ OUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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