Troubleshooting Items; Troubleshooting Guide - Kenmore 153.338003 Owner's Manual

These guidelines should be used by a qualified service agent. Call Sears Service
Problem
Improperly sealed, hot or cold supply connection,
relief valve, drain valve, or thermostat threads.
WATER LEAKS
Leakage from other appliances or water lines.
Condensation of flue products.
Thermal expansion in closed water system.
LEAKING T&P VALVE
Improperly seated valve.
High sulfate or mineral content in water supply.
SMELLY ODORS
Bacteria in water supply.
Gas control knob not positioned correctly.
Main gas supply off.
PILOT WILL NOT LIGHT
Thermocouple malfunction.
Match not close to pilot.
Thermocouple malfunction.
BURNER WILL NOT
STAY LIT
Defective Gas Control.
Dirty pilot burner.
Thermocouple malfunction.
PILOT OUTAGE
Thermocouple tip is not in contact with pilot flame.
Defective Gas Control.
Heater not lit or thermostat not on.
Thermostat set too low.
Heater undersized.
NOT ENOUGH
Low gas pressure.
HOT WATER
Incoming water is unusually cold.
Leaking hot water pipes or fixtures.
High temperature limit switch activated.
WATER TOO HOT
Thermostat set too high.
WATER HEATER SOUNDS
Condensation dripping on burner.
SIZZLING OR Sediment or calcium in bottom of heater tank.
RUMBLING
Improper combustion.
SOOTING
Lack of supply air.
Improperly installed vent piping.
VENT GAS ODORS
Downdraft.
Poor combustion.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (Continued)
at 1-800-4-MY-HOME
Cause
®
(1-800-469-4663) for assistance.
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 flush heater thoroughly, then refill.
Chlorinate or aerate water supply.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Turn on main gas shutoff valve.
Replace pilot assembly and/or thermocouple.
Locate pilot, move match closer.
Replace pilot assembly and/or thermocouple.
Replace Gas Control.
Clean pilot assembly.
Replace pilot assembly and/or thermocouple.
Insert thermocouple correctly.
Replace Gas Control.
Refer to LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
Refer to TEMPERATURE REGULATION.
Reduce hot water use.
Contact your gas supplier.
Allow more time for 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 a Sears Service
to determine cause.
Contact Sears Service to determine cause.
26
Solution