Anode Rod Inspection - Kenmore 153.586320 Use & Care Manual

The upper and lower thermostats are adjustable if a different
water temperature is desired. Read all warnings in the
Temperature-Regulation section before proceeding.
1. Turn "OFF" the electric power to the water heater at the
junction box.
• 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, serious bodily injury, or
property damage.
2. Take off the upper and/or lower access panel(s), then fold the
insulation back to expose the thermostat.
3. The slotted adjustment can be turned clockwise ( t_ ) with
a screwdriver to increase the temperature setting or counter
clockwise (('_) to decrease the temperature setting.
4. Replace the insulation and access panel.
5. Turn "ON" the power supply.
Anode Rod Inspection
Property Damage Hazard
• Avoid water heater damage.
• Inspection and replacement of anode as needed.
years and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode
rod dictates its replacement. NOTE: Artificially softened water
requires the anode rod to be inspected annually.
The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted
anode rod:
• The majority of the anode rod's diameter is tess than 318".
• Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or
more of the anode rod's length) are visible.
Exposed Pitted
Support Anode
Wire Rod
2
Exposed
Support
Wire
FIGURE 15.
If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be
replaced. NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing the anode
rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if found.
In replacing the anode:
1. Turn off power to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water
faucet to depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer
to "Draining and Flushing" for proper procedures). Close
drain valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Teflon® tape or approved pipe sealant on threads
and install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet
to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and
immediately correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See
the Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will
slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the
water heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion.
Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot
water usage, hydronic heating devices, and water softening
methods can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. Once
the anode rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode,
eventually developing a leak.
Certain water conditions wilt cause a reaction between the
anode rod and the water. The most common complaint
associated with the anode rod is a "rotten egg smell" produced
from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in
the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this anode rod
permanently as it wilt void any warranties. A special anode rod
may be available if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This anode rod may reduce but not eliminate water
odor problems. The water supply system may require special
filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to
successfully eliminate all water odor problems.
Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium
ions.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of three
16