Kenmore 153.331544 User manual

1
www.sears.com
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A 0705 PARTNO.184233-001
C3 Technology®Gas Water Heaters meet
the new ANSI Z21.10.1 standard that deals
with the accidental or unintended ignition
of flammable vapors, such as those
emitted by gasoline.
Owner’s Manual
FORPOTABLE WATERHEATINGONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.
NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES.
MODELNO.
153.331444 40Gallon
153.331544 50Gallon
For Your Safety
ANODORANTISADDEDTOTHEGASUSEDBYTHISWATERHEATER.
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
• Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Parts List
POWER MISER™ 12
GAS WATER HEATER
Sinopuedeleeroentender elinglésynecesitaelmanualinstructivo
y/o etiquetas en español puede obtenerlos llamando al
1-800-821-2017. NO TRATE DE INSTALAR O OPERAR ESTE
CALENTADORDEAGUAsinoentiendelainformaciónenlasetiquetas
oenelmanual instructivo.Nohacercasode estaadvertenciapodría
resultarenlaMUERTEOGRAVESLESIONESCORPORALES.
ADVERTENCIA

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SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE
Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use and servicing of this water heater.
Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you and
others of a potential injury hazard. Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual. It is very
important that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who install, use or service this water heater.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not follow the safety message and
how to avoid the risk of injury.
IMPORTANTDEFINITIONS
•Gas Supplier: The natural gas or propane utility or service who supplies gas for utilization by the gas burning
applianceswithin thisapplication. Thegas suppliertypically hasresponsibility forthe inspectionand codeapproval of
gas piping up to and including the natural gas meter or propane storage tank of a building. Many gas suppliers also
offerservice andinspection of appliances within the building.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
DANGER indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or injury.
WARNING indicatesapotentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or injury.
CAUTION indicatesa potentiallyhazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in property damage.
CAUTION
© Sears, Roebuck and Co.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFEINSTALLATION,USEAND SERVICE ................................................................................................. 2
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS.............................................................................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................ 4
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................ 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................... 5
MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED ................................................................................................. 6
MaterialNeeded ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Basic Tools ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
TYPICALINSTALLATION............................................................................................................................... 7
INSTALLATIONINSTRUCTIONS...............................................................................................................8-16
RemovingtheOldWater Heater .............................................................................................................................. 8
Facts to Consider About the Location ................................................................................................................ 9-10
InsulationJackets ................................................................................................................................................. 10
CombustionAir and VentilationAppliances
inUnconfinedSpaces............................................................................................................................................ 10
CombustionAir and VentilationAppliances
inConfinedSpaces ...........................................................................................................................................11-12
WaterPiping .................................................................................................................................................... 12-13
TemperaturePressureReliefValve.................................................................................................................... 13-14
Fillingthe Water Heater......................................................................................................................................... 14
Venting............................................................................................................................................................. 14-15
GasPiping ....................................................................................................................................................... 15-16
SedimentTrap.................................................................................................................................................. 16-17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................ 18-19
Lighting&Operating Label .................................................................................................................................... 18
TemperatureRegulation ......................................................................................................................................... 19
SERVICEANDADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................... 20-22
Tank(Sediment)Cleaning...................................................................................................................................... 20
VentingSystem Inspection.................................................................................................................................... 20
BurnerInspection .................................................................................................................................................. 20
BurnerCleaning..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Housekeeping .................................................................................................................................................. 20-21
AnodeRodInspection ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Temperature-PressureReliefValve Operation ........................................................................................................ 21
Draining............................................................................................................................................................ 21-22
DrainValve WasherReplacement.......................................................................................................................... 22
Service .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDE ................................................................................................................ 23-26
Start Up Conditions .............................................................................................................................................................23-24
ThermalExpansion.......................................................................................................................................... 23
StrangeSounds............................................................................................................................................... 23
DraftHoodOperation .................................................................................................................................. 23-24
Condensation .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Smoke/Odor .................................................................................................................................................... 24
OperationalConditions ..................................................................................................................................... 24-25
SmellyOdor .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Air in Hot Water Faucets ................................................................................................................................. 25
HighTemperature Shut-OffSystem.................................................................................................................. 24
LeakageCheckpoints ...................................................................................................................................... 25
TroubleshootingGuide........................................................................................................................................... 26
PARTS ORDER LIST ................................................................................................................................. 27
WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................................ 28

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Thank You for purchasing a Kenmore water heater. Properly
installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble
free service. If you should decide that you want the new water
heaterprofessionallyinstalled by Searscall1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
They will arrange for prompt, quality installation by Sears
authorized contractors.
AbbreviationsFoundIn ThisInstructionManual:
• CSA - Canadian Standards Association
• ANSI - American National Standards Institute
• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
• This gas-fired water heater is design certified by CSA
INTERNATIONAL under American National Standard/CSA
Standard for Gas Water Heaters ANSI Z21.10.1 • CSA 4.1
(current edition).
• Read the “Safety Precautions” section, page 3 of this manual
first and then the entire manual carefully. If you don’t follow
the safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It
could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTYDAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation,
operation, and maintenance of the gas-fired water heater. It
also contains warnings through out the manual that you must
read and be aware of. All warnings and all instructions are
essential to the proper operation of the water heater and
your safety. Since we cannot put everything on the first few
pages,READ THEENTIRE MANUALBEFOREATTEMPTING
TOINSTALLOROPERATETHEWATERHEATER.
• The installation must conform with these instructions and
the local code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of
local codes, installations shall comply with the following:
In the United States: The National Fuel Gas Code ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54. This publication is available from the
Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley
Rd, Cleveland Ohio 44131, or The National Fire Protection
Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
• If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, call the Sears
Service Center.
• Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water
heater. Correct combustion, vent action, and vent pipe
installation are very important in preventing death from
possible carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. See
figure 1.
Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies
with the Facts to Consider About the Location section in this
manual.
• For California installation this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an
earthquake. See instructions for correct installation
procedures. Instructions may be obtained from your local
dealer, wholesaler, public utilities or California Office of the
State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be
installed in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00:
State Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00.
• Complies with SCAQMD rule #1121 and districts having
equivalent NOx requirements.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
RECOVERY MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
TANK TYPE INPUT RATE GALS. VENTPIPE DIAMETER IN INCHES(mm)
CAPACITY OF RATE PERHOUR INCHES INCHES HEIGHTTO
MODELNUMBER IN GALS(LTRS) GAS (Btu/hr) @90°FRISE (mm) (mm) JACKETTOP
153.331444 40 (151) NATURAL 40,000 40.9 3" (76) or 4" (102) 201/2”(521) 58” (1,473)
153.331544 50 (189) NATURAL 40,000 43.6 3" (76) or 4" (102) 22”(558) 591/2”(1,511)

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MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED
Materials Needed
To simplify the installation Sears has available the installation parts shown below. You may or may not need all of these materials,
depending on your type of installation.
WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT WITH
FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4”
(19.05 mm) OR 1/2” (12.7 mm) THREADED OR
COPPER PLUMBING AND FLEXIBLE WATER
HEATER GAS CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS.
EXPANSION TANKS FOR
THERMALEXPANSION
CONDITIONSAVAILABLE
IN 2 GALLONS
(7.6 LITERS) AND
5 GALLONS (18.9 LITERS)
CAPACITY HROUGH
LOCAL SEARS STORE OR
SERVICE CENTER.
DRAINPANS AVAILABLE IN20”
(508 mm) DIAMETER FOR
WATERHEATERS HAVINGA
DIAMETER 18” (457 mm) OR
LESS, 24” (610mm) DIAMETER
FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING
A DIAMETER 22” (559 mm) OR
LESSAND AVAILABLE IN 28”
(711 mm) DIAMETER FOR
WATERHEATERS HAVINGA
DIAMETER 26” (660 mm) OR
LESS.
Basic Tools
You may or may not need all these tools, depending on your
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears Store.
• Pipe Wrenches (2) 14” (356 mm)
• Screwdriver
• Tin Snips
• 6’ (1.82 m) Tape or Folding Ruler
• Garden Hose
• Drill
• Pipe Dope or Teflon Tape
Additional Tools Needed
When Sweat Soldering
• Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
• Propane Tank
• Soft Solder
• Solder Flux
• Emery Cloth
• Wire Brushes
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER TIN SNIPS
PIPE WRENCH
PIPE DOPE
(SQUEEZE TUBE)
USE FOR WATER AND GAS
CONNECTIONS
DRILL
GARDENHOSE 6 FOOT TAPE
ROLL OF TEFLON
TAPE (USE ONLYON
WATER CONNECTIONS)
HACKSAW
3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH
1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH SOLDER FLUX
ROLL OF LEAD-FREE
SOFT SOLDER
TUBING CUTTER PROPANE TORCH
ROLL OF
EMERYCLOTH

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TYPICAL INSTALLATION
GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS
A Vent Pipe
B Draft Hood
C Anode
D Hot Water Outlet
E Outlet
F Flexible Water Connections
G Gas Supply
H Manual Gas Shut-off Valve
I Ground Joint Union
* INSTALLINACCORDANCE
WITH LOCAL CODES.
* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED
BY LOCAL CODES.
FIGURE1.
J Drip Leg (Sediment Trap)
K Inner Door
L Outer door
M Union
N Inlet Water Shut-off Valve
O Cold Water Inlet
P Inlet Dip Tube
Q Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
R Rating Plate
S Flue Baffle
T Thermostat
U Drain Valve
V Pilot and Main Burner
W Flue
X Drain Pan
Y Piezo Igniter
Z Air Intake Screen
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER
(T) THERMOSTAT
* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.
TO VENT TERMINATION
ON ROOF

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Turn “OFF” the gas supply to the
water heater.
If the main gas line shutoff valve
serving all gas appliances is
used, also shut “OFF” the gas at
each appliance. Leave all gas
appliances shut “OFF” until the
water heater installation is
completed, see Figures 2 and 3.
2. Turn “OFF” the water supply to the
water heater at the water shut-off
valve or water meter. Some
installations require that the water
be turned off to the entire house,
see Figures 2 and 4.
FIGURE2.
Removing the Old Water Heater
FIGURE3.
FIGURE4.
3. Check again to make sure the gas supply is “OFF” to the
water heater. Then disconnect the gas supply connection
from the gas control valve.
4. Attach a hose to the water heater
drain valve and put the other end
in a floor drain or outdoors. Open
thewaterheaterdrain valve. Open
anearbyhot water faucetwhichwill
relieve pressure in the water
heater and speed draining. The
waterpassingoutof thedrainvalve
may be extremely hot. To avoid
being scalded, make sure all
connections are tight and that the
water flow is directed away from
any person, see Figures 2 and 5. FIGURE5.
5. Disconnectthevent pipe fromthedrafthood whereitconnects
to the water heater. In most installations the vent pipe can
be lifted off after any screw or other attached devices are
removed. Dispose of the draft hood. The new water heater
has a draft hood which must be used for proper operation.
6. If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two copper
water pipes can be cut with a hacksaw approximately four
inches away from where they connect to the water heater,
see Figure 6. This will avoid cutting off pipes too short.
Additional cuts can be made later if necessary. Disconnect
the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the
water heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain
valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater is now
completely disconnected and ready to be removed.
FIGURE6.
If you have galvanized pipes to the water heater, loosen the
two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in each
line. Alsodisconnectthepiping remaining tothewaterheater,
see Figure 7. These pieces should be saved since they may
be needed when reconnecting the new water heater.
Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line.
When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose from
the drain valve. Close the drain valve. The water heater is
now completely disconnected and ready to be removed.
Mineral buildup or sediment may have accumulated in the
old water heater. This causes the water heater to be much
heavier than normal and this residue, if spilled out, could
cause staining.
FIGURE7.

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Facts to Consider About
the Location
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater,
because the placement is a very important consideration for
the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most
economical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for
use in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whetherreplacinganold water heaterorputting the waterheater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:
• Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas
vent or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be
connected, and as centralized with the water piping system
as possible.
• Selected location must provide adequate clearances for
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow
will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not
advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor.
When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are
available at your local Sears or hardware store. Such a drain
pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches
(51 mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be
piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict
combustion air flow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
andtheenvironmentinwhichthe water heater is installed. Water
heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage
may result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan
pipedtoadrain. However, unanticipateddamage can bereduced
or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in
conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available
from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and
detect and react to leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or
turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage
is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the
water pressure differential between the cold water and hot
water pipes connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS INAREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.):
Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or
butane, etc.] and other substances such as adhesives, etc.)
emit flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water
heater’s pilot light or main burner. The resulting flashback and
fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area.
Even though this water heater is a flammable vapors ignition
resistant water heater and is designed to reduce the chances
of flammable vapors being ignited, gasoline and other
flammable substances should never be stored or used in the
same vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other
open flame or spark producing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath
the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the
appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction, or if
the appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor
must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may
result in a fire hazard.

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Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear,
4 inches (102 mm) at the front, and 6 inches (153 mm) from the
vent pipe, see Figure 8. Clearance from the top of the jacket is 12
inches (305 mm) on most models. Note that a lesser dimension
may be allowed on some models, refer to the label attached
adjacent to the gas control valve on the water heater.
FIGURE8.
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct
amount of air for combustion, see Figure 9. Do not install in a
confined area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown
in the Locating The New Water Heater section. Never obstruct
the flow of ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at
all, call your gas supplier. Failure to provide the proper amount
of combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and cause
death, serious bodily injury, or property damage.
FIGURE9.
If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops,
cleaning establishments, or self-service laundries with dry
cleaning equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or
water heaters be installed so that combustion and ventilation
air be taken directly from outdoors (direct vent).
Propellants of aerosol sprays and volatile compounds,
(cleaners, chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in
addition to being highly flammable in many cases, will also
change to corrosive hydrochloric acid when exposed to the
combustion products of the water heater. The results can be
hazardous, and also cause product failure.
Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets available to the general public for external
use on gas water heaters are not necessary with Kenmore
products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the
standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your
KenmorewaterheatermeetsorexceedstheNationalAppliance
Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation
and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket
unnecessary.
WARNING
Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions (See Figure 1 for
identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow
these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper
combustion, potentially resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious
personal injury or death.