Kenmore 33916 - 50 Gallon Short Natural Gas Water... User manual

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
C3 Technology®Gas Water Heaters meet
the new ANSI Z21.10.1 standard that deals
with the accidental or unintended ignition of
ammable vapors, such as those emitted
by gasoline.
Owner’s Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.
NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES.
MODEL NO.
153.339362 30 Gallon
153.339262 40 Gallon Short
153.339462 40 Gallon
153.339962 40 Gallon (L.P.)
153.339161 50 Gallon Short
153.339562 50 Gallon
153.339762 48 Gallon High Recovery
153.339640 65 Gallon
153.339680 65 Gallon High Recovery
For Your Safety
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER.
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
• Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Parts List
POWER MISER™ 9
GAS WATER HEATER
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ADVERTENCIA
www.sears.com
PRINTED 0607 184232-003

2
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 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.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of substances
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to warn of
potential exposure to such substances.
This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This
appliance can cause low level exposure to some of the substances listed, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and soot.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
• Gas Supplier: The natural gas or propane utility or service who supplies gas for utilization by the gas burning
appliances within this application. The gas supplier typically has responsibility for the inspection and code approval of
gas piping up to and including the natural gas meter or propane storage tank of a building. Many gas suppliers also
offer service and inspection 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 indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
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.

3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE...................................................................................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.............................................................................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................. 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................................................................................... 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 5
MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED....................................................................................................................... 6
Material Needed .......................................................................................................................................................6
Basic Tools................................................................................................................................................................6
TYPICAL INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................................................................... 8-16
Removing the Old Water Heater...............................................................................................................................8
Facts to Consider About the Location..................................................................................................................9-10
Insulation Jackets ...................................................................................................................................................10
Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances
in Unconned Spaces............................................................................................................................................. 11
Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances
in Conned Spaces ...........................................................................................................................................11-12
Water Piping ......................................................................................................................................................12-13
T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation .............................................................................................................................13
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve ...................................................................................................................13-14
Filling the Water Heater .....................................................................................................................................14-15
Venting...............................................................................................................................................................15-16
Gas Piping .........................................................................................................................................................16-17
Sediment Trap ........................................................................................................................................................17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................................... 18-19
Lighting & Operating Label .....................................................................................................................................18
Temperature Regulation .........................................................................................................................................19
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 20-22
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning ......................................................................................................................................20
Venting System Inspection .....................................................................................................................................20
Burner Inspection ...................................................................................................................................................20
Burner Cleaning......................................................................................................................................................20
Housekeeping....................................................................................................................................................20-21
Anode Rod..............................................................................................................................................................21
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ..................................................................................................21-22
Draining ..................................................................................................................................................................22
Drain Valve Washer Replacement..........................................................................................................................22
Service....................................................................................................................................................................22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................................ 23-26
Start Up Conditions ...........................................................................................................................................23-24
Thermal Expansion ...........................................................................................................................................23
Strange Sounds ................................................................................................................................................23
Draft Hood Operation ........................................................................................................................................23
Condensation ....................................................................................................................................................24
Smoke/Odor ......................................................................................................................................................24
Operational Conditions ......................................................................................................................................24-25
Smelly Odor ......................................................................................................................................................24
Air in Hot Water Faucets ...................................................................................................................................25
High Temperature Shut-Off System ..................................................................................................................24
Leakage Checkpoints........................................................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting Items ............................................................................................................................................26
PARTS ORDER LIST.......................................................................................................................................................... 27-29
NOTES ................................................................................................................................................... 30-31
WARRANTY.................................................................................................................................................................................32

5
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 heater
professionally installed by Sears call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. They
will arrange for prompt, quality installation by Sears authorized
contractors.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
• 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
rst 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
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation,
and maintenance of the gas-red 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 rst few pages, READ THE
ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR
OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
• 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 res. See
gure 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 Ofce 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
MODEL
NUMBERS
TANK
CAPACITY IN
GALS (LTRS) TYPE OF GAS
INPUT RATE
(Btu/hr)
RECOVERY
RATE GALS.
PER HOUR @
90° F RISE
MINIMUM VENT
PIPE INCHES
(mm)
DIAMETER
INCHES (mm)
DIMENSIONS IN
INCHES (mm)
HEIGHT TO
JACKET TOP
153.339362 30 (114) NATURAL 40,000 41.5 3” (76) or 4” (102) 16” (406) 57 1/2” (1,461)
153.339262 40 (151) NATURAL 40,000 40.9 3” (76) or 4” (102) 20” (508) 47 1/4” (1,200)
153.339462 40 (151) NATURAL 40,000 39.9 3” (76) or 4” (102) 18 1/2” (470) 55 1/2” (1,410)
153.339962 40 (151) PROPANE 37,000 36.9 3” (76) or 4” (102) 18 1/2” (470) 55 1/2” (1,410)
153.339161 50 (189) NATURAL 40,000 42.0 3” (76) or 4” (102) 24” (610) 48 3/4” (1,238)
153.339562 50 (189) NATURAL 40,000 40.9 3” (76) or 4” (102) 20” (508) 56 1/2” (1,435)
153.339762 48 (182) NATURAL 50,000 51.2 4” (102) 20” (508) 56 1/2” (1,435)
153.339640 65 (246) NATURAL 40,000 40.0 3” (76) or 4” (102) 22” (559) 60 1/4” (1,530)
153.339680 65 (246) NATURAL 65,000 67.0 4” (102) 24” (610) 60 1/4” (1,530)

6
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
THERMAL EXPANSION
CONDITIONS AVAILABLE
IN 2 GALLONS
(7.6 LITERS) AND
5 GALLONS (18.9 LITERS)
CAPACITY HROUGH
LOCAL SEARS STORE
OR SERVICE CENTER.
DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN
20” (508 mm) DIAMETER FOR
WATER HEATERS HAVING A
DIAMETER 18” (457 mm) OR
LESS, 24” (610mm) DIAMETER
FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING
A DIAMETER 22” (559 mm)
OR LESS AND AVAILABLE IN
28” (711 mm) DIAMETER FOR
WATER HEATERS HAVING A
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Teon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
GARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE
ROLL OF TEFLON
TAPE (USE ONLY ON
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
EMERY CLOTH

7
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS
A Vent Pipe
B Drafthood
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.
FIGURE 1.
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Bafe
T Thermostat
U Drain Valve
V Pilot and Main Burner
W Flue
X Drain Pan
Y Thermostat Shield (optional)
Z Piezo Igniter
AA Air Intake Screen
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER
(T) THERMOSTAT
* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.
TO VENT TERMINATION
ON ROOF
THERMOSTAT
COVER
(OPTIONAL)
Y

8
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.
FIGURE 2.
Removing the Old Water Heater
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 4.
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 oor drain or outdoors. Open the
water heater drain valve. Open a
nearby hot water faucet which will
relieve pressure in the water heater
and speed draining. The water
passing out of the drain valve may
be extremely hot. To avoid being
scalded, make sure all connections
are tight and that the water ow is
directed away from any person, see
Figures 2 and 5. FIGURE 5.
5. Disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood where it connects
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.
FIGURE 6.
If you have galvanized pipes to the water heater, loosen
the two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in
each line. Also disconnect the piping remaining to the water
heater, 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.
FIGURE 7.

9
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.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater 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
ow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it
is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper
oor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain
pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are
available at your local 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 ow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the 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 piped
to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced 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 IN AREAS 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 ammable
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or
main burner. The resulting ashback and re can cause death
or serious burns to anyone in the area. Even though this water
heater is a ammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and
is designed to reduce the chances of ammable vapors being
ignited, gasoline and other ammable substances should never
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas
water heater or other open ame 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 oor
must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may
result in a re hazard.

10
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.
FIGURE 8.
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct
amount of air for combustion, see Figure 9. Do not install in a
conned area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown
in the Locating The New Water Heater section. Never obstruct
the ow 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 re or explosion and cause death,
serious bodily injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 9.
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
ammable 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 Kenmore
water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance 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
identication of components mentioned below). Failure to follow
these instructions can restrict the air ow required for proper
combustion, potentially resulting in re, asphyxiation, serious
personal injury or death.
• Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this
will interfere with safe operation of the draft hood.
• Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature &
pressure relief valve.
• Do not allow insulation to come within 2” (50.8 mm) of the oor
to prevent blockage of combustion air ow to the burner.
• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of
the water heater or nearby for future reference.