Kenmore POWERMISE 12 User manual

1
www.sears.com
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
Owner’s Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING
NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES
MODEL NO. CAPACITY
153.331761 74 Gallon (280 Liter)
For Your Safety
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED
BY THIS WATER HEATER.
• SafetyInstruction
• Installation
• Operation
• CareandMaintenance
• Troubleshooting
• PartsList
POWERMISER™ 12
GAS WATER HEATER
Si no puede leer o entender el inglés y necesita el manual
instructivo y/o etiquetas en español puede obtenerlos llamando al
1-800-821-2017. NO TRATE DE INSTALAR O OPERAR ESTE
CALENTADOR DE AGUA si no entiende la información en las etiquetas
o en el manual instructivo. No hacer caso de esta advertencia podría
resultar en la MUERTE O GRAVES LESIONES CORPORALES.
ADVERTENCIA
PRINTED 1208 186079-001

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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.
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.
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,will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,could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
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 .............................................................................................................................8-17
Removing the Old Water Heater...............................................................................................................................8
Facts to Consider About the Location..................................................................................................................9,10
Insulation Blankets ............................................................................................................................................ 10,11
Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances
 LocatedinUnconnedSpaces............................................................................................................................... 11
Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances
 LocatedinConnedSpaces.............................................................................................................................. 11,12
Water Piping ......................................................................................................................................................12,13
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve ...................................................................................................................14,15
Filling the Water Heater ..........................................................................................................................................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.........................................................................................................................................................21
Anode Rod Inspection ............................................................................................................................................21
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation .......................................................................................................21
Draining ..................................................................................................................................................................22
Service....................................................................................................................................................................22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE................................................................................................................................23-26
Start Up Conditions ...........................................................................................................................................23,24
Thermal Expansion............................................................................................................................................23
Strange Sounds.................................................................................................................................................23
Draft Hood Operation ........................................................................................................................................23
Condensation ...............................................................................................................................................23,24
Smoke/Odor ......................................................................................................................................................24
Operational Conditions ......................................................................................................................................24,25
Smelly Odor.......................................................................................................................................................24
Air in Hot Water Faucets....................................................................................................................................24
High Temperature Shut-Off System...................................................................................................................24
Leakage Checkpoints ........................................................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting Items ............................................................................................................................................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 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:
• UL-Underwriter’sLaboratories
• 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
• EPACT-EnergyPolicyAct
• This gas-fired water heater is design certified by UL
Underwriter’sLaboratoriesunderAmericanNationalStandard/
CSAStandardforGasWaterHeatersANSIZ21.10.3•CSA
4.3 (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 should comply with the current
edition of 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
gures1and8through14.
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 #1146.2 and districts having
equivalent NOx requirements.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
RECOVERY MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
TANK TYPE RATE GALS. VENT PIPE DIAMETER IN INCHES (mm)
MODEL CAPACITY OF BTU PER HOUR INCHES INCHES HEIGHT TO
NUMBER IN GALS (LTRS) GAS RATE @ 100°F RISE (mm) (mm) JACKET TOP
 153.331761 74(280) NATURAL 75,100 72.8 4”(102) 26.38”(670) 57”(1,448)

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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.
EXPANSION TANKS FOR THERMAL EXPANSION
CONDITIONS AVAILABLE IN 2 GALLONS
(7.6 LITERS) AND 5 GALLONS (18.9 LITERS)
CAPACITY THROUGH LOCAL SEARS STORE OR
SERVICE CENTER
FLEXIBLE WATER HEATER GAS
CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS
METAL 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 HEATER
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

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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 Water Connections
 G GasSupply
 H ManualGasShut-offValve
* INSTALLINACCORDANCE
WITH LOCAL CODES.
* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED
BY LOCAL CODES.
FIGURE 1.
I Ground Joint Union
 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(s)
 T GasControlValveThermostat
 U DrainValve
V Pilot and Main Burner
W Flue
X Metal Drain Pan
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER
* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.
TO VENT TERMINATION
ON ROOF
(T) THERMOSTAT
**CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS
ARE THOSE WITH BACK FLOW
PREVENTION DEVICES INSTALLED
IN THE INLET WATER SERVICE LINE.

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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.
1. Turn“OFF”thegassupplytothe
water heater.
If the main gas line Shut-off 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.

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 metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater. Metal drain pans are available
at your local Sears or hardware store. Such a metal 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 metal 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 metal 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metaldrainpanthattriggeranalarm
or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage
is detected.
• Sensorsmountedinthemetaldrainpanthatturnoffthewater
supply to the entire home when water is detected in the metal
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 UTILITYAREAS, 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, as well as property damage.
If installation in such areas is your only option, then the installation
mustbeaccomplishedinawaythatthepilotameandmainburner
ameareelevatedfromtheooratleast18inches.Whilethismay
reducethechancesofammablevapors,fromaoorspillbeing
ignited,gasolineandotherammablesubstancesshouldneverbe
stored or used in the same room or area containing a gas water
heaterorotheropenameorsparkproducingappliance.NOTE:
Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from other areas
of the structure to the appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.

10
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 (76.2 mm) 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.
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 Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances Located in
Conned Spaces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 from outside these areas.
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 EPACT 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.