Owners
Manual
FOR POTABLEWATER
HEATING ONLY
NOT SUITABLE FOR
SPACEHEATING
Model No.
153.312161 30 Gal. Short
153.312261 40 Gal.Short
153.312362 30 Gal.
153.312462 40 Gal.
153.312562 50 Gal.
THE ECONOMIZER TM 6
Caution:
Read and Follow
All Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions
Before First Use of
This Product.
Save this Manual for Future Reference.
LECTRIC
WATER HEATER
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
GAMA certificationappliesto all residential electric water heaters with
capacitiesof 20 to 120 Gallons. Inputrating of 12 Kw or lessata voltage
no greater than250
READ THE GENERAL SAFETY SECTION BEGINNING ON INSIDE COVER
AND THEN THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERAT-
r AWARNING ]
NG TH S WATER HEATER.
• Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Parts List
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Safety Precautions
AWARNING I
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or
maintenancecancauseDEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJUI_,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Refer to this manual for assis-[
tance or consultyour localSearsServiceCenter for further
nformation.
A,WARNING
At the time ofmanu_cturethiswaterheaterwasprovidedwith
a combinationtemperature-pressuresreliefvalvecertifiedbya
nationallyrecognizedtestinglaboratory that maintainsperiodic
inspectionofproductionof listedequipmentor materials,as
meetingthe requirementsfurReliefValvesandAutomaticGas
ShutoffDevicesfur Hot Water SupplySystems,andthe latest
edition of ANSI Z21.22andthe coderequirementsofASME. I
replaced,_e valvemustmeet the requirementsoflocalcodes
butnot lessthanacombinationtemperature andpressurerelie
valvecertifiedasmeetingtherequirementsfur ReliefValvesand
AutomaticGasShutoffDevicesfur Hot Water SupplySystems,
ANSI Z2h22 by a nationallyrecognizedtestinglaboratorythat
maintainsperiodicinspec_onof productionof listedequipment
or materials.
The valvemust bemarkedwith a maximum setpressurenot
to exceed the marked hydrostaticworking pressureof the
water heater (150 Ibedsq.in.) and a dischargecapacitynot
lessthan thewater heater input rateas shownonthe model
rating plate. (Electricheaters- watts dividedby 1000x 3415
equal BTU/Hr. rate.)
Yourlocaljurisdictionalauthorit_whilemandatingt_e useofa
temperature-pressurereliefvalvecomplyingwith ANSI Z2h22
andASME,mayrequirea valvemodeldifferentfromtheonefur-
nishedwiththe waterheater
Compliancewith suchlocalrequirements must be satlsliedby
the installeror enduserofthe water heaterwitha locallypre-
scribedtemperature-pressurereliefvalveinstalledin the desig-
natedopeningin the water heaterin placeof the factoryfur-
nishedvalve.
Forsafeoperationofthe waterheater,the reliefvalvemustnot
beremovedfromit'sdesignatedopeningor plugged.
The temperature-pressurereliefvalvemustbe installeddi_.'tly
intothe fittingofthe water heaterdesignatedfurthe reliefvalve.
Positionthe valvedownwardand providetubingsothatanydis-
chargewill exit onlywithin6 inchesabove,or at any distance
below the structuralfloor Be certainthat no contactis made
with anyliveelectricalpart. The dischargeopeningmust not be
blockedor reducedin sizeunder anycircumstances.Excessive
length,over30feet,or useof morethan fourelbowscancause
restriction andreducethedischargecapacityofthe valve.
No valveorother obstructionisto be placedbetweenthe relief
valveandthe tank.Do nut connecttubing directlyto discharge
drainunlessa 6"air gapisprovided.Topreventbodilyinjury,haz-
ardto life,orpropertydamage,the reliefvalvemustbeallowed
to dischargewater in quantitiesshouldcircumstancesdemand.
If the dischargepipe is not connectedto a drain or other
suitable means, the water flow may cause property
damage.
The DischargePipe:
Mustnot be smallerin sizethanthe outlet pipesizeofthe
valve, or have any reducing couplings or other
restrictions.
MustnotbepluggedorMocked.
Mustbeofmaterial listedforhot water distribution.
Must be installed soas to allow complete drainageof
both the temperature-pressurerelief valve,andthe dis-
chargepipe.
Mustterminate at an adequatedrain.
Mustnot haveanyvalvebetweenthe reliefvalveandtank
AWARNING J
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing
any access panels or servicing the water heater, make I
sure the electrical supply to the water heater isturned
"OFF". Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI-
OUS BOD LY NJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
)erature which will satisfyspaceheating, clotheswashing,
dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and
permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are
more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than
others. These includethe elderly, children,the infirm, or
physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot
water in your home fits into one of these groups or if
there isa local code or state lawrequiring a certain tem-
perature water at the hot water tap, then you must take
specialprecautions.In addition to usingthe lowest possi-
ble temperature setting that satisfies your hot water
needs,a means suchas a mixing valve, shall be used at
the hot water taps used by these people or at the water
heater. Mixing valvesare available at plumbingsupplyor
hardware stores. Follow manufacturers instructions for
installationof the valves.Before changingthe factory set-
ting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature
Regulation"sectionin this manual.
AW_RN|NG
WATER HEATERS EQUIPPED FOR ONE VOLTAGE
ONLY: This water beat_r is_quipped for one type voltage
only.Checkthe rating i_ateineal;the bottom accesspanel
for the correct voltage_D_ NOT use this water heater
with anyvoltage other"_han_theione shownon the model
rating plate. Failure to bse _he _'orrect voltage can cause
problemswhich can res_llt ih DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY,OR PROPERT_ DAMA,GE. If you haveany ques-
tions or doubtsconsult]_our_ele_triccompany.
INSULATING JACKE Nhen installing an external
water heater insulation acket on an electric water
heater: :.
a. DO NOT coverthe temperature-pressure relief valve.
b. DO NOT put insulation over the accesscoversor any
access areas.
c. DO NOT cover or remove operating instructions,and
safety related warning labelsand materials affixed to the
water heater.
_,_S..,!,RNING
_,WARNING
Do not usethis applianceif any part of it hasbeen under
water, An electrical short or malfunction couldoccur.The
water heater should be rep aced.
_, CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of
the water heater must be accomplishedin sucha manner
that ifthe tank or any connectionsshouldleak, the flow of
water will not causedamageto the structure. When such
locationscannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should
be installed under the water heater. Drain pansare avail-
able at your local Sears Store. Such a drain pan must be
piped to an adequate drain. Under no circumstancesis
i the manufacturer or Searsto be held liable for anywater
damagein connectionwith thiswater heater.
2
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................................3
Customer Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................4
Product Specifications ...............................................................................................................................4
Materials and Basic Tools Needed .........................................................................................._
Materials Needed ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Basic Tools................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Installation Instructions ....................................................................................................................6-12
Removing the Old Water Heater ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Facts to Consider About the Location ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Water Piping ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve............................................................................................................................................. 9
Filling the Water Heater .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Wiring Diagram ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Wiring ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11
Installation Checklist .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Service and Adjustment ................................................................................................................... 13-17
Temperature Regulation .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Thermostats ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Temperature Settings .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Thermostat Adjustment .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation .......................................................................................................................... 14
Draining ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Hement Cleaning/Replacement ......................................................................................................................................... 15-17
Drain ValveWasher Replacement ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Service .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting Guide .................................................................................................................... 18-21
Start Up Conditions ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Thermal Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Strange Sounds ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Operational Conditions ..................................................................................................................................................... 19-20
Smelly Water......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
"Air" In Hot Water Faucets ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Rumbling Noise .................................................................................................................................................................... 19
High Temperature Shut Off System ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Not Enough or No Hot Water .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Water Is Too Hot .................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Leakage Checkpoints .............................................................................................................................................................. 2t
Parts Order List............................................................................................................................................ 22-23
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................................24
Customer Responsibilities
Thank Youfor purchasing a Sears 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 the local Sears
Service Center or any Sears store. They will arrange for prompt,
quality installation by Sears authorized contractors.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual
U.L.-Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
Northbrook, IL 60062
National Electrical Code-This publication is available from your
local government or public library or electric company or by
writing to U.L. above.
A.N.S.1.-American National Standards Institute
• Read the =Safety Precautions" section, page 2 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 PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation,
and maintenance of this electric water heater. It also contains
warnings throughout the manual that you must read and
be aware of. Allwarnings 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 THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE
WATER HEATER.
• The installation must conform with the instructions in this
manual; electric company rules; and Local Codes, or in the
absence of Local Codes, with the latest edition of the
National Electrical Code. This publication is available from
your local government or public library or electric company
or by writing Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road,
Northbrook, IL 60062.
• If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, call Sears Service
Center.
• Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water
heater. Correct electrical wiring and connections are very
important in preventing death from possible electrical shock
ann fires.
Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with
the "Facts to Consider About the Location" section.
• 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 fromyour local
dealer, wholesaler, public utilities or California office of the
State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Product Specifications
MAXIMUM FUSE
TANK
MODEL
NUMBER
153.312161
153.312261
153.312362
153.312462
153.312562
*Wiring size based on standard 60°C copper wire. If distance from fuse box to water heater is more than 90 feet, refer to your local electrical
code.
CAPACITY
IN GALLONS
30
40
30
40
50
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES
DIAMETER HEIGHT
22 30
24 31_
17_ 45_
17½ 59¼
19_ 56¼
RECOVERYRATE
GALS. PER HOUR :
@90°E RISE
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
ELEMENT
WATTAGE
AT 24O VOLTS
3800
3800
3800
3800
3800
MINIMUM
WIRE SIZE*
(GAUGE)
12
12
12
12
12
OR CIRCUIT
BREAKER
SIZE (AMPS)
2O
20
2O
20
20
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 materi-
als, depending on your type of installation.
_f
Electric
Water Heater
Installation
Kit
WATER HEATER HEAT TRAPS
[1"
o
_b
WATER HEATER INSTALLA.
TION KIT WITH FLEXIBLE
CONNECTORS FOR 314" OR
I/2" THREADED OR COPPER
PLUMBING
HELP REDUCE HEAT LOSS DUE TO
THERMAL SYPHONING
,r,,
r
EXPANSION TANKS FOR THERMAL
EXPANSION CONDITIONS AVAILABLE IN
2 GALLON AND $ GALLON CAPACITY
THROUGH LOCAL SEARS SERVICE CENTERS
20" DIAMETER DRAIN PAN
FOR WATER HEATERS 18" IN
DIAMETER AND UNDER
28" DIAMETER DRAIN PAN FOR
WATER HEATERS 26" IN
DIAMETER AND UNDER
Basic Tools
You may or may not need all of these tools, depending on ycour
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears store.
• Pipe Wrench (2)
• Screwdriver
• 6 Foot Tape or Folding Rule
• Garden Hose
• Drill
• Pipe Dope or Teflon Tape
6 FOOT TAPE
GARDEN HOSE
!i
SLOT-HEAD SCREW DRIVER
WRENCH
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER
PIPE DOPE(SQUEEZE TUBE)
ROLL OF TEFLON TAPE DRILL
(Use only on water connections)
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED
WHEN SWEAT SOLDERING
•Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
•Propane Torch
•Soft Solder
•Solder Flux
•Emery Cloth
•Wire Brushes
BRUSH
1/2" WIRE BRUSH
_'_ PROPANE TORCH
ROLL OF LEAD FREE
SOFT SOLDER
ROLL OF EMERY SOLDER TUBING
CLOTH FLUX CUTTER
Installation Instructions
Removing the Old Water
Heater
OTurn "OFF" electrical supply to the water heater.
1
Q Turn "OFF" the water supply to the
water heater at the water shutoffvalve or
water meter.
Attach a hose to the water heater drain
valve and put the other end in a floor
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.
Qb.
If you have copper piping to the water
a.
heater, the two copper water pipes can be
cut with a hacksaw approximately 4" away
from where they connect to the water
heater. This will avoid cutting off the pipes
too short. Additional cuts can be made
later if necessary. Disconnect the tempera-
ture-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.
If you have galvanized pipe 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. 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 disconnect-
ed and ready to be removed.
l A,WARNIN G ]
The water passing out of the drain valve may be extreme-|
ly hot. To avoid being scalded, make sure all connections|
are tight and that the water flow is directed away from |
any person.
Q Check again to sure supply is
turned "OFF" to the water heater. Then disconnect
the electrical supply connection from the water
heater junction box.
make the electrical
A, CAUTION I
Mineral buildup or sediment may haveaccumulated in the J
old water heater. This causes the water heater to be I
much heavier th.annormal and this residue,if spilledout
cou d causestaining.
Installation Instructions (cont'd)
Facts to Consider About
the Location
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new
water heater, because the placement is a very important consid-
eration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for
the most economical use of the appliance. This water heater is
not intended for outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater in a new location, the following critical points must be
observed.
• The location selected should be indoors as close to and as
centralized with the water piping system as possible. This
water heater, as well as all water heaters, will eventually leak.
Do not install without adequate drainage provisions where
water flow will cause damage.
ACAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of
the water heater must be accomplishedin sucha manner
that if the tank or anyconnectionsshould leak, the flow of
water will not causedamageto the structure. When such
locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should
be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are avail-
able at your local Searsstores. Such a drain pan must be
piped to an adequate drain. Under no circumstances is
the manufacturer or Searsto be held liable for anywater
damage in connection with this water heater.
_,CAUTION
INSTALLATION IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGES: The I
water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subjectto physicaldamage bya mov ng veh € e.
• The location selection must provide adequate clearances for
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation Instructions (cont'd)
Water Piping
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfyspaceheating,clotheswashing,
dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and
permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are
more likelyto be permanently injured by hot water than
others. These includethe elderly, children, the infirm, or
physicallylmentally handicapped. If anyone using hot
water In your home fits into one of these groups or if
there isa local code or state law requiring a certain tem-
perature water at the hot water tap, then you must take
specialprecautions. In addition to usingthe lowest possi-
ble temperature setting that satisfies your hot water
needs,a means suchas a mixing valve, shall be used at
the hot water taps used by these people or at the water
heater. Mixing valvesare available at plumbing supplyor
hardware stores. Follow manufacturers instructions for
installationof the valves.Before changingthe factory set-
iting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature
iReguation" section in this manual.
The illustration shows the attachment of the water _iping to the
water heater. The water heater is equipped with ¾ water con-
nections.
If a water heater is installed in a closed water supply system;
such as one having a back-flow preventer, check valve, water
meter with a check valve, etc. in the cold water supply; means
shall be provided to controt thermal expansion. Contact the
local utility or Sears Service Center on how to control this
situation.
NOTE: If using copper tubing, solder tubing to an adapter
before attaching the adapter to the cold water inlet connec-
tion. Do not solder the cold water supply line directly to the
cold water inlet. It will harm the dip tube and damage the
tank.
Installation completed using Sears
Installation Kit
FLEXIBLE SHUT-OFF
WATER
CONNECTORS VALVE
HOT OUTLET COLD INLET
TO HOUSE WATER LINE
THREADED TO THREADED TO
SWEAT COUPLING SWEAT COUPLING
314"THREADED
NIPPLE
/ TEMPERATURE-
k_ RELIEF VALVE
-- DISCHARGE PIPE
PRESSURE
(Do not cap or plus)
• Look at the top cover of the water heater. The hot water out-
let is marked hot. Put two or three turns of teflon tape around
the threaded end of the threaded-to-sweat coupling and
around both ends of the _" threaded nipple. Using flexible
connectors, connect the hot water pipe to the hot water outlet
of the water heater.
• Look at the top cover of the water heater. The cold water inlet
is marked cold. Put two or three turns of teflon tape around
the threaded end of the threaded-to-sweat coupling and
around both ends of the ¾" threaded nipple. Using flexible
connectors, connect the cold water pipe to the cold water
inlet of the water heater.
NOTE: Your water heater is insulated to minimize heat loss
from the tank. Further reduction in heat loss can be accom-
plished by insulating the hot water lines from the water
eatl_
--_" AIR GAP
FLOOR DRAIN