FOR POTABLE WATER
HEATING ONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR
SPACE HEATING.
Mode_ Number
153.313140 30 Gallon Short
153.313242 38 Gallon Short
153.313340 30 Gallon
153.313442 40 Gallon
153.313640 50 Gallon
o Safety instructions
o Installation
o Operation
o Care and Maintenance
o Troubleshooting
o Parts List
}}i/iiiiii_ii
iiiii
TM
Read and understand instruction
manual and safety messages
before installing, operating or
servicing thiswater heater,
Failure to follow instructions and
safety messages could result in
death or serious iniury
GAMA certification applies to all residential electric water heaters
with capacities of 20 to 120 Gallons. Input rating of 12kW or
less at a voltage no greater than 250 V.
SAVE THiS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
instruction manual must remain with
water heater.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, _L60179 U.S.A.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A 1204 _n_&tV_,SeaPS,COrN PART NO 184708-002
Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use and servicing of this water heater.
Many safetyore[ated 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 i$ 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 persona[ injury hazards. Obey aH safety
messages that fo!low this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
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.
CAUTBON indicates a potentia![y
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.
AH safety messages wii[ generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not fo!low the safety message
and how to avoid the risk of injury.
[_,_PORTANT DEFINITIONS
Qualified Installer: A qualified installer must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing, and
electrical installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Canadian
Electrical Code and applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confirm proper installation and
operation of the water heater) as they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The qualified installer must have a
thorough understanding of the water heater Instruction Manual.
Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing, and
electrical installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Canadian
Electrical Code and applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confirm proper installation and
operation of the water heater) as they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The service agency must have a thorough
understanding of the water heater Instruction Manual.
Readandunderstandinstruction
manualandsafetymessages
beforeinstalling,operatingor
servicingthiswaterheater
Failuretofollowinstructionsand
safetymessagescouUdresultin
deathorsedousiniury.
Instructionmanualmustremainwith
waterheater.
Water temperature aver 125°F
(52°C) can cause severe burns
instantly resulting in severe injury or
death.
OhiHren, the eUdedy, and the
physically or mentally disabled are at
highest dsk for scald injury.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting valves are
available.
Read instruction manual for safe
temperature setting.
Improperinstallationandusemayresult
in property damage.
_' Do not operate water heater if flood damaged.
,, Inspect and repUace anode.
" Install in location with drainage.
_' Fill tank with water before operation.
" Be alertforthermalexpansion
Refer to instruction manual for installation and service.
_losion Hazard
Overheated water can cause
water tank explosion.
,' Properly sized temperature
and pressure relief valve
must be installed in opening
provided.
" Fire Hazard and
Electric Shock Hazard
_' Do not use this water heater with any
voltage other than shown on the model
rating plate.
" Failure to use the correct voltage shown
on the model rating plate could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or property
damage.
Before removing any access
panels or servicing the water
heater, make sure the electrical
supply to the water heater is
turned "OFF".
Failure to do this could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or
property damage
designated opening in the water heater in place of the factory
furnished valve.
Improperinst_llationandusemay result
in property damage,
Do not operate water heater ifflood damaged.
Inspect and replace anode.
Install in location with drainage.
_, Fill tank with water before operation
Be alert for thermal expansion_
Refer to instruction manual for installation and service
Explosion Hazard
Temperature_pressure relief valve
must comply with ANSI Z21.22
and ASME code.
Properly sized temperature_relief
valve must be installed in opening
provided.
Can result in overheating and
excessive tank pressure.
Can cause serious injury or death
For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not
be removed from it's designated opening or plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly
into the fitting of the water heater designated for the relief valve.
Position the valve downward and provide tubing so that any
discharge will exit only within 6 inches above, or at any distance
below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact is made
with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must not be
blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive
length, over 30 feet, or use of more than four elbows can cause
restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief
valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to discharge
drain unless a 6" air gap is provided. To prevent bodily injury,
hazard to life, or property damage, the relief valve must be
allowed to discharge water in quantities should circumstances
demand. If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or
other suitable means, the water flow may cause property
damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
Must not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the
valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.
At the time of manufacture this water heater was provided with
a combination temperature-pressures relief valve certified by
a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials, as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and
Automatic Gas Shut-off Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems,
and the current edition of ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4 and the code
requirements of ASME. If replaced, the valve must meet the
requirements of local codes, but not less than a combination
temperature and pressure relief valve certified as meeting the
requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutooff
Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 _CSA 4.4
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials.
The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water
heater (150 Ibs.p.s.i.) and a discharge capacity not less than
the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating plate.
(Electric heaters o watts divided by 1000 x 3412 equal BTU/Hr.
rate.)
Your local jurisdictional authority, while mandating the use of a
temperature-pressure relief valve complying with ANSI Z21.22
• CSA 4.4 and ASME, may require a valve model different from
the one furnished with the water heater.
Compliance with such local requirements must be satisfied
by the installer or end user of the water heater with a locally
prescribed temperatureopressure relief valve installed in the
Must not be plugged or blocked.
Must be of material listed for hot water distribution.
Must be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both
the temperatureopressure relief valve, and the discharge
pipe.
Must terminate at an adequate drain.
Must not have any valve between the relief valve and tank.
,, Before removing any access
panels or sep¢icing the water
heater, make sure the electrical
supply to the water heater is
_d"OFF".
" Failure to do this could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or
erty damage.
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing any
access panels or servicing the water heater, make sure the
electrical supply to the water heater is turned "OFF". Failure to
do this could result in DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Watertemperatureover125°F
(52°C)cancausesevereburns
instantlyresultinginsevereinjuryor
death.
Children,the elderly,andthe
physicallyormentallydisabledareat
highestriskforscaldinjury.
Feelwaterbeforebathingor
showering.
Temperature0imiting va0ves are
available.
Read instruction manual for safe
temperature setting
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will
satisfy space heating, clothes washing, 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 include the 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 is a local code or state law requiring a certain
temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take
special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible
temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, a
means such as a mixing valve, shall be used at the hot water
taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves
are available at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow
manufacturers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
Do not use this appliance if any part of it has been under water.
Immediately cal! a qualified service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any
gas control which has been under water.
INSULATING JACKETS: When installing an external water
heater insulation jacket on an electric water heater:
a. DO NOT cover the temperature-pressure relief valve.
b. DO NOT put insulation over the access covers or any access
areas.
c. DO NOT remove operating instructions, and safety related
warning labels and materials affixed to the water heater.
d. DO obtain new warning and instruction labels from Sears
for replacement on the jacket directly over the existing
labels.
Fire Hazard and
Electric Shock Hazard
Do not use this water heater with any
voltage other than shown on the model
rating plate.
Failure to use the correct voltage shown
on the model rating plate could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or property
damage.
Improper installation and ase may result
in property damage.
'_ Do not operate water heater ifflood damaged.
_' Inspectand replace anode
, Install in location with drainage.
_' Pill tank wit h water before operation.
" Be alertforthermal expansion.
Refer to instruction manual for insta01ation and service=
WATER HEATERS EQUIPPED FOR ONE VOLTAGE ONLY: This
water heater is equipped for one type voltage only. Check the
rating plate near the bottom access panel for the correct voltage.
DO NOT use this water heater with any voltage other than the
one shown on the model rating plate. Failure to use the correct
voltage can cause problems which can result in DEATH,
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE If you
have any questions or doubts consult your electric company.
SAFEINSTALLATION,USEANDSERVICE.....................................................................................................................................2°3
GENERALSAFETY..........................................................................................................................................................................3°5
TABLEOFCONTENTS.......................................................................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................................7
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................................7
MATERIALSANDBASICTOOLSNEEDED........................................................................................................................................8
Materialsneeded.........................................................................................................................................................................8
BasicTools..................................................................................................................................................................................8
AdditionalToolsNeededWhenSweatSoldering.......................................................................................................................8
PREPARATIONSFORINSTALLATION...............................................................................................................................................9
LOCATINGTHENEWWATERHEATER.......................................................................................................................................9o14
RemovingtheOldWaterHeater.................................................................................................................................................9
FactstoConsiderAbouttheLocation.......................................................................................................................................10
WaterPiping.........................................................................................................................................................................10,11
T&PValveandPipeInsulation.................................................................................................................................................11
TemperatureoPressureReliefValve.....................................................................................................................................11,12
FillingtheWaterHeater........................................................................................................................................................12,13
WiringDiagram..........................................................................................................................................................................13
Wiring....................................................................................................................................................................................13,14
InstallationChecklist.................................................................................................................................................................14
SERVICEANDADJUSTMENT....................................................................................................................................................15ol9
TemperatureRegulation...........................................................................................................................................................15
Thermostat................................................................................................................................................................................15
TemperatureSettings................................................................................................................................................................15
ThermostatAdjustment.............................................................................................................................................................15
TemperatureoPressureReliefValveOperation.........................................................................................................................16
Draining.....................................................................................................................................................................................16
ElementCleaning/Replacement..........................................................................................................................................16,18
AnodeRodInspection...............................................................................................................................................................19
DrainValveWasherReplacement............................................................................................................................................19
Service.......................................................................................................................................................................................19
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDE..........................................................................................................................................................20
StartUpConditions....................................................................................................................................................................20
ThermalExpansion..............................................................................................................................................................20
StrangeSounds....................................................................................................................................................................20
OperationalConditions.......................................................................................................................................................20°22
SmellyWater.........................................................................................................................................................................20
"Air"inHotWaterFaucets....................................................................................................................................................21
RumblingNoise...................................................................................................................................................................21
HighTemperatureShutOffSystem......................................................................................................................................21
NotEnoughorNoHotWater................................................................................................................................................21
WaterIsTooHot.....................................................................................................................................................................
LeakageCheckpoints...............................................................................................................................................................23
REPAIRPARTSLIST........................................................................................................................................................................24
NOTES........................................................................................................................................................................................25-27
WARRANTY......................................................................................................................................................................................28
ThankYouforpurchasinga SearswaterheatenProperly
installedandmaintained,itshouldgiveyouyearsoftrouble
freeservice.Ifyoushoulddecidethatyouwantthenewwater
heaterprofessionallyinstalledbySearscal!thelocalService
CenteroranySearsstore.Theywil!arrangeforprompt,quality
installationbySearsauthorizedcontractors.
AbbreviationsFoundInThisinstructionManual:
ULoUnderwritersLaboratoriesInc.
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 current edition of the NEC,
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. This publication is
available from your local government or public library or
electric company or by writing UndeP, A/riters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, cal! Sears Service
Center.
NEC- National Electrica! Code
ANSI -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 wil! 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. Al! 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 THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFOREATTEMPTING
TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
MODEL
NUMBER
153.313140
153.313242
153.313340
153.313442
153.313640
TANK
CAPACITY
IN GALLONS
30
38
30
4O
5O
DIMENSIONS
BNiNCHES
DIA. HEIGHT
22 30
23 31 1/2
18 46 1/2
18 59 1/2
22 48
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
and 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 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 248oCMR 5.00. In the
commonwealth of Massachusetts, this product must be
installed by a licensed plumber or gasfitter.
RECOVERYRATE
GALSPERHOUR
@90°FRiSE
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
ELEMENT
WATTAGE
AT 240 VOLTS
3800
3800
3800
3800
3800
MINIMUM
WIRE SIZE*
(GAUGE}
12
12
12
12
12
MAXIMUM
FUSE OR
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
SIZE
(AMPS}
2O
2O
2O
2O
2O
*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.
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" OR
1/2" THREADED OR
COPPER PLUMBING
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
DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN 20" (508 ram)
DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS
HAVING A DIAMETER 18" (457 ram) OR
LESS, 24" (610ram) DIAMETER FOR
WATER HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER
22" (559 ram) OR LESS AND AVAILABLE
IN 28" (711 ram) DIAMETER FOR WATER
HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 25"
(560 ram) OR LESS
Basic Too_s
You may or may not need al! of these tools, depending on your
type of installation, These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears store,
Pipe Wrench (2) 14"
Screwdriver
6 Foot Tape or Folding Rule
Garden Hose
Drill
Pipe Dope or Teflon Tape
DRILL
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
ROLL OF TEFLON TAPE (USE ON
WATER CONNECTIONS)
PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)
USE FOR WATER CONNECTIONS
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER
Additiona_ Too_s Needed
When Sweat Soldering
Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
Propane Torch
Soft Solder
Solder Flux
Emery Cloth
Wire Brushes
ROLL OF
EMERYCLOTH
TUBING CUTTER
HACKSAW
ROLL OF
LEAD-FREE
SOFT SOLDER
SOLDER
FLUX
GARDEN HOSE 5 FOOT TAPE PIPE WRENCH
PROPANE
TORCH
3/4" (19 mr#) WiRE BRUSH
1/2" (15 ram) WIRE BRUSH
Removing the Old Water Heater
¢
1. Turn "OFF" electrical supply to the water heater.
4. Check again to make sure the electrical supply is turned
'OFF" to the water heaten Then disconnect the electrical
supply connection from the water heater junction box.
5, a.
If you have copper piping to the water 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
shorL 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.
2. Turn "OFF" the water supply to the water heater at the water
shut-off valve or water meter.
3. 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.
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 flow is directed away from any person.
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 disconnected and ready to be
removed.
,_ CAUTION
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.