Kenmore 153.330230, 153.330200, 153.330220 User Manual

Use & Care Guide

Model No.

153.330200 30 Gallon Tall

153.330220 40 Gallon Tall

153.330230 50 Gallon Tall

Kenmore®

Gas Water Heater

For potable water heating only.
Not suitable for space heating.
Not for use in mobile homes.

LOW LEAD

COMPLIANT

INSTALLER: Affi x these instructions to or near
the water heater.

OWNER: Retain these instructions for future
reference.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: An odorant is added to
the gas used by this water heater.

ADVERTENCIA

Si no puede leer o entender el inglés y necesita el manual de
instrucciones en español, puede solicitarlo al 1-800-821-2017. NO
TRATE DE INSTALAR U OPERAR ESTE CALENTADOR DE AGUA
SI NO ENTIENDE LAS INSTRUCCIONES. No hacer caso de esta
advertencia podría originar lesiones graves o mortales.

P/N 319588-002 (1010)

Sears Brands Management Corporation,
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

www.kenmore.com
www.sears.com

1

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.

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.

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. WARNING: 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 included in the act.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

• Qualifi ed Technician: A qualifi ed technician must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing, air supply,

venting, and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the
installation of gas fi red water heaters. The qualifi ed technician must also be familiar with the design features and use of fl ammable vapor
ignition resistant water heaters, and have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual.

• Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing, air supply, venting

and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the installation of
gas fi red water heaters. The service agency must also have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual, and be able to perform
repairs strictly in accordance with the service guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

• 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

Can result in serious injury or death

Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this
or any other appliance. Storage of or use of

FLAMMABLES

Flammable Vapors

gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance can result in
serious injury or death.

Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions.

© Sears Brands Management Corporation

2

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE ...................................................................................................................... 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 2-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................. 4

WARRANTY................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................................................... 6

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 6

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED ....................................................................................................................... 7

Materials Needed .....................................................................................................................................................7

Basic Tools................................................................................................................................................................7

TYPICAL INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................................................... 8

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 9-18

Removing the Old Water Heater ...............................................................................................................................9

Facts to Consider About the Location ................................................................................................................ 10-11

Insulation Blankets ............................................................................................................................................11-12

Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances in Unconfi ned Spaces ........................................................................12

Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances in Confi ned Spaces .......................................................................12-13

Water Piping ......................................................................................................................................................13-14

T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation .............................................................................................................................14

Temperature Pressure Relief Valve ...................................................................................................................15,16

Filling the Water Heater ..........................................................................................................................................16

Venting ...............................................................................................................................................................16-17

Gas Piping .........................................................................................................................................................17,18

Sediment Trap ........................................................................................................................................................18

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 19-21

Lighting & Operating Label .....................................................................................................................................19

Temperature Regulation .........................................................................................................................................20

Operating the Temperature Control System ...........................................................................................................21

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 22-27

Venting System Inspection .....................................................................................................................................22

Burner Inspection ...................................................................................................................................................22

Removing the Burner Door Assembly ....................................................................................................................23

Ultra Low NOx Natural Gas Burner ........................................................................................................................23

Replacing the Pilot/Thermopile Assembly ..............................................................................................................23

External Inspection & Cleaning of the Flame Trap .................................................................................................24

Cleaning the Combustion Chamber and Flame Trap .............................................................................................24

Replacing the Burner Door Assembly .....................................................................................................................25

Piezoelectric Igniter System ...................................................................................................................................25

Testing the Igniter System ......................................................................................................................................25

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat ................................................................................26

Housekeeping .........................................................................................................................................................26

Anode Rod Inspection .......................................................................................................................................26-27

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation .......................................................................................................27

Draining ..................................................................................................................................................................27

Drain Valve Washer Replacement ..........................................................................................................................27

Service ....................................................................................................................................................................27

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................................ 28-34

Start Up Conditions ................................................................................................................................................28

Thermal Expansion ...........................................................................................................................................28

Strange Sounds ................................................................................................................................................28

Draft Hood Operation ........................................................................................................................................28

Condensation ....................................................................................................................................................29

Smoke/Odor ......................................................................................................................................................29

Operational Conditions ......................................................................................................................................29-30

Smelly Odor ...................................................................................................................................................... 29

Water Temperature Stacking .............................................................................................................................29

Air in Hot Water Faucets ...................................................................................................................................29

Safety Shut-Off .............................................................................................................................................29,30

Troubleshooting Items .......................................................................................................................................30-34

PARTS ORDER LIST ................................................................................................................................................................35

4

PRODUCT WARRANTY

6 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER HEATER

For six years from the date of purchase, if this water heater is installed and operated in a single-family home in accordance with the
owner’s manual instructions and all local applicable plumbing codes, Sears will:

1. Supply free water heater parts for those that are defective in material or workmanship.

2. Supply a free water heater for one that develops a tank leak. See notes below also.

For the second through sixth year from the purchase date, you must pay the labor cost for installation of parts or water heater.

For commercial, institutional, industrial or residential use by two or more families, the above limited warranty is only for two years. During
the second year you must pay the labor cost for parts or water heater installation.

If governmental regulations prohibit Sears from furnishing a comparable model replacement water heater under this warranty, Sears will
furnish a new water heater of comparable output as permitted by such governmental regulations; however, the Owner will be charged
for the additional cost associated with the changes made to comply with such governmental regulations.

Replacements furnished under this warranty do not carry a new warranty and are only covered by the unexpired portion of the original
warranty.

1 - YEAR EXCLUSIVE KENMORE LABOR WARRANTY

For the fi rst year from the date of purchase, Sears will, free of charge, supply and install new water heater parts for defective ones or a
new water heater for one that develops a leak.

WARRANTY SERVICE

To obtain warranty service, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663).
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS BRANDS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

The price of your water heater does not include a free checkup service call. On water heater installations arranged by Sears, Sears

warrants the installation.
A charge will be made on service calls due to poor or incomplete installation. These include:

a. Adjusting thermostat b. Condensation c. Leaks in pipes or fi ttings

Master Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore
product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable op­eration. But like all products, it may require preventive maintenance
or repair from time to time. That’s when having a Master Protection
Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your
new product. Here’s what the Agreement* includes:

Parts and labor• needed to help keep products operating
properly under normal use, not just defects. Our coverage
goes well beyond the product warranty. No deductibles, no
functional failure excluded from coverage— real protection.

Expert service• by a force of more than 10,000 authorized
Sears service technicians, which means someone you can

trust will be working on your product.

Unlimited service calls and nationwide service• , as often as
you want us, whenever you want us.

“No-lemon”• guarantee – replacement of your covered product
if four or more product failures occur within twelve months.

®

$250 Food Loss Protection• annually for any food spoilage that
is the result of mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator
or freezer.

Rental reimbursement• if repair of your covered product takes
longer than promised.

10% discount• off the regular price of any non-covered repair
service and related installed parts.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it
takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night,
or schedule a service appointment online.

The Master Protection Agreement is a risk free purchase. If you cancel
for any reason during the product warranty period, we will provide a
full refund. Or, a prorated refund anytime after the product warranty
period expires. Purchase your Master Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional
information in the U.S.A. call 1-800-827-6655.

* Coverage in Canada varies on some items. For full details, call
Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665.

Product replacement• if your covered product can’t be fixed.

Annual Preventive Maintenance Check• at your request – no

extra charge.

Fast help by phone• – we call it Rapid Resolution – phone
support from a Sears representative on all products. Think of

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door
openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A.
or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME

®

.

us as a “talking owner’s manual.”

Power surge protection• against electrical damage due to
power fluctuations.

5

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

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 fi rst (pages 2 and 3 of

this manual) and then read 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-fi 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 fi 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 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 fi res. See
fi 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 the California Offi ce of the
State Architect, 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA

95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your computer
at WWW.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.

• Complies with 10 ng/J SCAQMD rule #1121 and districts
having equivalent NOx requirements.

MODEL NUMBER

153.330200

153.330220

153.330230

TANK
CAPACITY IN
GALS (LTRS)

30 (114)

40 (151)

50 (189)

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

RECOVERY

TYPE OF

GAS

NATURAL

NATURAL

NATURAL

INPUT

RATE

(Btu/hr)

30,000

40,000

40,000

RATE GALS.

PER HOUR @

90°F RISE

31

41

41

3” (76) OR 4” (102)

3” (76) OR 4” (102)

3” (76) OR 4” (102)

MINIMUM

VENT PIPE

INCHES

(mm)

DIAMETER

INCHES

(mm)

16 (406)

18 (457)

20 (508)

DIMENSIONS IN

INCHES (mm)

HEIGHT TO

JACKET TOP

56-3/8 (1432)

58-5/8 (1489)

57-3/8 (1457)

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.

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.

WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT
WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4”
(19.05 mm) COPPER PLUMBING AND FLEXIBLE
GAS CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS.

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 Tefl on Tape

SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER

DRILL

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.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED
WHEN SWEAT SOLDERING

• Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw

• Propane Torch

• Soft Solder

• Solder Flux

• Emery Cloth

• Wire Brushes

TUBING CUTTER

PROPANE

TORCH

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

ROLL OF TEFLON

TAPE (USE ONLY ON

WATER CONNECTIONS)

GARDEN HOSE

6 FOOT TAPE

TIN SNIPS

PIPE DOPE

(SQUEEZE TUBE)

USE FOR WATER AND GAS

CONNECTIONS

PIPE WRENCH

3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH

1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH

7

HACKSAW

EMERY CLOTH

ROLL OF LEAD-FREE

SOFT SOLDER

ROLL OF

SOLDER

FLUX

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS

A Vent Pipe

B Draft Hood
C Anode
D Hot Water Outlet
E Outlet
F Flexible Water Connections
G Gas Supply
H Manual Gas Shut-off Valve
I Ground Joint Union

* INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE
WITH LOCAL CODES.

* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED
BY LOCAL CODES.

TO VENT

TERMINATION ON

ROOF

A

INSTALL THERMAL EXPANSION

TANK IF WATER HEATER IS

INSTALLED IN A CLOSED

M

F

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

WATER SYSTEM

N

O

S Flue Baffl e
T Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
U Drain Valve
V Pilot and Burner Door Assemblies
W Flue
X Metal Drain Pan

(T) GAS CONTROL VALVE/

THERMOSTAT

VAC

B

F

D

E

S

C

G

H

I

J

X

W

V

K

* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.

P

R

T

U

L

VACUUM RELIEF

VALV E

*INSTALL PER

LOCAL CODES

Q

DISCHARGE PIPE

(Do not cap or plug)

6” MAXIMUM

AIR GAP

FIGURE 1.

(V) PILOT AND BUNER DOOR

ASSEMBLIES

SENSOR WIRES

IGNITER
WIRE

MANIFOLD TUBE

PILOT TUBE

MAIN BURNER

PILOT
ASSEMBLY
(SEE BELOW)

BURNER DOOR

PILOT
ASSEMBLY

FRONT VIEW

TOP VIEW

THERMOPILE
CONNECTORS

RETAINER
CLIP

MANIFOLD
COMPONENT
BLOCK

8

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Removing the Old Water Heater

1

MANUAL GAS
SHUT-OFF VALVE

GROUND
JOINT
UNION

CHECK WITH
LOCAL UTILITY
FOR MINIMUM HEIGHT

3” MINIMUM

DRIP LEG

6

5

3

SUITABLE
DRAIN

FIGURE 2.

2

DISCHARGE PIPE

4

(DO NOT CAP

OR PLUG)

6” MAXIMUM
AIR GAP

4. Attach a hose to the water heater
drain valve and put the other end
in a fl oor drain or outdoors. (See
Figures 2 and 5.) Open the water
heater drain valve.

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

FIGURE 5.

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.

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.

FIGURE 3.

2. Open a nearby hot water faucet
until the water is no longer hot.
When the water has cooled, 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

FIGURE 4.

and 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.

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.
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 fl 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 fl 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 drain pan must have
a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater
than the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate
drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air fl ow.

• 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 fl ammable
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or
main burner. The resulting fl ashback and fi re can cause death
or serious burns to anyone in the area. Even though this water
heater is a fl ammable vapor ignition resistant water heater and
is designed to reduce the chances of fl ammable vapors being
ignited, gasoline and other fl ammable substances should never
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas
water heater or other open fl 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.

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. 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.

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 fl oor
must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may
result in a fi re hazard.

10

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
surfaces 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 8 inches (203
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.

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 fl 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.

A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct
amount of air for combustion. See Figure 9. Do not install in a
confi ned area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown
in the Locating The New Water Heater section. Never obstruct
the fl 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 fi re or explosion and cause death,
serious bodily injury, or property damage.

WARNING

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this
heater, you should follow these instructions (See Figure 1 for
identifi cation of components mentioned below). Failure to follow
these instructions can restrict the air fl ow required for proper
combustion, potentially resulting in fi 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 fl oor

to prevent blockage of combustion air fl ow to the burner.

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of

the water heater or nearby for future reference.

11