Owners
Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER
HEATING ONLY
NOT SUITABLE FOR
SPACEHEATING
NOT FOR USE IIX[,
MOBILE HOMES
Hodel No.
153.334290 40 Gal. Short
153.334390 30 Gal.
IS3.334490 40 Gal.
153.334S90 S0 Gal.
Caution:
Read and Follow
All Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions
Before First Use of
This Product.
'IENERGY EFFICIENTT"5
GAS WATER HEATER
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
For Your Safety
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS
WATER HEATER
WARNING: If the information in these instructions are not fol-
lowed exactly, a fire or explosion may result, causing property
damage, personal ,nlury or death•
-Do not store or use gas.oline or other flammable vapors and liq-
uids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
-WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
: Do not try to light any appliance.
Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your
building.
Follow the gas supplier'sinstructions.
i Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone.
If you can not reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
-Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or m_ntenance I
can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAM-
AGE. Refer to this manual for assistance or consult the local Sears
Serv ce Center or gas utility for further information.
• . . . .
• Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Parts List
AWARNING
I
Savethis Manual for Future Reference.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
AWARNING
Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from other areas
of the structure to this appliance.
AWARNING
READ THE GENERAL SAFETY SECTION BEGINNING ON INSIDE
COVER AND THEN THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING
OR OPERATING THIS WATER HEATER.
Safety Precautions
AWARNING [
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service
or maintenance can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY I
INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Refer to this mauu- I
al for assistance or consult your local Sears Service I
Center for further information. [
_,WARNING
WATER HEATERS EQUIPPED FOR ONE TYPE GAS
ONLY: This water heater is equipped for one type gas
only. Check the model rating plate near the gas control
valve for the correct gas. DO NOT USE THIS WATER
HEATER WITH ANY GAS OTHER THAN THE ONE
SHOWN ON THE MODEL RATING PLATE. Failure to
usethe correct gascan causeproblems which can result in
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE. If you have any questions or doubts consult
your gas supplier or local utility.
_,WARNING
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQ-
UIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR
STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE, AND UTILITY AREAS
ETC): F ammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents,
propane (LP) or butane, etc.), all of which emit flammable
vapors, may be improperly stored or used in such areas.
The gaswater heater pilot light or main bumer can ignite
such vapors. The resulting flashback and fire 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
flame and main burner flame are elevated from the floor
at least 18 inches. While this may reduce the chances of
flammable vapors from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline
and other flammable substancesshouldnever be stored or
used in the same room or area containing a gas water
heater or other open flame or spark producingappliance.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air current
from other areas ofthe structure to the appliance.
AWARNING
If this water heater will be used in beauty shops,barber
shops, cleaning establishments, or self-servica laundries
with dry cleaning equipment, it is imperative that the
water heater or water heaters be installed so that com-
bustion and ventilation air be taken from outside these
areas. Refer to the "Facts to Consider About the
Location" section of this manual and also the latest edi-
tion of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, also
referred to as NFPA 54 for specifics provided concerning
air required.
_,WARNING I
A fire can start if combustiblematerialssuchas clothingI
cleaningmaterials,or flammableliquidsare placedagainst
or nextto the waterheater.
AWARNING
At the time of manufacture this water heater was provid-
ed with a combination temperature-pressures relief valve
certified by _nationally recognized testing laboratory
that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed
equipment ol"materials, as meeting the requirements for
Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot
Water Supply Systems, and the atest edition of ANSI
Z21.22 end the code requirements of ASME. If replaced,
the valve must meet the requirements of local codes, hut
not less than a combination temperature and pressure
relief valve certified as meeting the requirements for
Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot
Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 bya nationally rec-
ognized 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./sq. in.) and a discharge
capacity not less than the water heater input rate as
shown on the model rating plate. (Electric heaters -
watts divided by 1000 x 3415 equal BTU/Hr. rate.)
Your local jurisdictional authority, while mandating the
use of a tempereture.pressure relief valve complying
with ANSI Z21.22 and ASME, may require a valve mode]
different from the one furnished with the water heater.
Compliance with such local requirements must be satis-
fied by the installer or end user oftbe water heater with
a locally prescribed temperature-pressure relief valve
installed in the designated opening in the water heater in
_lece of the factory fumished valve.
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
tort. The discharge opening must not be blocked or
reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive
length, over 30 feet, or useof 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 unlessa 6 air gap is provided.
To prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property dam-
age, the relief valve must be allowed to discharge water
in quantities should circumstances demand. If the dis-
charge 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 sizeof
the valve, or have any reducing couplings or other
restrictions.
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 temperature-pressure relief valve, and the dis-
charge pipe.
Must terminate at an adequate drain.
Must not have any valve between the relief valve and
tan_
Safety Precautions
AWARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as
shown in the "Facts to Consider About the Location" sec-
tion. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have
any doubts or questions at all, call your gas company.
Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air
can result in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfy 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/men-
tally handicapped. If anyone usinghot 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 specialprecautions. In addi-
tion to usingthe lowest possibletemperature setting that
satisfiesyour hot water needs, a means such as a mixing
valve, shouldbe usedat the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires corroc-
tion before further use. Turn "OFF" gasto water heater
and leave "OFF" until repairs are made, because failure
to correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
peting. Carpeting must be protected by a 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 floor must be covered by
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a
fire hazard.
AWARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibitsproper drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency in excess of 80% may
troduce a relatively low flue gas temperature. Such tem-
mraturas may nut be high enough to properly open ther-
mally operated vent dampers. This would cause spillageof
flue gasesand may causecarbon monoxide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as com-
plying with the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installation of any vent damper, consult
tour local Sears Service Center or the gasutility for fur-
ther information.
,_WARNING
• The appliance and its individual shutoff"valve must be dis-
connected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in
excessof ½ poundper squareinch(3.SkPa).
•The appliance must be isolated from the gassupply pip-
ing system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve
during any pressure testing of the gas supply pipingsys--
tom at test pressures equal or lessthan ½ pound per
square inch (3.SkPa).
AWARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (L.R) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground levelwill serve as pockets for the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gas by sniffing at ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover pageof
this manual then leavethe premises.
h, WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaningsolvents,refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and process chemicals are typical compounds which are
potentially corrosive.
AWARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a
serious health Hsk or asphyxiaton.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
3
Safety Precautions
AWARNING I
The water heater with draft hood installed must be prop. I
erly vented to a chimney which terminates outdoors.
Never operate the water heater unlessit is vented to the I
outdoors and has adequate air supply to avoid risks of
improper operation, explosion or asphyxiation.
_WARNING
Minimum clearances between the water heater and com-
bustible or non-combustible construction are I" at the
sidesand rear, 4" at the front, and 6" from the vent pipe.
Clearance from the top of the jacket is 18" on most mod-
els. Note that a lesser dimension may be allowed on some
models. Refer to the labe| on the water heater adjaceot to
the gascontrol valve for all clearances,
A WARNING
Do not use this appliance if any part of it has been under I
water. Immediately call a Sears Service Technician to I
_spect the applianceand to replace the gas control or any
_rt of the burner systemwhich hasbeen under water. I
_,WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot
water system that has not been used for a leng period of
time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is
extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possi-
bility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the
hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the
kitchen sink before any electrical appliances which are
connected to the hot water system are used (such asa dis-
hwather or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present,
there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air
escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is
opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near
the faucet at the time it is open.
A CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of
the water heater must be accomplished in sucha manner
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow of
water will not cause damage to 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 Sears store. Such a drain pan must be
not greater than 1%inchesdeep, have a minimum length
and width of at least 2 inches greater than the water
heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate
drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow,
Under no circumstances is the manufacturer or Sears to
be held liable for any water damage in connection with
this water heater.
AWARNING
INSULATING JACKETS: When installing an external
water heater insulation jacket on a gaswater heater:
• DO NOT coverthe temperature-pressure relief valve.
• DO Nor put insulation over any part of the top of the
gaswater heater.
• DO NOT put insulation over the gas control valve or gas
control valvelbumer cover, or any access areas to the
burner.
• DO NOT let insulation around the gas water heater to
get within 8 inches of the floor (air must get to the
burner).
• DO NOT cover or remove operating instructions, and
safety related warning labels and materials affixed to the
water heater.
Failure to heed this will result in the possibility of a fire or
explosion.
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................................2-4
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................_
Customer Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................6
Product Specifications ..................................................................................................................................6
Materials and Basic Tools Needed ...............................................................................................7
Materials Needed ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
B_sic Tools ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Installation Instructions ........................................................................................................................8-16
Removing the Old Water Heater ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Facts to Consider About the Location ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances in Unconfined Spaces ................................................................................... 10
Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances in Confined Spaces ....................................................................................... 10
Water Piping ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve........................................................................................................................................... 12
Filling the Water Heater .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Venting .............................................................................................................................................................................. 13-14
Gas Piping ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14-15
Installation Checklist .............................................................................................................................................................. t6
O eratin Instructions 17-19
_ig_ting ......... .g., ......................................................................................................................... 1718
Temperature Regulation .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Service and Adjustment ......................................................................................................................20-21
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Venting System Inspection ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Burner Inspection ................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Burner Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Draining ................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation .......................................................................................................................... 21
Drain ValveWasher Replacement ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Service .................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................................................................................22-22
Start Up Conditions .......................................................................................................................................................... 22-23
Condensation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Smoke/Odor ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Thermal Expansion ......................................................................................................................................................... 22-23
Strange Sounds ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Operational Conditions ..................................................................................................................................................... 23-24
Smelly Water ......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Air in Hot Water Faucets ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
High Temperature Shut Off System ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Not Enough Hot Water ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Water is Too Hot .................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Leakage Checkpoints .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Parts ---OrderList ...............................................................................................................................................26-27
Customer Responsibilities
Thank You for purchasinga 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
I.A.S. - International Approval Services, A Division of CSA
A.N.S.I. - American National Standards Institute
AWARNING
This gas-fired water heater is design certified by the
International Approval Services, A Divisionof CSA under
American National Standard/CSA Standard for GasWater
Heaters ANS Z21.10.1 • CSA 4.1 (latest edition). The
installation must conform with this manual, Local Codes
and with the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1.
This publication isavailablefrom your local government or
public library, gas company, or by writing NFPA,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
• Read the "Safety Precautions" section, pages 2 through 4 of
this manual first and then the entire manual carefially. 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 opera-
tion, and maintenance of the gas-fired 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 everythingon the first few page.s, READ
THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
• The installation must conform with the instructions in this
manual; gas company rules; and Local Codes, or in the
absence of Local Codes, with the latestedition of the National
Fuel Gas code, ANSI Z223.1, also referred to as NFPA 54.
This publication is available from your local government or
public library or gas company or by writing NFPA,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
• If after reading this manualyou 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 instal-
lation are very important in preventing death from _ossible
carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. -
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 proce-
dures. Instructions may be obtained from your local dealer,
wholesaler, public utilities or California Office of the State
Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Product Specifications
MODEL
NUMBER
153.334290
153.334390
153.334490
153.334590
TANK
CAPACITY
IN GALLONS
40
30
40
50
TYPE
OF
GAS
NATURAL
NATURAL
NATURAL
NATURAL
B.T.U.
RATE
35,000
28,000
30,000
30,000
RECOVERyRATE MINIMUM
GALS.PERHOUR
@ 90°F RISE
35.8
28.7
31.0
31.0
VENT
PIPE
3"-4"
3"
3"
3"
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES
DIAMETER
20
16
18
20
HEIGHT TO
JACKETTOP
475
56
56_
56½
6
Materials and Basic Tools Needed
Materials Needed
To simplify the installation Sears has available the installation
parrs shown below. You may or may not need all of these materi-
als, depending on your type of installation.
I
WATER HEATER STAND 24"x24"x18"
FOR USE WITH WATER HEATERS
INSTALLED IN RESIDENTIAL
GARAGES HAVING A DIAMETER 24"
OR LESS AND A RATED CAPACITY
75 GALLONS OR LESS
VENT ELBOW
EXPANSION TANKS
FOR THERMAL
EXPANSION CONDI-
TIONS AVAILABLE IN
2 GALLON AND 5
GALLON CAPACITY
THROUGH LOCAL
SEARS STORE OR
SERVICE CENTERS
FLEXIBLE WATER
HEATER GAS CON-
NECTORWITH
FITTINGS
WATER HEATER INSTAL-
LATION KIT WITH FLEXI-
BLE CONNECTORS FOR
314" OR liT' THREADED
OR COPPER PLUMBING
VENT PiPE
Basic Tools
You may or may not need all of these tools, depending on your
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears store.
• Pipe Wrenches (2) 14"
• Screwdriver
• Tin Snips
• 6 Foot Tape of Folding Rule
• Garden Hose
• Drill
• Pipe dope or Teflon Tape
GARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
PHILLIPS SCRE_NDRIVER
ROLL OF TEFLON TAPE _L_J_ | [Jl
(USE ONLY ON WATER
CONNECTIONS) DRILL
PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)
(USE FOR WATER AND
GAS CONNECTIONS)
PIPE
WRENCH
TIN SNIPS
DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN 20" DIAME-
WATER HEATER HEAT DIAMETER 18" OR LESS AND AVAIL-
TRAPS HELP REDUCE HEAT ABLE IN 28" DIAMETER FOR WATER
LOSS DUE TO THERMAL HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 26" OR
SYPHONING LESS
TER FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING A
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED
WHEN SWEAT SOLDERING
• Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
• Propane Torch
• Sof_ Solder
• Solder Flux
• Emery Cloth
• Wire Brushes
\
HACKSAW
314" WIRE BRUSH
112" WIRE BRUSH
PROPANE
TORCH
ROLL OF LEAD FREE
SOFT SOLDER
ROLL OF EMERY
CLOTH SOLDER FLUX
TUBING
CUTTER
Installation Instructions
Removing the Old Water Heater
water
Turn "OFF" the supply the heater.
gas
to
AWARNING ]
I If the main gas line shutoff serving all gas appliances is/
used, also shut "OFF" the gas at each appliance. Lea_e alJ|
[gas appliances shut "OFF" until the water heater installa-|
I lion iscomplete. |
® ®
QTurn "OFF" the water to the water
heater. Some installations require that
the water be turned off to the entire
house,
Disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood where
they connect to the water heater. In most installations
the vent pipe canhe Liftedoff after any screw or other
attached devices are removed. Dispose of the draft
hood. The new water heater has the draft hood which
must be used for proper operation.
®
® ®
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 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 discon-
nected and ready to be removed.
Check a_mn to make sure the gassupply
is _OFF to the vcater heater. Then dis-
connect the gas supply connection from
the gas control valve.
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.
AWARNING
The water passingout of the drain valve may be extremely
hot. To avoid being scalded,make sure all connectionsare
tight and that the water flow is directed away from any
pelTton.
If you have galvanized pipe to the water
b.
heater, loosen the twogalvanized pipes
with a pipe wrench at the union in each
line. Also disconnect the piping remain-
ing to the water heater. These pieces
should be saved since they may be need-
ed when reconnecting the new water
heater. Disconnect the temperature-pres-
sure 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.
ACAUTION ]
I Mineral buildup or sediment may have accumulated in the|
[ old water heater. This causesthe water heater to be much|
[ heavier than normal and this residue, if spilled out, could}
I cause staining. ]