Kenmore 153.336930, 153.336940 User Manual

Use & Care Guide

Model No.

153.336930 30 Gallon Tall

153.336940 40 Gallon Tall

Kenmore®

Gas Water Heater

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

LOW LEAD

CONTENT

This water heater shall not be installed in
the occupied space of the manufactured
(mobile) home.

INSTALLER: Affix 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 321634-001 (0512)

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.

This product is certifi ed to comply with a maximum weighted average of 0.25% lead content as required in some areas.

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.

FLAMMABLES

Flammable Vapors

Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions.

© Sears Brands Management Corporation

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

2

Water temperature over 125°F
(52°C) can cause servere burns
instantly resulting in severe injury or
death.

Children, the elderly, and the
physically or mentally disabled are at
highest risk for scald injury.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available.

Read instruction manual for safe
temperature setting.

Fire or Explosion Hazard

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

Avoid all ignition sources if you smell Natural or LP gas.
Do not expose water heater control to excessive gas
pressure.

Use only gas shown on rating plate unless the water heater
has been properly converted.

Follow conversion instructions listed in manual when
converting to opposite gas.

Maintain required clearances to combustibles.
Keep ignition sources away from faucets after extended

period of non-use.

Read instruction manual before

installing, using or servicing

water heater.

Fire or Explosion Harzard

Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system after
a period of non-use (generally two or more weeks).

Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can ignite.

After an extended period of non-use, purge gases from hot
water system. To return hot water system to service, open a
hot water faucet in kitchen for several minutes before using
electrical appliances.

Do not smoke or have open flame near faucet while it is open.

Leave hot water faucet open until the sound of escaping
air stops.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

PRODUCT WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 6

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................. 7

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 8

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED .................................................................................................. 9

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................ 10

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WATER HEATER ....................................................................11

Installation Checklist ................................................................................................................................................11

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 12-15

Removing the Old Water Heater ............................................................................................................................. 12

Location Requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Site Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 13-14

Securing Water Heater to Floor and Wall ............................................................................................................... 14

Insulation Blankets ............................................................................................................................................. 14-15

Clearances and Accessibility .................................................................................................................................. 15

Filling the Water Heater .......................................................................................................................................... 15

GAS CONVERSION ..................................................................................................................................... 16

GAS SUPPLY .......................................................................................................................................... 17-18

Gas Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 17

Gas Piping .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Gas Pressure .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Gas Pressure Testing.............................................................................................................................................. 17

LP Gas Only............................................................................................................................................................ 18

COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY & VENTILATION ...................................................................................... 19-20

Vent Pipe System ................................................................................................................................................... 19

Draft Hood Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 19

Roof Jack Installation .............................................................................................................................................. 19

Enclosure Installation .............................................................................................................................................. 20

WATER SYSTEM PIPING ....................................................................................................................... 21-23

Piping Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 21

Water Piping Pressure Test .................................................................................................................................... 22

Closed System/Thermal Expansion ........................................................................................................................ 22

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve ................................................................................................................. 22

T&P Relief Valve and Pipe Insulation ........................................................................................................................ 23

OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER ................................................................................................... 24-27

Lighting Instructions ........................................................................................................................................... 24-25

Checking the Draft .................................................................................................................................................. 26

Burner Flames ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

Emergency Shut Down ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Water Temperature Regulation .......................................................................................................................... 26-27

Operating the Temperature Control System ........................................................................................................... 27

4

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................................... 28-30

Vent System Inspection .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Burner Inspection .................................................................................................................................................... 28

Burner Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 28

Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................................... 29

Anode Rod Inspection ............................................................................................................................................ 29

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ....................................................................................................... 29

Draining and Flushing ............................................................................................................................................. 30

Service .................................................................................................................................................................... 30

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER ........................................................................................ 31-33

Replacement Parts ................................................................................................................................................. 31

Removing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 31

Removing the Burner from the Manifold/Burner Assembly .................................................................................... 31

Replacing the Pilot/ Thermopile Assembly ........................................................................................................ 31-32

External Inspection & Cleaning of the Base-Ring Filter ......................................................................................... 32

Cleaning the Combustion Chamber and Flame-arrestor ........................................................................................ 33

Replacing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 33

Piezoelectric Igniter System ................................................................................................................................... 34

Testing the Igniter System ...................................................................................................................................... 34

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat ................................................................................ 34

FVIR System Operational Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 34

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................................................................................................ 35-37

Start Up Conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 35-36

Operational Conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 36-37

TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................... 38-39

PILOT LIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHART ................................................................................... 40

STATUS LIGHT AND DIAGNOSTIC CODE TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ......................................... 41-42

PARTS ORDER LIST ................................................................................................................................... 43

5

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 the replacement water heater design to comply with such governmental
regulations.

Replacements and/or repairs 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 first 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 speci 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.

6

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
prompt, quality installation by Sears authorized contractors.

Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:

®

. They will arrange for

• 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

Important Information About This Water Heater:

This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety
standards to reduce the likelihood of a fl ammable vapor ignition
incident. New technology used in meeting these standards makes this
product more sensitive to installation errors or improper installation
environments. Please review the Installation Checklist and make
any required installation upgrades or changes.

IMPORTANT: This water heater is shipped from the factory as a
natural gas unit. However, it may be converted to use LP gas. See
the Gas Conversion section for more information.

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
and state codes, installations shall comply with the

“National

Fuel Gas Code,” ANSI Z223.1 (NFPA 54) -current edition.

Manufactured home manufacturers: The installation must
conform to “The Manufactured Home Construction and
Safety Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280.”

These publications are available as follows:
The “National Fuel Gas Code” is available through The Canadian
Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Rd, Cleveland,
Ohio 44131 or The National Fire Protection Association, 1
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

“The Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280” is available through

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410. Offi ces
are also located throughout the United States.

Check your phone listings for the local authorities having
jurisdiction over your installation.

• 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 Figure 1.

• Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with

the Installation Instructions 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 California’s 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.

• Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed in

accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00: State Plumbing
Code and 248-CMR 5.00.

• Complies with 40 Ng/J NOx requirements of Texas and most

California AQM Districts.

WARNING

Excessive Weight Hazard

Use two or more people to move and install the water heater.

Failure to do so can result in injury (including back injury).

IMPORTANT: Do not remove any permanent instructions, labels, or
the data label from either the outside of the water heater or on the
inside of water heater panels.

• Remove exterior packaging and place installation components
aside.

• Inspect all parts for damage prior to installation and
start-up.

• Completely read all instructions before attempting to assemble
and install this product.

• After installation, dispose of/recycle all packaging materials.

DANGER

Do not use this water heater with any gas other than the
one listed on the data plate unless the water heater has
been properly converted.

Refer to the “Gas Conversion” section of this manual to
convert from one gas to another. Failure to use the
correct gas can cause problems which can result in
death, serious bodily injury or property damage. If you
have any questions or doubts, consult your gas supplier
or gas utility company. Water heaters using bottled
propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are different
from natural gas models. A natural gas water heater will
not function safely on bottled propane or liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) and a propane gas water heater will
not function safely on natural gas.

7

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL

NUMBER

153.336930 30 (113)

153.336940 40 (151)

TANK CAPACITY

IN GALS (LTRS)

TYPE

OF

GAS

Natural 35,500 36.34

LP 32,000 32.75

Natural/

LP

INPUT

RATE

(Btu/hr)

35,500 36.34 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 20 (508) 58.25 (1480)

RECOVERY

RATE GALS.

PER HOUR

@ 90°F RISE

MINIMUM

VENT PIPE

DIA. INCHES

(mm)

3 (76) OR 4 (102) 18 (457) 58 (1473)

DIAMETER

INCHES

(mm)

DIMENSIONS

INCHES (mm)

HEIGHT TO

JACKET TOP

8

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.

METAL DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN THE

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.

FOLLOWING SIZES:

• 20” (508 mm) DIAMETER FOR WATER
HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER OF
18” (457 mm) OR LESS.

• 24” (610mm) DIAMETER FOR WATER
HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 22”
(559 mm) OR LESS.

BASIC TOOLS

You may or may not need all these tools, depending on your
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears Store.

• Pipe Wrenches (2) 14” (356 mm)

• Screwdriver

• Tin Snips

• 6’ (1.82 m) Tape or Folding Ruler

• Garden Hose

• Drill

• Pipe Dope or Tefl on® Tape

SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

ROLL OF TEFLON

TAPE (USE ONLY ON

WATER CONNECTIONS)

®

(SQUEEZE TUBE)

USE FOR WATER AND GAS

CONNECTIONS

DRILL

TIN SNIPS

PIPE DOPE

ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED
WHEN SWEAT SOLDERING

• Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw

• Propane Torch

• Soft Solder

• Solder Flux

• Emery Cloth

• Wire Brushes

TUBING CUTTER

HACKSAW

3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH

EMERY CLOTH

PROPANE

TORCH

ROLL OF

GARDEN HOSE

6 FOOT TAPE

PIPE WRENCH

1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH

9

ROLL OF LEAD-FREE

SOFT SOLDER

SOLDER

FLUX

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS

A Vent Pipe

B Draft Hood
C Anode (Not Shown)
D Hot Water Outlet
E Insulation
F Gas Supply Piping
G Manual Gas Shut-off Valve
H Ground Joint Union
I Drip Leg (Sediment Trap)

(Z) ROOF JACK**

TO VENT

TERMINATION

(ROOF JACK)

D

B

A

J Inner Door
K Outer Door
L Union
M Inlet Water Shut-off Valve
N Cold Water Inlet
O Inlet Dip Tube (Not Shown)
P Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
Q Rating Plate

R Flue Baffle

Gas Control/Temperature Knob

VAC

Igniter

S Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
T Drain Valve
U Manifold/Burner Assembly
V Flue
W Metal Drain Pan
X Piezo Igniter (bottom, Left-hand
Y

Side of Gas Control Valve/Thermostat)
Base-Ring Filter

Z

Roof Jack

(S) GAS CONTROL VALVE/

THERMOSTAT

120°F

Mark

Conversion
Fitting

Status
Light

P

R

F

G

H

I

W

* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.

** ROOF JACK NOT FURNISHED.

E

DISCHARGE PIPE

(DO NOT CAP

OR PLUG.)

Q

S

V

U

Y

J

X

K

INSTALL THERMAL
EXPANSION TANK
IF WATER HEATER
IS INSTALLED IN
A CLOSED WATER
SYSTEM*

T

L

Temperatures shown are approximates and may vary.

MAIN BURNER

THERMOPILE

M

N

VACUUM RELIEF

DRAIN LINE MUST PASS
THROUGH THE STRUCTURAL
FLOOR AND DISCHARGE
EXTERNAL TO THE BUILDING

FIGURE 1.

(U) MANIFOLD/BURNER ASSEMBLY

MANIFOLD DOOR

VALVE*

INSTALL PER

LOCAL CODES

* INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE
WITH LOCAL CODES.

* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED
BY LOCAL CODES.

* SECURE WATER HEATER TO

FLOOR AND WALL AS DESCRIBED
IN THIS MANUAL.

* INSTALLATION SHOULD COMPLY

WITH THE “ENCLOSURE
INSTALLATION” SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL.

PILOT TUBE

IGNITER WIRE

MANIFOLD
TUBE

10

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WATER HEATER

This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a flammable vapor ignition incident.
The new technology used in meeting these standards makes this product more sensitive to installation errors. Please review the
following checklist and make any required installation upgrades or changes.

Questions? Contact Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663).

Installation Checklist

Water Heater Location

Water heater location is important and can affect system
performance. Please check the following:

□ Installation area free of corrosive elements and flammable

materials.

□ Centrally located with the water piping system (For new

installations). Located as close to the gas piping and vent
pipe system as possible.

□ Located indoors and in a vertical position. Protected from

freezing temperatures.

□ Proper clearances from combustible surfaces

maintained and not installed directly on a carpeted floor.

□ Provisions made to protect the area from water damage.

Metal drain pan installed and piped to an adequate drain.

□ Sufficient room to service the water heater. See Clearances

and Accessibility section of this manual.

□ Water heater not located near an air moving device.
□ Is the installed environment dirty (excessive amounts of

lint, dirt, dust, etc.)? If so, the base-ring filter located on
the bottom of the water heater will need to be cleaned
periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance of your Water
Heater” section of this manual for information on cleaning
the base-ring filter.

□ Fresh air openings must be sized correctly with consideration

given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles.

Vent Pipe System

Check for proper drafting at the water heater draft hood. Refer
to the “Checking the Draft” section of this manual for the test
procedure. If the procedure shows insufficient draft is present,
please check the following:

□ Draft hood properly installed.
□ Vent connectors securely fastened with screws and

supported properly to maintain six inch clearance.

□ Vent connector made of approved material and sized

correctly.

□ Vent pipe system installed according to all local and state

codes or, in the absence of local and state codes, the
“National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1 (NFPA 54)-current
edition. Manufactured home manufacturers must conform
with the “Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280.”

□ Flue baffle properly positioned in the flue tube.
□ Check the vent system for restrictions/obstructions and

check the vent termination height. Refer to the “Combustion
Air Supply and Ventilation” section of this water heater
manual for specific requirements.

□ Recheck for sufficient combustion air supply.

Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation

Check for sufficient combustion air supply. Insufficient air for
the combustion of gas will result in the flame becoming “lazy”,
thereby allowing heat to build up in the combustion chamber.
This excessive heat will cause a thermal switch on the door
assembly to trip. Is the water heater installed in a closet or other
small, enclosed space? If so:

□ Are there openings for make-up air to enter and exit the

room/area?

□ Are the openings of sufficient size? Remember, if there

are other gas-fired or air-consuming appliances in the
same room, you need more make-up air. Refer to the
“Installation Instructions” and “Combustion Air Supply and
Ventilation” sections for specific requirements.

□ Make sure that fresh air is not taken from areas that contain

negative pressure producing devices such as exhaust fans,
dryers, fireplaces, etc.

□ Is there a furnace/air handler in the same room space as

the water heater? If so, has a return air duct system been
attached that exits the room? If so, check for leaks on the
air duct system. If no air duct system is present, correct
immediately by contacting a local Heating, Ventilation, Air­Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) authorized service
provider.

□ Use a fresh air supply that is free of corrosive elements and

flammable vapors.

Water System Piping

□ Temperature and pressure relief valve properly installed

with a discharge line run to an adequate drain and protected
from freezing.

□ All piping properly installed and free of leaks.
□ Heater completely filled with water.
□ Closed system pressure build-up devices installed.
□ Mixing valve (when applicable) installed per manufacturer’s

instructions (See “Water Temperature Regulation” section).

Gas Supply and Piping

□ Gas type is the same as that listed on the water heater rating

plate unless the water heater has been properly converted.
Refer to the “Gas Conversion” section of this manual.

□ Gas line equipped with shut-off valve, union, and drip leg.
□ Use pipe joint compound or teflon tape marked as being

resistant to the action of petroleum [Propane (L.P.)] gases.

□ Adequate pipe size and approved pipe material.
□ An approved noncorrosive leak detection solution used

to check all connections and fittings for possible gas leaks.
Correct any leak found.

11

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

O BU

G

Removing the Old Water Heater

5

1

MANUAL GAS
SHUT-OFF VALVE

GROUND
JOINT
UNION

CHECK WITH
LOCAL UTILITY
FOR MINIMUM HEIGHT

3” MINIMUM

DRIP LEG

DRAIN LINE MUST PASS THROUGH FLOOR

AND TERMINATE EXTERNAL T

1. Turn “OFF” the gas supply to
the water heater.

6

3

FIGURE 2.

DISCHARGE PIPE

(DO NOT CAP

OR PLUG)

2

4

ILDIN

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. 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 fl ow is directed away from
any person.

FIGURE 5.

5. Disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood where it connects
to the water heater. In most installations the vent pipe can
be lifted off after any screw or other attached devices are
removed. Dispose of the draft hood. The new water heater
has a draft hood which must be used for proper operation.

6. If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two copper
water pipes can be cut with a hacksaw approximately four
inches away from where they connect to the water heater.
See Figure 6. This will avoid cutting off pipes too short.
Additional cuts can be made later if necessary. Disconnect the
temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the water
heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve.
Close the drain valve. The water heater is now completely
disconnected and ready to be removed.

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.

12

Location Requirements

the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Do not attempt to
clean the spill until all ignition sources have been extinguished.

WARNING

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

Do not install this water heater in any occupied space of the
manufactured (mobile) home.

Doing so can result in carbon monoxide poisoning and death.

The FVIR System is designed to reduce the risk of flammable
vapor-related fires. The patented system protects your family by
trapping the burning vapors within the water heater combustion
chamber through the special flame-arrestor. The burning vapors
literally “burn themselves out” without escaping back into the
room. In the event of a flammable vapor incident, the FVIR
System disables the water heater by shutting off the gas supply
to the water heater’s burner and pilot, preventing re-ignition
of any remaining flammable vapors in the area. This will not
prevent a possible fire/explosion if the igniter is depressed
and flammable vapors have accumulated in the combustion
chamber with the pilot light off. If you suspect a flammable
vapor incident has occurred, do not use this appliance. Do not
attempt to light this appliance, or depress the igniter button
if you suspect flammable vapors have accumulated inside or
outside the appliance. Immediately call a qualified technician to
inspect the appliance. Water heaters subjected to a flammable
vapors incident will show a discoloration on the flame-arrestor
and require replacement of the entire water heater.

WARNING

FLAMMABLES

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 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.

Flammable Vapors

WARNING

Fire or Explosion Hazard

• Read instruction manual before installing, using or
servicing water heater.

• Improper use may result in fire or explosion.

• Maintain required clearances to combustibles.

Keep combustibles such as boxes, magazines, clothes, etc.
away from the water heater area.

Site Location

• DO NOT install this water heater in any occupied space
of the manufactured (mobile) home. There shall be no
openings between the occupied space of the manufactured
(mobile) home and the water heater enclosure.

• The water heater must be installed indoors and in a vertical
position on a level surface. Do not install in bathrooms,
bedrooms, or any occupied room normally kept closed.

• Locate the water heater near the existing gas piping. If
installing a new gas line, locate the water heater to minimize
the pipe length and elbows.

• The water heater should be located in an area not subject
to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located in
unconditioned spaces may require insulation of the water
piping and drain piping to protect against freezing. The
drain and controls must be easily accessible for operation
and service. Maintain proper clearances as specified on
the water heater labeling.

• Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving device.
The operation of air-moving devices such as exhaust fans,
ventilation systems, clothes dryers, fireplaces, etc., can
affect the proper operation of the water heater. Special
attention must be given to conditions these devices may
create. Flow reversal of flue gases may cause an increase
of carbon monoxide inside of the dwelling.

• If the water heater is located in an area that is subjected to
lint and dirt, it may be necessary to periodically clean the
base-ring filter and flame-arrestor (s ee E x ter nal Inspect ion

& Cleaning of the Flame-arrestor).

NOTE: This water heater must be installed according to all local
and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes,
the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1 (NFPA 54)-current
edition. Manufactured home manufacturers must conform with
“The Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard,
Title 24 CFR, Part 3280”.

Do not use or store flammable products such as gasoline,
solvents, or adhesives in the same room or area near the
water heater. If such flammables must be used, all gas burning
appliances in the vicinity must be shut off and their pilot lights
extinguished. Open the doors and windows for ventilation while
flammable substances are in use.

If flammable liquids or vapors have spilled or leaked in the
area of the water heater, leave the area immediately and call

13

IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an area
where leakage of the tank or connections will not result in damage
to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the
structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of water, the tank will
eventually leak after an extended period of time. Also any external
plumbing leak, including those from improper installation, may
cause early failure of the tank due to corrosion if not repaired. If
the homeowner is uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified
technician should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater as shown below, to help protect
the property from damage which may occur from condensate
formation or leaks in the piping connections or tank. The pan
must limit the water level to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be
two inches wider than the heater and piped to an adequate drain.

NOTE: The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. Locate
the water heater near an adequate drain (Figure 1). In cold
climates, it is recommended that the drain pipe be terminated at
an adequate drain inside the building. The piping should be at
least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage.

METAL
DRAIN
PAN

AT LEAST 2” GREATER THAN THE
DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER.

PIPED TO AN
ADEQUATE DRAIN

SEE FIGURE 1

FIGURE 8.

CAUTION: When making pilot holes in the water
heater itself, ensure that you drill only the outer jacket.
Also, to prevent leaks in the metal drain pan, seal each drill
location with a heavy bead of silicone sealant.

2. Secure the top of the water heater with the provided bracket
and screws or install other acceptable means of support
(e.g., support strap).

SCREW

BOTTOM OF WATER HEATER

SCREW

BRACKET

FIGURE 9.

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.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water usage,
water temperature and the environment in which the water
heater is installed. Water heaters are sometimes installed in
locations where leakage may result in property damage, even
with the use of a metal drain pan piped to a drain. However,
unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak
detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a
piped metal drain pan. These devices are available from some
plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react
to leakage in various ways:

• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an
alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater
when water 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 drain pan.

• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the
water pressure differential between the cold water and hot
water pipes connected to the water heater.

• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water
heater while at the same time shutting off its water supply.

Securing Water Heater to Floor and Wall

The water heater must be secured to the floor and to the wall
of the enclosure as described below. See also “Enclosure
Installation.”

1. After properly locating the water heater, fasten it to the

floor with the brackets and screws that were provided
(Figure 9). Simply pre-drill each screw location in the
metal drain pan and water heater jacket with a 1/8” drill bit.
Because of installation variances, these brackets can be
located at any points around the circumference of the jacket.
However, they should be spaced apart at equal distances.

WARNING

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this
heater, you should follow these instructions. (See Figure 1
for identification of components mentioned below). Failure to
follow these instructions can restrict the air flow required for
proper combustion, potentially resulting in fire, 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 floor to prevent blockage of combustion air flow to the
burner.

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

the water heater or nearby for future reference.

• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels from Sears

for placement on the blanket directly over the existing
labels.

14