Kenmore 153.339432, 153.33955, 153.339372, 153.339482, 153.339572 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

POWER MISER™

9

GAS WATER HEATER

FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY.

NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.

NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES.

MODEL NO.

153.339372 30 Gallon

153.339432 40 Gallon Short

153.339473 40 Gallon

153.339482 40 Gallon (LP)

153.339550 50 Gallon

153.339572 50 Gallon

This water heater complies with ANSI Z21.10.1­current edition regarding the accidental or
unintended ignition of fl ammable vapors, such
as those emitted by gasoline.

• Safety Instructions

• Installation

• Operation

• Care and Maintenance

• Troubleshooting

• Parts List

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.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A 0909 PART NO. 186497-002

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.

© Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions.

2

Fire or Explosion Harzard

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.
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.

Breathing Hazard - Carbon Monoxide Gas

Install vent system in accordance with
codes.

Do not operate water heater if flood
damaged

High altitude orifice must be installed for
operation above 7,700 feet (2,347m).

Do not operate if soot is present.

Do not obstruct water heater air intake
with insulating jacket.

Do not place chemical vapor emitting
products near water heater.

Gas and carbon monoxide detectors
are available.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause brain damage or
death. Always read and understand instruction manual.

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

Insulation Blankets .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Clearances and Accessibility ............................................................................................................................. 14-15

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

GAS SUPPLY .......................................................................................................................................... 15-16

Gas Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Gas Piping .............................................................................................................................................................. 15

Gas Pressure .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Gas Pressure Testing.............................................................................................................................................. 16

LP Gas Only............................................................................................................................................................ 16

COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY & VENTILATION ...................................................................................... 17-20

Unconfined Space ................................................................................................................................................... 17

Confined Space ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

All Air from Inside the Building ........................................................................................................................... 17-18

All Air from Outdoors ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Louvers and Grilles ............................................................................................................................................ 18-19

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

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

Vent Pipe Size ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

Vent Connectors ................................................................................................................................................ 19-20

Chimney Connection ............................................................................................................................................... 20

Vertical Exhaust Gas Vent ...................................................................................................................................... 20

WATER SYSTEM PIPING ....................................................................................................................... 21-22

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

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

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

T&P Relief Valve and Pipe Insulation ........................................................................................................................ 22

4

OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER ................................................................................................... 23-25

Lighting Instructions ................................................................................................................................................ 23

Checking the Draft .................................................................................................................................................. 24

Burner Flames ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Emergency Shut Down ........................................................................................................................................... 24

Water Temperature Regulation .......................................................................................................................... 24-25

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................... 26-28

Tank (Sediment) Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................... 26

Vent System Inspection .......................................................................................................................................... 26

Burner Inspection .................................................................................................................................................... 26

Burner Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Anode Rod Inspection ............................................................................................................................................ 27

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

Draining and Flushing ........................................................................................................................................ 27-28

Service .................................................................................................................................................................... 28

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER ........................................................................................ 29-32

Replacement Parts ................................................................................................................................................. 29

External Inspection & Cleaning of the Base-Ring Filter ......................................................................................... 29

Removing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 29

Removing the Burner from the Manifold/Burner Assembly .................................................................................... 29

Replacing the Thermocouple ............................................................................................................................. 29-30

Replacing the Pilot/ Pilot Tube Assembly ............................................................................................................... 30

Cleaning the Combustion Chamber and Flame-arrestor ........................................................................................ 30

Replacing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 31

Piezoelectric Igniter System ................................................................................................................................... 31

Testing the Igniter System ...................................................................................................................................... 32

Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat ................................................................................ 32

FVIR System Operational Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 32

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................................................................................................ 33-35

Start Up Conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 33-34

Operational Conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 34-35

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ............................................................................................................... 36-37

PILOT LIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHART ................................................................................... 38

PARTS ORDER LIST ................................................................................................................................... 39

5

PRODUCT WARRANTY

9 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER HEATER

For nine 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 leak.

For the second through the ninth 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.

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, ROEBUCK AND CO., Dept.817WA, 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 found at the
end of the installation instructions section and make any required
installation upgrades or changes.

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.

• 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.

• 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 following:

In the United States: 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 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.

7

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL

NUMBER

153.339372 30 (114) Natural 35,500 36.34 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 16 (406) 58.00 (1473)

153.339432 40 (151) Natural 40,000 40.94 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 20 (508) 47.75 (1213)

153.339473 40 (151) Natural 40,000 40.94 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 18 (457) 58.14 (1477)

153.339482 40 (151) Propane

153.339550 50 (189) Natural 50,000 51.18 4 (102) 20 (508) 57.28 (1455)

153.339572 50 (189) Natural 40,000 40.94 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 20 (508) 57.28 (1455)

TANK CAPACITY

IN GALS (LTRS)

TYPE

OF

GAS

(L.P.)

INPUT

RATE

(Btu/hr)

36,000 36.85 3 (76) OR 4 (102) 18 (457) 58.14 (1477)

RECOVERY

RATE GALS.

PER HOUR

@ 90°F RISE

MINIMUM

VENT PIPE

DIA. INCHES

(mm)

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

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) OR 1/2” (12.7 mm) THREADED OR
COPPER PLUMBING AND FLEXIBLE WATER
HEATER GAS CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS.

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.

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 Tank

• 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)

* INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE
WITH LOCAL CODES.

* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED
BY LOCAL CODES.

TO VENT

TERMINATION ON

ROOF

INSTALL THERMAL EXPANSION

A

TANK IF WATER HEATER

IS INSTALLED IN A

CLOSED WATER SYSTEM

L

D

B

J Inner Door
K Outer Door
L Union
M Inlet Water Shut-off Valve
N Cold Water Inlet
O Inlet Dip Tube
P Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
Q Rating Plate
R Flue Baffl e

(S) GAS CONTROL VALVE/

THERMOSTAT: WHITE-RODGERS

GAS CONTROL KNOB

M

N

WATER TEMPERATURE DIAL

(ADJUSTING DIAL)

S Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
T Drain Valve
U Pilot and Main Burner
V Flue
W Metal Drain Pan
X Piezo Igniter
Y Base-Ring Filter

VACUUM RELIEF

O

R

F

G

H

I

W

E

V

U

Y

J

K

X

S

T

VALV E

*INSTALL PER

LOCAL CODES

P

Q

DISCHARGE PIPE

(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG.)

“OFF”

POSITION

(U) MANIFOLD/BURNER ASSEMBLY

MAIN BURNER

MANIFOLD DOOR

6” MAXIMUM

AIR GAP

FLOOR DRAIN

“PILOT”

POSITION

TOP VIEW

THERMOCOUPLE

PILOT TUBE

MANIFOLD TUBE

“ON”

POSITION

IGNITER WIRE

* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE
SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.

FIGURE 1.

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.

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.

□ Fresh air openings must be sized correctly with consideration

given to the blocking effect of louvers and grilles.

□ Ductwork must be the same cross-sectional area as the

openings.

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.

□ 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.

Water System Piping

□ Temperature and pressure relief valve properly installed with

a discharge line run to an open 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.

□ 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

Removing the Old Water Heater

6

5

1

MANUAL GAS
SHUT-OFF VALVE

GROUND
JOINT
UNION

CHECK WITH
LOCAL UTILITY
FOR MINIMUM HEIGHT

3

3” MINIMUM

DRIP LEG

SUITABLE
DRAIN

FIGURE 2.

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

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. 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.

12

FIGURE 7.