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Troubleshooting Guide
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed at least one anode rod (see
parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water
conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water.
The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is
one of a "rotten egg smell". This odor is derived from hydrogen
sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of tour
factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
b. little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
c. a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
d. an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by
the corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater
models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material,
and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water
lines. Contact the local Sears Service Center for further informa-
tion concerning an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this
Chlorination Treatment.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlo-
rination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlori-
nation and filtering conditioning equipment be considered to
eliminate the water problem.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By
doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on
your heating elements. This buildup will cause a rumbling noise.
Follow "Element Cleaning/Replacement" instructions to clean
and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset
button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit
behind the access panel.
NOTE: If your water heater is connected to an "OFF PEAK"
clock, and uses the "3 wire lead" wiring diagram in the
"Wiring Diagram" section, then the water heater will have a
hi-limit on both the upper and lower thermostats. Follow
the instructions to reset the hi-limit behind the upper and
lower access panels.
• Before beginning, turn "OFF" electrical power supply to the
water heater.
"AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
AWARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be producedin a
hot water system that hasnot been usedfor a long peri-
od of time (generally two weeksor more). Hydrogen gas
is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the
possibility of injury under these conditions, we recom-
mend the hot water faucet be opened for several min-
utes at the kitchen sink before any electrical appliances
which are connected to the hot water system are used
(such as a dishwasheror washingmachine). If hydrogen
gas is present, there will probably be an unusualsound
similar to air escapingthrough the pipe asthe hot water
faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open
flame near the faucetat the time it isopen.
AWARNING
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing
any accesspanels or servicing the water heater, make
sure the electrical suppl.yto the water heater is turned
"OFF". Failure to do th,s could result in DEATH, SERI-
OUS BOD LY NJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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