20
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning
Sediment build-up on the tank bottom may create varying
amount of noise and if left in the tank will cause permanent
tank failure. In some water areas, you may not be able to drain
all sediment deposits by simply draining the tank. In these
cases Mag-Erad (part no. 23600) can be used to help remove
the sediment deposits. This may be ordered from the Sears
Service Center. For ordering, refer to the Parts Order List
section.
Vent System Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
venting system. You should look for:
• Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The
combustion and ventilation air fl ow must not be obstructed.
• Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting
or leakage of combustion products.
• Rusted fl akes around top of water heater.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent
escape of dangerous fl ue gasses which could cause deadly
asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the fl ue and vent system may occur
if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium
chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical
compounds which are potentially corrosive.
If when inspecting the vent system you find sooting or
deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas supplier to
correct the problem and clean or replace the fl ue and venting
before resuming operation of the water heater.
Burner Inspection
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or
immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a fl ooded
water heater will create dangerous conditions
which can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Contact a Sears Service Center to replace a fl ooded water
heater. Do not attempt to
repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
main burner. See Figure 23.
CORRECT FLAME
SOFT BLUE
FIGURE 23.
Inspect burner fl ames through viewport. Flames should be very
small with a blue haze and small amounts of yellow or orange at
the edges. After several minutes of operation the burner screen
may glow red. If large fl ames are observed at anytime shut-off
unit and contact a Sears Service Center.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT