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21
Housekeeping
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on
a regular basis.
AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS A VISUAL
INSPECTION SHOULD BE MADE OF THE AIR INTAKE
SCREEN. CLEAN IF LINT ACCUMULATIONS ARE
NOTICED.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure suffi cient ventilation
and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water
heater must be maintained. See Facts to Consider About
the Location section. Combustible materials such as clothing,
cleaning materials, or fl ammable liquids, etc. must not be placed
against or adjacent to the water heater because they could
catch on fi re.
Anode Rod Inspection
The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most
hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The submerged
rod deteriorates to protect the tank. Instead of corroding the tank,
water ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not
affect the water’s taste or color. The rod must be maintained to
keep the tank in operating condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not
necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod
indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/
or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be
intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the
life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by
calling the Sears Service Center for an authorized contractor.
At a minimum, the anode(s) should be checked annually after
the warranty period.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated
at least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation,
make sure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of
the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that
the water discharge will not cause any property damage, as the
water may be extremely hot. See Figure 24.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately close
the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve
with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps or
discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expansion.
You may have a check valve installed in the water line or a
water meter with a check valve. Consult the Sears Service
Center for further information. Do not plug the temperature-
pressure relief valve.
Draining
The water heater should be drained if being shut down during
freezing temperatures. Also periodic draining and cleaning of
sediment from the tank may be necessary.
1. Turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” position.
FIGURE 24.