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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT
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 flow 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 and pilot burner. See Figure 29.
You should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion.
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before
further use. Turn “OFF” gas to water heater and leave off until
repairs are made, because failure to correct the cause of the
sooting can result in a fi re causing death, serious injury, or
property damage.
FIGURE 29.
Burner Cleaning
In the event your burner needs cleaning, follow these
instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn
the gas control knob clockwise ( ) to the “OFF” position,
depressing slightly.
NOTE: The knob cannot be turned from “PILOT” to “OFF”
unless knob is depressed slightly. DO NOT FORCE.
The burner needs to be removed for cleaning. Call the Sears
Service Center to remove and clean the burner and correct the
problem that required the burner to be cleaned.