Sears 153.326462 40 GAL. Water Heater User Manual


 
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8. Clean the area around the element opening. Remove any
sediment from or around the element opening, inside the
tank.
9. If you are cleaning the element you have removed, do so by
scraping or soaking in vinegar or a de-liming solution.
Replacement elements must (1) be the same voltage and (2)
no greater wattage than listed on the model rating plate affixed
to the water heater.
10. A new gasket should be used in all cases to prevent a
possible water leak. (See Element Gasket in the “Repair
Parts List ” Chart). Place the new element gasket on the
thread side of the cleaned or new element and screw into
tank, securing tightly using an element wrench.
FIGURE 37.
11. Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to
the right (clockwise). The drain valve is on the lower front of
the water heater.
12. Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
NOTE: The cold water supply valve must be left open when the
water heater is in use.
13. To insure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit by
opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water to run
until a constant flow is obtained. This will let air out of the
water heater and the piping.
Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of water.
To prevent damage to the tank and heating element, the tank
must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water
faucet before turning “ON” power.
14. Check element for water leaks. If leakage occurs, tighten
element or repeat steps 2 and 3, remove element and
reposition gasket. Then repeat steps 10 through 14.
15. Reconnect the two wires to the element and then check to
make sure the thermostat remains firmly against the
surface of the tank.
FIGURE 38.
16. Replace terminal cover on thermostat making sure that
the locking tabs on the terminal cover are in place.
FIGURE 39.
17. Replace the insulation cap with handle so that it completely
covers the thermostat and element.
FIGURE 40.