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Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd)
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each glasslined 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 four factors which must all be present for the odor
to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfare 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 excessof 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 Sears Service for further information 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.
"AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
AWARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot
water system that has not been used for a long period of time
(generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibilityof injury
under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet
be opened fur several minutes at the kitchen sink before any
electrical applianceswhich are connected to the hot water sys-
I tern are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine), If
hydrogen gas is present, there will probably be an unusual
sound similar to air escapingthrough the pipeasthe hot water
faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame
near the faucet at the time it isopen.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas shut off sys-
tem. The high temperature shut off is built into the gas control
valve. This system shuts off the gas supply to the water heater
burners when high water temperatures are present. It is non-
resettable. If the high temperature shut off activates, the gas con-
trol valve must be replaced. If this were to occur, turn "OFF" the
entire gas supply to the water heater. Contact the Sears Service
Center.
&WARNING
Shouldoverheatingoccuror the gassupplyfail to shutoff,
urn ' OFF" the manualgascontro valveto the app ante.
NOT ENOUGH OR NO HOT WATER
i heck the manual gas shut offvalve to be sure it is open.
Check the pilot flame. It may have gone out, All models have
an opening behind the outer door for viewing the pilot.
If the piiot is not lit, follow the "Lighting" instructions in this
manual or located above the gas control valve on the water
heater to relight the pilot. If the water was extremdy hot and is
now cold, the high limit safety temperature shut off may have
put out the burner and pilot. If the high temperature shut off
activates, the gas controlvalve must be replaced. Contact the
Sears Service Center.
The gas control knob must be turned to the "ON" position.
:" The temperature adjustment dial may be set too low. See the
Temperature Regulation" section.
The gas company can check the gas input to see if it is correct.
An underfired water heater will not beat water as quicldy.
Look for leaking or open hot water faucets. Make sure all are
dosed.
• The cold water inlet temperature may be colder during the win-
ter months. It will take longer to heat the water and seem like
less hot water.
• If you cannot find what is wrong, call the Sears Service Center.
WATER IS TOO HOT
1. The temperature adjustment dial may be set too high. See the
"Temperature Adjustment" section.
NOTE: A period of time is necessary after an adjustment has
been made for the water temperature to reach the new tem-
perature setting.
2. If lower temperature settings will not lower the water tempera-
ture, call the Sears Service Center.
&WARNING
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the
water temperature in certain situations may he hotter
than the thermostat setting.
Short, frequent draws of hot water - especiallywith very
coldincomingwater -can shockthe thermostat into brief
operation resulting in hotter and hotter layersof water
closerto the top ofthe tank.
Changesin hot water usagepatterns or raising the tem-
perature differential between the cut-on of the thermo-
stat andthe coldwater temperature willusuallyeliminate
the problem.
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