27
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the main burner
and the hot surface igniter assembly for proper fl ame characteristics
and ignition sequences. This can be done by removing the Outer Door
and viewing the main burner operation through the Viewport on the
Inner Door, see Figure 1. The main burner should provide complete
combustion of gas, ignite rapidly, give reasonably quiet operation, and
cause no excessive fl ame lifting from the burner ports. If the proper fl ame
characteristics are not evident (see Figure 28), make sure that the fl ow
of combustion and ventilation air is not blocked on the Air Intake Screen
at the base of the water heater (see Figure 29), the Lint screen on the
blower assembly (see Figure 1), and in the venting system.
You should also check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion. A visual inspection of the main burner and HSI
igniter assembly should also be done at least once a year, see
Figure 28.
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 28.
BURNER CLEANING
In the event your burner or burner air openings require cleaning, turn
the blower switch to the “OFF” position and allow the burner to cool. Call
Sears Service Center to remove and clean the burner and correct the
problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
HOUSEKEEPING
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a regular basis.
This water heater unit is supplied with a plastic Air Intake Screen that
will fi lter and prevent lint build-up on the bottom of the fl ame arrestor of
this heater. To prevent the lint build-up on the arrestor, the lint screen
must be installed on the Base Pan with the “arrows” pointing upwards as
shown in Figure 29. If the Air Intake Screen is missing from this heater,
please contact Sears Service Center for a replacement part.
FIGURE 29.
AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS A VISUAL INSPECTION
SHOULD BE MADE OF THE AIR INTAKE SCREENS ON THE BASE
OF THE WATER HEATER AND THE BLOWER ASSEMBLY. 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
which can cause a 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 sacrifi ces
itself 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
a qualifi ed technician, and at a minimum 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.
