Kenmore 153.31702 - Manual (Page 16)

Service and Adjustment (cont’d)
Element Cleaning/
Replacement (cont’d)
7. Disconnect the two wires on the element and unscrew the
old element firom the tank.
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.
A CAUTION
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.
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.
14. Check element for water leaks, if leakage occurs, tighten
element or repeat steps 2 and 3, remove element and reposi­
tion 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.
A WARNING
Replacement elements must (I) be the same volt­
age 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 “Parts Order 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.
16. Replace terminal cover on thermostat and fold insulation
back over the element.
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.
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