Kenmore 153.31702 - Manual (Page 19)

Troubleshooting Guide
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each water heater there is installed an anode rod for corrosion
protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a
reaction between this rod and the water. I'he 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. I'he smell is the result of four factors which must
all be present for the odor to develop:
a. a concentration of sulfate 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 excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by
the corrosion protective action of the anode.
The anode rod in a new glasslined water heater works rapidly to
protect the tank. After a period of time the anode action slows
and the odor may dissipate.
A smelly water condition (Rotten Egg Odor) in your Point of
Use water heater can, in most cases, he resolved or reduced with
the addition of sufficient amounts of chlorine to eliminate the
bacterial growth inside the tank. This can be accomplished
through the installation of a chlorine feeder to the system or the
periodic flushing of the water heater with “Chlorox” as needed-
On systems where the odor is mild and does not occur too
rapidly, a monthly flushing may be sufficient. In more severe
cases, a system feeder would be more appropriate.
"AIR” IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
A WARNING
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 possi­
bility of infury under these conditions, we recommend the
hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the
kitchen sink before any electrical appliances which are
connected to the hot water system are used (such as a
dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is pre­
sent, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to
air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is
opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near
the faucet at the time it is open.
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on
your heating elements- This buildup will cause a rumbling noise.
Follow “Element Cleaning/Replacement” instructions to clean
and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset
button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit
behind the access panel.
• Before beginning, turn “OFF” electrical power supply to the
water heater.
A WARNING
HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing
any access panels or servicing the water heater, make
sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned
“OFF”. Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI­
OUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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