Kenmore 153.339432 - Manual (Page 36)

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
BURNER WILL NOT IGNITE 1. Pilot not lit 1. Light pilot
2. Thermostat set too low 2. Turn temp, dial to desired temperature
3. No gas 3. Check with gas utility company
4. Dirt in the gas lines 4. Notify utility-install trap in gas line
5. Pilot line clogged 5. Clean, locate source and correct
6. Main burner line clogged 6. Clean, locate source and correct
7. Non-functioning thermocouple 7. Replace thermocouple
8. Non-functioning thermostat 8. Replace thermostat
9. Heater installed In a confined area 9. Provide fresh air ventilation
SMELLY WATER 1. Sulfides in the water 1. Replace the anode with a special anode
BURNER FLAME YELLOW- 1. Insufficient secondary air 1. Provide ventilation to water heater
LAZY 2. Low gas pressure 2. Check with gas utility company
3. Water heater flue or vent system
blocked 3. Clean, locate source and correct
4. Main burner line clogged 4. Clean, locate source and correct
5. Heater installed in a confined area 5. Proper fresh air ventilation
6. Obstruction in main burner orifice 6. Clean or replace orifice
PILOT WILL NOT LIGHT OR 1. Non-functioning igniter 1. Replace igniter pilot assembly
REMAIN LIT 2. The thermal switch tripped 2. See Pilot Light Troubleshooting Flowchart section
3. Wire lead connection at thermal switch 3. Remove and reconnect the wire leads at
loose thermal switch, confirm connections are tight
and not loose
4. Thermocouple connection loose 4. Finger tighten; then 1/4 turn with wrench
5. Air in gas line 5. Bleed the air from the gas line
6. Low gas pressure 6. Check with gas utility company
7. No gas 7. Check with gas utility company
8. Dirt in gas lines 8. Notify utility-install dirt trap in gas line
9. Cold drafts 9. Locate source and correct
10. Thermostat ECO switch open 10. Replace thermostat
11. Pilot line or orifice clogged 11. Clean, locate source and correct
12. Non-functioning thermocouple 12. Replace thermocouple
13. Air for combustion obstructed 13. See maintenance section for inspection and
cleaning of flame arrester
14. Flammable vapors incident, FVIR 14. Replace water heater, eliminate flammable
function actuated vapors source. Contact Sears Service.
15. Base-ring filter obstructed 15. Inspect and clean base-ring filter. See “External
Cleaning & Inspection of the Base-Ring Filter.”
HIGH OPERATION COSTS 1. Thermostat set too high 1. Set temperature dial to lower setting
2. Sediment or lime in tank 2. Drain/flush-provide water treatment if needed
3. Water heater too small for job 3. Install adequate heater
4. Wrong piping connections 4. Correct piping-dip tube must be in cold inlet
5. Leaking faucets 5. Repair faucets
6. Gas leaks 6. Check with utility-repair at once
7. Wasted hot water 7. Advise customer
8. Long runs of exposed piping 8. Insulate piping
9. Hot water piping in exposed wall 9. Insulate piping
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER 1. Thermostat set too low 1. Turn temperature dial to desired setting
2. Sediment or lime in tank 2. Drain/flush-provide water treatment if needed
3. Water heater too small 3. Install adequate heater
4. Wrong piping connections 4. Correct piping-dip tube must be in cold inlet
5. Leaking faucets 5 Repair faucets
6. Wasted hot water 6. Advise customer
7. Long runs of exposed piping 7. Insulate piping
8. Hot water piping in outside wall 8. Insulate piping
9. Low gas pressure 9. Check with gas utility company
SLOW HOT WATER 1. Insufficient secondary air 1. Provide ventilation to water heater. Check flue
RECOVERY way, flue baffle, and burner
2. Water heater flue or vent system
blocked
2. Clean flue, locate source and correct
3. Low gas pressure 3. Check with gas utility company
4. Improper calibration 4. Replace thermostat
5. Thermostat set too low 5. Turn temperature dial to desired setting
6. Water heater too small 6. Install adequate heater
7. Wrong piping connections 7. Correct piping-dip tube must be in cold inlet
8. Wasted hot water 8. Advise customer
DRIP FROM RELIEF VALVE 1. Excessive water pressure 1. Use a pressure reducing valve and relief
2. Heater stacking valve
3. Closed water system 2. Lower the thermostat setting
3. See “Closed System/Thermal Expansion”
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