Service And Adjustment; Tank (Sediment) Cleaning; Venting System Inspection; Burner Inspection - Kenmore 33916 - 50 Gallon Short Natural Gas Water Heater Owner's Manual

Tank (Sediment) Cleaning

Sediment build-up on the tank bottom may create varying
amount of noise and if left in the tank will cause permanent
tank failure. In some water areas, you may not be able to
drain all sediment deposits by simply draining the tank. In
these cases Mag-Erad (part no. 23600) can be used to help
remove the sediment deposits. This may be ordered from the
Sears Service Center. For ordering, refer to the Parts Order
List section.
Vent System Inspection
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
venting system. You should look for:
• Obstructions which could cause improper venting. The
combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
• Damage or deterioration which could cause improper venting
or leakage of combustion products.
• Rusted flakes around top of water heater.
Be sure the vent piping is properly connected to prevent
escape of dangerous flue gasses which could cause deadly
asphyxiation.
Obstructions and deteriorated vent systems may present serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur
if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium
chloride, waxes, bleach and process chemicals are typical
compounds which are potentially corrosive.
If when inspecting the vent system you find sooting or
deterioration, something is wrong. Call the local gas supplier to
correct the problem and clean or replace the flue and venting
before resuming operation of the water heater.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

20

Burner Inspection

Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or
immediately detectable. However, over a period of time a flooded
water heater will create dangerous conditions which can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Contact a Sears Service Center to replace a flooded water heater.
Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the
main burner and pilot burner. See Figure 24.
You should check for sooting. Soot is not normal and will impair
proper combustion.
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 fire causing death, serious
injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 24.

Burner Cleaning

In the event your burner needs cleaning, following these
instructions:
If inspection of the burner shows that cleaning is required, turn
the gas control knob clockwise (
depressing slightly.
NOTE: The knob cannot be turned from "PILOT" to "OFF"
unless knob is depressed slightly. DO NOT FORCE.
The burner needs to be removed for cleaning. Call the Sears
Service Center to remove and clean the burner and correct the
problem that required the burner to be cleaned.
) to the "OFF" position,