Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 6

Questions and Answers

J
Jessica FlowersAug 5, 2025
What to do if my Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 6 Water Heater has ignition or flame failure?
- S
  Sara MartinAug 6, 2025
  If your Kenmore Water Heater experiences ignition or flame failure, and the gas control valve has locked out after multiple retries, try the following: * Ensure the flame sensor is clean, using fine steel wool. * Check the igniter assembly plug and the socket on the bottom of the gas control valve for a good connection. Replace the igniter assembly if the plug is worn or damaged; replace the gas control valve if the socket is worn or damaged. * Replace the igniter assembly. Also, make sure the gas supply is turned on and the manifold gas pressure to the burner is sufficient. To reset the unit, cycle the power off and on.
K
Kevin Strickland Jr.Aug 11, 2025
Why the gas control valve has sensed inadequate earth ground in my Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 6?
- H
  huynhkristenAug 11, 2025
  If the gas control valve on your Kenmore Water Heater senses inadequate or no earth ground, it could be due to a grounding issue. Ensure the wall outlet (power supply) is properly grounded and that all ground connections/wires on the water heater are securely connected.
D
David HoffmanAug 15, 2025
What to do if my Kenmore Water Heater pressure switch circuit remains open?
- J
  Johnny ScottAug 15, 2025
  If the pressure switch circuit remains open longer than 5 seconds after the blower is energized in your Kenmore Water Heater, make sure that: * The air pressure switch sensing tube is properly connected at both ends and is not kinked or damaged. * The correct size of vent and intake air pipe (direct vent products) was used per the installation instructions in the manual that came with the water heater. * The maximum number of elbows or maximum equivalent feet of vent or intake air pipe has not been exceeded per the installation instructions in the manual that came with the water heater. * There are no obstructions in the vent or intake air pipe.
K
Kevin NelsonAug 21, 2025
How to fix reversed polarity in Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 6 Water Heater?
- L
  Larry CastilloAug 21, 2025
  If the gas control valve on your Kenmore Water Heater senses reversed polarity in the 120 VAC power supply, ensure the wall outlet/power supply is properly wired. Also, ensure all internal 120 VAC wiring connections and wiring harness have no reversed wires. The 120 VAC "hot" wire must connect to the on/off switch.
M
Mandy GrayAug 26, 2025
What to do if Kenmore Water Heater pressure switch circuit remains closed?
- P
  paulalucasAug 27, 2025
  If the pressure switch circuit remains closed for more than 5 seconds after the heating cycle begins on your Kenmore Water Heater, ensure the air pressure switch circuit wiring is correct and the air pressure switch is not jumpered. If the issue persists, replace the air pressure switch.
W
Wendy MooreAug 31, 2025
How to fix an open igniter circuit in a Kenmore THE ECONOMIZER 6?
- C
  clarkdeborahAug 31, 2025
  If the gas control valve on your Kenmore Water Heater has detected an open igniter circuit, take these steps: * Check the wiring to the hot surface igniter assembly and replace the igniter assembly if the wiring is damaged or worn. * Check the resistance of the igniter at the igniter assembly plug; it should be between 11 and 18 ohms. Replace the igniter if it's open or shorted. * Check the igniter assembly plug and the socket on the bottom of the gas control valve for a good connection. * Replace the igniter assembly if the plug is worn or damaged. * Replace the gas control valve if the igniter assembly socket on the bottom of the control is worn or damaged.

Summary

Introduction and Safety Overview

Product Identification and Safety Warnings

Identifies the water heater model and presents critical safety warnings, including procedures for gas leaks.

Safety Guidelines and Definitions

Understanding Safety Alert Symbols

Explains the meaning of DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION symbols used in the manual to indicate potential hazards.

Key Operational Definitions

Defines essential terms like 'Gas Supplier' for clarity in installation and operation instructions.

Safety Precautions and Hazard Warnings

Fire, Explosion, and Burn Hazards

Details risks of fire and explosion from flammable vapors, improper installation, and severe burns from high water temperatures.

Carbon Monoxide and Breathing Hazards

Emphasizes risks from carbon monoxide gas and the need for proper venting and detectors.

Customer Responsibilities and Product Specifications

Owners Responsibilities for Safe Operation

Outlines the owner's duties for proper installation, maintenance, and compliance with codes for safe operation.

Water Heater Technical Specifications

Provides technical details of the water heater models including tank capacity, input rate, vent pipe size, and dimensions.

Massachusetts Specific Installation Requirements

CO Detectors, Signage, and Venting Standards

Mandates installation of CO detectors, specific signage, and outlines manufacturer responsibilities for venting systems in Massachusetts.

Installation Materials and Tools

Required Materials and Basic Tools

Lists necessary materials like expansion tanks, flexible connectors, and drain pans, along with essential tools for installation.

Water Heater Components and Installation Overview

Identifying Key Water Heater Parts

Illustrates and labels main components of the gas water heater for installation reference.

Igniter and Control Panel Diagrams

Shows diagrams of hot surface igniter assemblies and the temperature indicator control panel for understanding operation.

Removing the Old Water Heater

Safely Disconnecting Utilities and Piping

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely shutting off gas/water and disconnecting the old unit's vent and water pipes.

Choosing a Location for Your Water Heater

Location Requirements and Hazards

Guides on selecting a location, clearances, drain pans, and warns against flammable liquids and fire hazards.

Installation Clearances and Air Supply

Clearances, Insulation, and Airflow

Specifies required clearances and advises against insulation that impedes airflow, crucial for combustion air supply.

Combustion Air for Unconfined Spaces

Explains the requirements for providing adequate combustion and ventilation air for appliances installed in unconfined spaces.

Combustion Air and Ventilation Strategies

Supplying Air from Buildings and Outdoors

Details methods for supplying combustion air from inside buildings or directly from outdoors, including requirements for openings and ducts.

Vent System Design and Condensate Management

Covers vent pipe slope, support, installation, and methods for handling potential condensate in the venting system.

Water Piping Installation and Safety

Hot Water Safety and Scald Prevention

Warns about severe burns from hot water and recommends safe temperature settings and mixing valves.

Thermal Expansion and System Integrity

Explains thermal expansion issues in closed water systems and the need for expansion tanks or bypasses to prevent pressure buildup.

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Installation

T&P Valve Function and Safety

Describes the critical role of the relief valve in preventing explosions and the hazards of improper installation or blockage.

Proper Discharge Piping for Relief Valve

Specifies how the discharge pipe from the relief valve must be installed to safely vent hot water and prevent property damage.

Gas Piping Installation and Safety Protocols

Gas Supply, Pressure, and Leak Testing

Details requirements for gas supply type, pressure, shut-off valves, drip legs, and leak testing for safe operation.

High Altitude Gas Orifice Requirements

Explains the need for high altitude orifices to prevent carbon monoxide production at elevations above 7,700 feet.

Sediment Traps, Tank Filling, and Blower Checks

Gas Line Sediment Traps and Tank Filling

Covers the installation of sediment traps in gas lines and the critical procedure for filling the water heater tank before operation.

Blower Assembly Installation Checks

Outlines checks for the blower assembly, including secure mounting, air intake screen, and drain port cap, before final installation.

Electrical Connections and Servicing Safety

Blower Wiring and Power Supply

Details the electrical connections for the blower assembly, including wiring harnesses, switches, and power cord installation.

Safety During Electrical Servicing

Emphasizes turning off electrical power before servicing and taking precautions against wiring errors that could cause injury or death.

Venting System Installation Details

Vent Pipe Connections and Materials

Describes how to connect vent pipes to the blower assembly and specifies approved materials like PVC, ABS, and CPVC for venting.

Vent Lengths and Condensation Management

Provides guidelines on maximum vent pipe lengths and addresses potential condensation issues in the venting system.

Venting Safety and Terminal Installation

Carbon Monoxide Prevention via Venting

Highlights the critical importance of proper venting to prevent carbon monoxide hazards and emphasizes reading the manual.

Installing Vent Terminals Through Walls

Details the process for installing the vent terminal through walls, including creating openings and ensuring proper sealing.

Vent Termination Location and Clearances

External Vent Terminal Placement Rules

Specifies minimum clearances for vent terminals from grade, windows, doors, air inlets, and building corners for safety.

Vertical Vent Termination Requirements

Outlines restrictions for vertical vent terminations through roofs, including height above roof, snow level, and proximity to structures.

Vent Pipe Preparation and Joining Procedures

Materials and Techniques for Vent Pipe Prep

Lists necessary materials like saws, deburring tools, primer, cleaner, and solvent cement for preparing and joining vent pipes.

Applying Primer and Cement for Joints

Explains the step-by-step process for applying primer and solvent cement to join PVC and CPVC vent pipes correctly.

Vent Pipe Joining and Joint Integrity

Joint Preparation, Assembly, and Cleanup

Covers deburring, dry fitting, cleaning, priming, and applying solvent cement to ensure a strong, leak-free vent pipe joint.

Joint Curing and Flammable Material Safety

Details the process of cleaning excess cement and allowing the joint to cure properly, emphasizing safety with flammable materials.

Water Heater Operating Instructions

Pre-Operation Checks and Startup Procedure

Emphasizes filling the system with water, purging air, and safety checks before lighting the burner.

Ignition, Temperature Adjustment, and Shutdown

Guides on how to start, adjust the thermostat, and safely turn off the water heater.

Temperature Regulation and Scald Prevention

Understanding Water Temperature Control

Explains how water temperature can vary and highlights the dangers of scalding, recommending safe temperature settings.

Adjusting Water Temperature Settings Safely

Provides instructions on how to use the COOLER and HOTTER buttons to adjust the water heater's temperature setting.

Start-Up Conditions and Thermal Expansion

Managing Condensate, Smoke, and Odors

Addresses common start-up conditions like condensate formation, smoke, and odors, explaining their causes and normal resolution.

Thermal Expansion Tank Installation and Sizing

Explains thermal expansion, its potential issues, and provides guidance on expansion tank sizing and installation.

Operational Conditions and System Maintenance

Water Smells and Hydrogen Gas Hazards

Discusses causes of smelly water (anode rod) and the hazard of hydrogen gas production in unused water systems.

Venting System Inspection and Maintenance

Details the importance of regular venting system inspections to prevent CO hazards and ensure proper operation.

Routine Water Heater Maintenance Procedures

Burner Cleaning and Housekeeping Practices

Provides instructions for cleaning the burner and maintaining a clean environment around the water heater for optimal performance.

Anode Rod and Relief Valve Checks

Explains the importance of inspecting the anode rod for corrosion and manually operating the temperature-pressure relief valve annually.

Draining and Service Information

Procedure for Draining the Water Heater

Outlines the steps for draining the water heater for maintenance, cleaning, or protection against freezing temperatures.

Drain Valve Washer Replacement Steps

Details the procedure for replacing the washer in the drain valve if it leaks, ensuring proper sealing.

Water Heater Leakage Troubleshooting

Identifying and Diagnosing Leaks

Provides a comprehensive guide to diagnose potential water leaks, differentiating between tank leaks, loose connections, and condensation.

Troubleshooting Gas Valve and Blower Issues

Resolving Gas Valve and Pressure Switch Faults

Lists LED status codes and corresponding problems like gas valve issues, pressure switch faults, and igniter circuit errors.

Troubleshooting Sensor and Vapor Detection Problems

Addressing Sensor Faults and Vapor Alerts

Addresses issues related to temperature sensors, FV sensors, flammable vapor detection, and air pressure switch faults.

Troubleshooting Performance and Odor Issues

Resolving Common Performance Problems

Covers problems like insufficient hot water, vent pipe temperature, yellow flame, condensation, leaks, odors, and burner issues.

Water Heater Parts and Ordering

Identifying Replacement Parts by Model

Lists part numbers for various components of the water heater, organized by model number for easy identification.

Warranty, Service, and Protection Plans

Understanding Your Water Heater Warranty

Outlines the terms of the limited warranty and labor warranty, including coverage and exclusions.

Sears Service and Protection Options

Provides contact information for warranty service, installation, and details about optional Master Protection Agreements.