Sears Kenmore 153.576300

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the Kenmore Gas Water Heater, a device designed for potable water heating only, not for space heating or use in mobile homes. It is available in various models with different tank capacities and gas types.

Function Description:

The Kenmore Gas Water Heater heats potable water for domestic use. It utilizes a gas-fired burner to heat water stored in a tank. The system includes a gas control valve/thermostat for temperature regulation, a vent pipe system for exhaust gas removal, and a safety system designed to reduce the risk of flammable vapor ignition. The FVIR (Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant) System protects against flammable vapor-related fires by trapping and burning vapors within the combustion chamber, preventing them from escaping into the room. In the event of a flammable vapor incident, the FVIR System disables the water heater by shutting off the gas supply to the burner and pilot.

Important Technical Specifications:

The water heater models vary in tank capacity, gas type, input rate, recovery rate, minimum vent pipe diameter, and physical dimensions.

Tank Capacity: Available in 30, 40, and 50 gallons (114, 151, and 189 liters).
Gas Type: Models are available for Natural Gas or Propane (L.P.) gas.
Input Rate: Ranges from 35,500 Btu/hr to 40,000 Btu/hr.
Recovery Rate: Ranges from 36.34 to 40.94 gallons per hour at a 90°F rise.
Minimum Vent Pipe Diameter: All models require a 3 (76mm) or 4 (102mm) inch diameter vent pipe.
Dimensions:
- 30 Gallon Short (Natural): 20 inches (508mm) diameter, 46.38 inches (1178mm) height to jacket top.
- 30 Gallon Tall (Natural/L.P.): 18 inches (457mm) diameter, 58.00 inches (1473mm) height to jacket top.
- 40 Gallon Short (Natural): 22 inches (559mm) diameter, 47.75 inches (1213mm) height to jacket top.
- 40 Gallon Tall (Natural/L.P.): 20 inches (508mm) diameter, 58.14 inches (1477mm) height to jacket top.
- 50 Gallon Tall (Natural/L.P.): 21 inches (533mm) diameter, 57.28 inches (1455mm) height to jacket top.
Lead Content: Certified to comply with a maximum weighted average of 0.25% lead content in some areas.
NOx Requirements: Complies with 40 Ng/J NOx requirements of Texas and most California AQM Districts.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve: Must comply with ANSI Z21.22-CSA 4.4 and ASME code, and be rated no higher than the working pressure on the rating plate.
Thermal Expansion Tank: Pre-charged with a 40 psi air charge, adjustable up to 80 psi to match inlet water pressure.

Usage Features:

Installation Requirements: Must be installed indoors, vertically, on a level surface, and not in bathrooms, bedrooms, or normally closed occupied rooms. Clearances from combustible surfaces must be maintained (minimum 24 inches front clearance). A metal drain pan is recommended for protection against water damage.
Gas Supply: Requires a new CSA approved gas supply line with a shut-off valve and a drip leg. Pipe joint compound or Teflon tape resistant to petroleum gases must be used.
Water System Piping: Piping, fittings, and valves should be installed according to the provided diagrams. Unions are recommended for ease of removal. A mixing valve or anti-scald device is recommended for domestic hot water lines to reduce point-of-use temperature.
Temperature Regulation: The gas control valve/thermostat allows temperature adjustment from 55°F to 155°F. The "HOT" setting is approximately 120°F. Lower settings reduce energy losses. The "VAC" (Vacation) setting sets the temperature to approximately 55°F to prevent freezing while conserving energy during long periods of non-use.
Pilot Lighting: Features a piezo-electric spark gas ignition system. Instructions for lighting the pilot are provided, including a 10-minute wait between attempts if the pilot does not light or the status light does not blink.
Status Light and Diagnostic Codes: The status light indicates normal operation (1 flash) or control off/pilot out (0 flashes). Continuous light indicates the gas control valve/thermostat is shutting down. Diagnostic flashes (2, 4, 5, 7, 8 flashes) indicate specific issues like low thermopile voltage, overheat failure, sensor failure, or electronic control failure.
Safety Shut-off and Thermal Switch: The water heater automatically shuts off if the pilot flame is extinguished, water temperature exceeds 195°F, excessive dust builds up on the base ring filter or flame arrestor, or flammable vapors are ignited. A thermal switch is designed to shut off the gas supply if the water heater is exposed to flammable vapors, poor combustion, or improper venting.

Maintenance Features:

Vent System Inspection: Annual visual inspection for obstructions, damage, deterioration, or sooting. Soot indicates a problem that requires correction before further use.
Burner Inspection and Cleaning: Annual visual inspection of the main burner and pilot burner for sooting. If cleaning is required, it should be performed by a qualified technician.
Housekeeping: Regular vacuuming around the base-ring filter for dust, dirt, and lint.
Anode Rod Inspection: Inspection and replacement of the anode rod is required to protect the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected after a maximum of three years and annually thereafter, more frequently with artificially softened water.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation: Manual operation at least once a year to ensure proper function.
Draining and Flushing: Recommended every 6 months to remove sediment. The tank should also be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures.
FVIR System Operational Checklist: Includes checking manifold gasket seal, viewport condition, flame-arrestor cleanliness, manifold component block installation, pilot and manifold connection for leaks, manifold door screw tightness, and thermal switch button depression.
Troubleshooting Guide: Provides a chart for common problems, possible causes, and corrective actions, including issues like burner not igniting, smelly water, yellow/lazy burner flame, pilot not lighting or remaining lit, high operation costs, insufficient hot water, slow hot water recovery, drip from relief valve, thermostat failure, combustion odors, smoking/carbon formation, condensation, burner flame floats/lifts off ports, burner flame too high, and flame burns at orifice.
Parts Ordering: Replacement parts can be ordered from Sears Parts and Service Centers by calling 1-844-553-6667, providing model, serial, and product numbers, gas type, item number, and part description.