Kenmore Miser 9 Manual

							
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
C3  Technology®  Gas  Water  Heaters  meet 
the new ANSI Z21.10.1 standard that deals 
with the accidental or unintended ignition of 
flammable  vapors,  such  as  those  emitted 
by gasoline.
Owner’s Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.
NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES.
  MODEL NO.
  153.339362  30 Gallon
  153.339262  40 Gallon Short
  153.339462  40 Gallon
  153.339962  40 Gallon (L.P.)
  153.339161  50 Gallon Short 
  153.339562  50 Gallon
  153.339762  48 Gallon High Recovery
  153.339640  65 Gallon
  153.339680  65 Gallon High Recovery
For Your Safety AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER.
• Safety Instructions
•  Installation
•  Operation
•  Care and Maintenance
•  Troubleshooting
•  Parts List
POWER MISER™ 9
G A S   W A T E R   H E A T E R
Si   n o   p u e d e   l e e r   o   e n te n d e r  e l   i n g l é s   y   n e c e si ta   e l   ma n u a l instructivo  y/o  etiquetas  en  español  puede  obtenerlos  llamando  al  1-800-821-2017.  NO  TRATE  DE  INSTALAR  O  OPERAR  ESTE CALENTADOR DE AGUA si no entiende la información en las etiquetas o en el manual instructivo. No hacer caso de esta advertencia podría resultar en la MUERTE O GRAVES LESIONES CORPORALES.
ADVERTENCIA
www.sears.comPRINTED 0607  184232-003 
						

							
2

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE
Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the instal\
lation, use and servicing of this water heater.
Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you and 
others of a potential hazard.  Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual.  It is very important that 
the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who i\
nstall, use or service this water heater.
This is the safety alert symbol.  It is used to alert you 
to  potential  personal  injury  hazards.    Obey  all  safety 
messages  that  follow  this  symbol  to  avoid  possible 
injury or death.
All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you\
 do not follow the safety message and 
how to avoid the risk of injury.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of substances 
known  to  the  State  of  California  to  cause  cancer,  birth  defects,  or  other  reproductive  harm,  and  requires  businesses  to  warn  of 
potential exposure to such substances.
This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This 
appliance can cause low level exposure to some of the substances listed,\
 including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and soot.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
•   Gas  Supplier: The  natural  gas  or  propane  utility  or  service  who  supplies  gas  for  utilization  by  the  gas  burning  
  appliances within this application. The gas supplier typically has responsibility for the inspection and code approval of 
 
  gas piping up to and including the natural gas meter or propane storage tank of a building. Many gas suppliers also 
 
  offer service and inspection of appliances within the building.
 DANGER 
  WARNING 
  CAUTION  
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, could result 
in death or injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, could result 
in death or injury.
CAUTION  indicates a potentially hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, may result 
in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION  used  without  the  safety  alert 
symbol  indicates  a  potentially  hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, could result 
in property damage.
CAUTION
© Sears, Roebuck and Co. 
						

							
3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 
						

							
4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE ........................................................................\
..............................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  ........................................................................\
......................................................3
TABLE OF CONTENTS  ........................................................................\
.........................................................4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES  ........................................................................\
.................................................................5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
5
MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED ........................................................................\
...............................................6
 Material Needed  ........................................................................\
...............................................................................6
  Basic Tools
........................................................................\
........................................................................................6
TYPICAL INSTALLATION........................................................................\
........................................................................\
..........7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................\
..............................................................8-16
 Removing the Old Water Heater  ........................................................................\
.......................................................8
  Facts to Consider About the Location  ........................................................................\
..........................................
9-10
  Insulation Jackets  ........................................................................\
...........................................................................
10
  Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances
  in Unconfined Spaces  ........................................................................\
.....................................................................
11
  Combustion Air and Ventilation Appliances 
  in Confined Spaces  ........................................................................\
...................................................................
11-12
  Water Piping  ........................................................................\
..............................................................................
12-13
  T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation  ........................................................................\
.....................................................
13
  Temperature Pressure Relief Valve  ........................................................................\
...........................................
13-14
  Filling the Water Heater  ........................................................................\
.............................................................
14-15
  Venting  ........................................................................\
.......................................................................................
15-16
  Gas Piping  ........................................................................\
.................................................................................
16-17
  Sediment Trap  ........................................................................\
................................................................................
17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................\
.................................................................18-19
 Lighting & Operating Label  ........................................................................\
.............................................................18
  Temperature Regulation  ........................................................................\
.................................................................
19
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT  ........................................................................\
................................................................20-22
 Tank (Sediment) Cleaning  ........................................................................\
..............................................................20
  Venting System Inspection  ........................................................................\
.............................................................
20
  Burner Inspection  ........................................................................\
...........................................................................
20
  Burner Cleaning  ........................................................................\
..............................................................................
20
  Housekeeping  ........................................................................\
............................................................................
20-21
  Anode Rod  ........................................................................\
......................................................................................
21
  Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation  ........................................................................\
..........................
21-22
  Draining  ........................................................................\
..........................................................................................
22
  Drain Valve Washer Replacement  ........................................................................\
..................................................
22
  Service  ........................................................................\
............................................................................................
22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  ........................................................................\
................................................................23-26
  Start Up Conditions  ........................................................................\
...................................................................
23-24
   Thermal Expansion  ........................................................................\
...................................................................23
    Strange Sounds  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
23
    Draft Hood Operation  ........................................................................\
................................................................
23
    Condensation  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
....
24
    Smoke/Odor  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
......
24
  Operational Conditions  ........................................................................\
..............................................................
24-25
    Smelly Odor  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
......
24
    Air in Hot Water Faucets  ........................................................................\
...........................................................
25
    High Temperature Shut-Off System  ........................................................................\
..........................................
24
    Leakage Checkpoints  ........................................................................\
................................................................
25
  Troubleshooting Items  ........................................................................\
....................................................................
26
PARTS ORDER LIST ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
..........27-29
NOTES  ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
...30-31
WARRANTY........................................................................\
........................................................................\
.................................32 
						

							
5

Thank  You  for  purchasing  a  Kenmore  water  heater.  Properly 
installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free 
service. If you should decide that you want the new water heater 
professionally installed by Sears call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. They 
will  arrange  for  prompt,  quality  installation  by  Sears  authorized 
contractors.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
• CSA - Canadian Standards Association
•  ANSI - American National Standards Institute
•  NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
•  ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
•  GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
 
• This  gas-fired  water  heater  is  design  certified  by  CSA 
INTERNATIONAL  under  American  National  Standard/CSA 
Standard  for  Gas  Water  Heaters  ANSI  Z21.10.1  •  CSA  4.1 
(current edition).
•   Read the “Safety Precautions” section, page 3 of this manual 
first  and  then  the  entire  manual  carefully.  If  you  don’t  follow 
the safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It 
could  cause  DEATH, SERIOUS  BODILY  INJURY  AND /OR 
PROPERTY  DAMAGE.
  This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation, 
and maintenance of the gas-fired water heater. It also contains 
warnings through out the manual that you must read and be 
aware of. All warnings and all instructions are essential to the 
proper  operation  of  the  water  heater  and  your  safety.  Since 
we cannot put everything on the first few pages, READ THE 
ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR 
OPERATE THE WATER HEATER. •  
The installation must conform with these instructions and the 
local code authority having jurisdiction.  In the absence of local 
codes, installations shall comply with the following:
 In  the  United  States:  The  National  Fuel  Gas  Code  ANSI 
Z223.1/NFPA  54.    This  publication  is  available  from  the 
Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley 
Rd,  Cleveland  Ohio  44131,  or  The  National  Fire  Protection 
Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
•  If  after  reading  this  manual  you  have  any  questions  or  do 
not understand any portion of the instructions, call the Sears 
Service Center.
•  Carefully  plan  the  place  where  you  are  going  to  put  the 
water  heater.  Correct  combustion,  vent  action,  and  vent 
pipe  installation  are  very  important  in  preventing  death 
from  possible  carbon  monoxide  poisoning  and  fires.    See  
figure 1.
  Examine  the  location  to  ensure  the  water  heater  complies 
with the Facts to Consider About the Location section in this 
manual.
•  For  California  installation  this  water  heater  must  be  braced, 
anchored,  or  strapped  to  avoid  falling  or  moving  during 
an  earthquake.  See  instructions  for  correct  installation 
procedures.  Instructions  may  be  obtained  from  your  local 
dealer,    wholesaler,  public  utilities  or  California  Office  of  the 
State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
•  Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed 
in  accordance  with  Massachusetts  248-CMR  2.00:  State 
Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00.
•  Complies  with  SCAQMD  rule  #1121  and  districts  having 
equivalent NOx requirements.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBERS
TANK CAPACITY IN GALS (LTRS)TYPE OF GASINPUT RATE (Btu/hr)
RECOVERY RATE GALS. PER HOUR @ 90° F RISE
MINIMUM VENT PIPE INCHES (mm)DIAMETER INCHES (mm)
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES (mm) HEIGHT TO JACKET TOP
153.33936230 (114)NATURAL40,00041.53” (76) or 4” (102)16” (406)57 1/2” (1,461)
153.33926240 (151)NATURAL40,00040.93” (76) or 4” (102)20” (508)47 1/4” (1,200)
153.33946240 (151)NATURAL40,00039.93” (76) or 4” (102)18 1/2” (470)55 1/2” (1,410)
153.33996240 (151)PROPANE37,00036.93” (76) or 4” (102)18 1/2” (470)55 1/2” (1,410)
153.33916150 (189)NATURAL40,00042.03” (76) or 4” (102)24” (610)48 3/4” (1,238)
153.33956250 (189)NATURAL40,00040.93” (76) or 4” (102)20” (508)56 1/2” (1,435)
153.33976248 (182)NATURAL50,00051.24” (102)20” (508)56 1/2” (1,435)
153.33964065 (246)NATURAL40,00040.03” (76) or 4” (102)22” (559)60 1/4” (1,530)
153.33968065 (246)NATURAL65,00067.04” (102)24” (610)60 1/4” (1,530) 
						

							
6

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED
Materials Needed
To simplify the installation Sears has available the installation parts shown below. You may  or may not need all of these materials, 
depending on your type of installation.
WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4” (19.05 mm) OR 1/2” (12.7 mm) THREADED OR COPPER PLUMBING AND FLEXIBLE WATER HEATER GAS CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS.
EXPANSION TANKS FOR THERMAL EXPANSION CONDITIONS AVAILABLE IN 2 GALLONS (7.6 LITERS) AND 5 GALLONS (18.9 LITERS) CAPACITY HROUGH LOCAL SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER.
DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN 20” (508 mm) DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 18” (457 mm) OR LESS, 24” (610mm) DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 22” (559 mm) OR LESS AND AVAILABLE IN 28” (711 mm) DIAMETER FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING A DIAMETER 26” (660 mm) OR LESS.
Basic Tools
You  may  or  may  not  need  all  these  tools,  depending  on  your 
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local 
Sears Store.
• Pipe Wrenches (2) 14” (356 mm)
•  Screwdriver
•  Tin Snips
•  6’ (1.82 m) Tape or Folding Ruler
•  Garden Hose
•  Drill
•	 Pipe	Dope	or	Teflon	Tape
Additional Tools Needed 
When Sweat Soldering
•  Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
•  Propane Tank
•  Soft Solder
•  Solder Flux
•  Emery Cloth
•  Wire Brushes
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVERTIN SNIPS
PIPE WRENCH
PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)USE FOR WATER AND GAS CONNECTIONS
DRILL
GARDEN HOSE6 FOOT TAPE
ROLL OF TEFLONTAPE (USE ONLY ONWATER CONNECTIONS)
HACKSAW
3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH
1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSHSOLDER FLUXROLL OF LEAD-FREESOFT SOLDER
TUBING CUTTERPROPANETORCH
ROLL OF EMERY CLOTH 
						

							
7

TYPICAL INSTALLATION
GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS
 A  Vent Pipe
  B  Drafthood 
  C  Anode
  D  Hot Water Outlet
  E  Outlet
  F  Flexible Water Connections
  G  Gas Supply
  H  Manual Gas Shut-off Valve
  I  Ground Joint Union
* INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE 
  WITH LOCAL CODES.
*  DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED  
  BY LOCAL CODES.
FIGURE 1.
  J  Drip Leg (Sediment Trap)
  K  Inner Door
  L  Outer door
  M  Union
  N   Inlet Water Shut-off Valve
  O  Cold Water Inlet
  P  Inlet Dip Tube
  Q  Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve 
  R   Rating Plate 	 S	 Flue	Baffle
 
T  Thermostat
  U  Drain Valve
  V   Pilot and Main Burner
  W   Flue
  X   Drain Pan
  Y  Thermostat Shield (optional)
  Z  Piezo Igniter
  AA  Air Intake Screen
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER
(T)  THERMOSTAT
*  ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE 
  SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.
TO VENT TERMINATION 
ON ROOF
THERMOSTATCOVER(OPTIONAL)
Y 
						

							
8

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Turn  “OFF”  the  gas  supply  to  the 
water heater.
  If  the  main  gas  line  shutoff  valve 
s e r v i n g   a l l   g a s   a p p l i a n c e s  i s 
used,  also  shut  “OFF”  the  gas 
a t   e a c h   a p p l i a n c e .     L e a v e   a l l 
gas  appliances  shut  “OFF”  until 
the  water  heater  installation  is 
completed, see Figures 2 and 3.
                                            
2. Turn  “OFF”  the  water  supply  to 
the water heater at the water shut 
off  valve  or  water  meter.    Some 
installations require that the water 
be  turned  off  to  the  entire  house, 
see Figures 2 and 4.
FIGURE 2.
Removing the Old Water Heater
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 4.                                                   
3.  Check again to make sure the gas supply is “OFF” to the water 
heater. Then disconnect the gas supply connection from the 
gas  control valve.
4.   Attach  a  hose  to  the  water  heater 
drain valve and put the other end in 
a floor drain or outdoors.  Open the 
water  heater  drain  valve.    Open  a 
nearby hot water faucet which will 
relieve pressure in the water heater 
and  speed  draining.  The  water 
passing out of the drain valve may 
be  extremely  hot.    To  avoid  being 
scalded, make sure all connections 
are tight and that the water flow is 
directed away from any person, see 
Figures 2 and 5.FIGURE 5.
5. Disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood where it connects 
to the water heater.  In most installations  the  vent pipe can 
be  lifted  off  after  any  screw  or  other  attached  devices  are 
removed.  Dispose of the draft hood.  The new water heater 
has a draft hood which must be used for proper operation.
6.  If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two copper
 
water  pipes  can  be  cut  with  a  hacksaw  approximately  four 
inches  away  from  where  they  connect  to  the  water  heater, 
see  Figure  6.  This  will  avoid  cutting  off  pipes  too  short. 
Additional cuts can be made later if necessary. Disconnect the 
temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the water 
heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve. 
Close  the  drain  valve.  The  water  heater  is  now  completely 
disconnected and ready to be removed.
FIGURE 6.
  If  you  have  galvanized  pipes  to  the  water  heater,  loosen 
the two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in 
each line.  Also disconnect the piping remaining to the water 
heater,  see  Figure  7.   These  pieces  should  be  saved  since 
they may be needed when reconnecting the new water heater.  
Disconnect the temperature-pressure relief valve drain line.  
When the water heater is drained, disconnect the hose from 
the  drain  valve.    Close  the  drain  valve.    The  water  heater 
is  now  completely  disconnected  and  ready  to  be  removed. 
Mineral  buildup  or  sediment  may  have  accumulated  in  the 
old water heater.  This causes the water heater to be much 
heavier  than  normal  and  this  residue,  if  spilled  out,  could 
cause staining.
FIGURE 7. 
						

							
9

Facts to Consider About the Location
Carefully  choose  an  indoor  location  for  the  new  water  heater, 
because the placement is a very important consideration for the  
safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical 
use  of  the  appliance.   This  water  heater  is  not  for  use  in 
manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether  replacing  an  old  water  heater  or  putting  the  water 
heater  in  a  new  location,  the  following  critical  points  must  be 
observed:
•  Select  a  location  indoors  as  close  as  practical  to  the  gas 
vent or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be 
connected,  and  as  centralized  with  the  water  piping  system 
as possible.  
•   Selected  location  must  provide  adequate  clearances  for 
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
  
Installation  of  the  water  heater  must  be  accomplished  in  such 
a  manner  that  if  the  tank  or  any  connections  should  leak,  the 
flow will not cause damage to the structure.  For this reason, it 
is  not  advisable  to  install  the  water  heater  in  an  attic  or  upper 
floor.  When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain 
pan should be installed under the water heater.  Drain pans are 
available  at  your  local  hardware  store.    Such  a  drain  pan  must 
have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) 
greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an 
adequate drain.  The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
Water  heater  life  depends  upon  water  quality,  water  pressure 
and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water 
heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may 
result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped 
to  a  drain.  However,  unanticipated  damage  can  be  reduced  or 
prevented  by  a  leak  detector  or  water  shut-off  device  used  in 
conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available 
from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect 
and react to leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn 
off  the  incoming  water  to  the  water  heater  when  leakage  is 
detected.
•  Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply 
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
•  Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water 
pressure  differential  between  the  cold  water  and  hot  water 
pipes connected to the water heater. • 
Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater 
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
                      
INSTALLATIONS  IN  AREAS  WHERE  FLAMMABLE  LIQUIDS 
(VAPORS)  ARE  LIKELY  TO  BE  PRESENT  OR  STORED 
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable 
liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or butane, etc.] 
and other substances such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable 
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or 
main burner.  The resulting flashback and fire can cause death 
or serious burns to anyone in the area.  Even though this water 
heater is a flammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and 
is  designed  to  reduce  the  chances  of  flammable  vapors  being 
ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never 
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas 
water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is 
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This  water  heater  must  not  be  installed  directly  on  carpeting.  
Carpeting  must  be  protected  by  metal  or  wood  panel  beneath 
the  appliance  extending  beyond  the  full  width  and  depth  of  the 
appliance  by  at  least  3  inches  (76.2mm)  in  any  direction,  or  if 
the appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor 
must be covered by the panel.  Failure to heed this warning may 
result in a fire hazard. 
						

							
10

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible 
construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 4 inches (102 mm) 
at the front, and 6 inches (153 mm) from the vent pipe, see Figure 
8.  Clearance from the top of the jacket is 12 inches (305 mm) 
on most models.  Note that a lesser dimension may be allowed 
on some models, refer to the label attached adjacent to the gas 
control valve on the water heater.
FIGURE 8.
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct 
amount of air for combustion, see Figure 9.  Do not install in a 
confined area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown 
in the Locating The New Water Heater section.  Never obstruct 
the flow of ventilation air.  If you have any doubts or questions at 
all, call your gas supplier.  Failure to provide the proper amount of 
combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and cause death, 
serious bodily injury, or property damage.
FIGURE 9.
If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops, 
cleaning  establishments,  or  self-service  laundries  with  dry 
cleaning  equipment,  it  is  imperative  that  the  water  heater  or 
water  heaters  be  installed  so  that  combustion  and  ventilation 
air be taken directly from outdoors (direct vent).  
Propellants  of  aerosol  sprays  and  volatile  compounds,  (cleaners, 
chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in addition to being highly 
flammable in many cases, will also change to corrosive hydrochloric 
acid when exposed to the combustion products of the water heater.  
The results can be hazardous, and also cause product failure.
Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use 
on gas water heaters are not necessary with Kenmore products. 
The  purpose  of  an  insulation  blanket  is  to  reduce  the  standby 
heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your Kenmore 
water  heater  meets  or  exceeds  the  National Appliance  Energy 
Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby 
loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary.
  WARNING
Should  you  choose  to  apply  an  insulation  blanket  to  this 
heater,  you  should  follow  these  instructions  (See  Figure  1  for 
identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow 
these  instructions  can  restrict  the  air  flow  required  for  proper 
combustion,  potentially  resulting  in  fire,  asphyxiation,  serious 
personal injury or death.
• 
Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this 
will interfere with safe operation of the draft hood.
• 
Do  not  cover  the  outer  door,  thermostat  or  temperature  & 
pressure relief valve.
• 
Do not allow insulation to come within 2” (50.8 mm) of the floor 
to prevent blockage of combustion air flow to the burner.
• 
Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of 
the water heater or nearby for future reference.