Kenmore Miser 9 Manual

							
11

• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels from Sears for 
placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
• 
Do inspect the insulation blanket frequently to make certain 
it does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow.
Combustion Air and Ventilation for 
Appliances	Located	in	Unconfined	Spaces
UNCONFINED SPACE is space whose volume is not less than  
50  cubic  feet  per  1,000  Btu  per  hour  (4.8  m3  per  kW)  of  the 
aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space.  
Rooms  communicating  directly  with  the  space  in  which  the 
appliances  are  installed,  through  openings  not  furnished  with 
doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.
In unconfined spaces in buildings, infiltration may be adequate 
to  provide  air  for  combustion,  ventilation  and  dilution  of  flue 
gases.  However, in buildings of tight construction (for example, 
weather  stripping,  heavily  insulated,  caulked,  vapor  barrier, 
etc.), additional air may need to be provided using the methods 
described  in Combustion  Air  and  Ventilation  for  Appliances 
Located in Confined Spaces.
Combustion Air and Ventilation for 
Appliances	Located	in	Confined	Spaces
C ONFINED   SPACE  is  a  space  whose  volume  is  less  than  
50  cubic  feet  per  1,000  Btu  per  hour  (4.8  m3  per  kW)    of  the 
aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space.
A.   ALL AIR FROM INSIDE BUILDINGS:
    (See Figure 9 on page 9 and Figure 10 below)
The  confined  space  shall  be  provided  with  two  permanent 
openings communicating directly with an additional room(s) of 
sufficient  volume  so  that  the  combined  volume  of  all  spaces 
meets the criteria for an unconfined space.  The total input of all 
gas utilization equipment installed in the combined space shall 
be considered in making this determination.  Each opening shall 
have a minimum free area of one square inch per 1,000 Btu per 
hour  (22  cm2/kW)  of  the  total  input  rating  of  all  gas  utilization 
equipment in the confined space, but not less than 100 square 
inches (645 cm2).  One opening shall commence within 12 inches 
(30  cm)  of  the  top  and  one  commencing  within  12  inches  (30 
cm) of the bottom of the enclosures.
FIGURE 10.
B. ALL AIR FROM OUTDOORS: (See Figures 9, 11,12 and 13)
The  confined  space  shall  be  provided  with  two  permanent 
openings, one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) of the top 
and one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) from the bottom 
of  the  enclosure. The  openings  shall  communicate  directly,  or 
by ducts, with the outdoors or spaces (crawl or attic) that freely 
communicate with the outdoors.
FIGURE 11.
•  When directly communicating with the outdoors, each opening 
shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 4,000 
Btu per hour (5.5 cm2/kW) of total input rating of all equipment 
in the enclosure. See Figure 12.
•   When  communicating  with  the  outdoors  through  vertical 
ducts,  each  opening  shall  have  a  minimum  free  area  of  
1  square  inch  per  4,000  BTU  per  hour  (5.5  cm2/kW)  of  total 
input rating of all equipment in the enclosure. See Figure 12.
FIGURE 12.
•  When  communicating  with  the  outdoors  through  horizontal 
ducts,  each  opening  shall  have  a  minimum  free  area  of  1 
square inch per 2,000 BTU per hour (11 cm2/kW) of total input 
rating of all equipment in the enclosure. See Figure 13.
•   When ducts are used, they shall be of the same cross-sectional 
area as the free area of the openings to which they connect. 
The  minimum  short  side  dimension  of  rectangular  air  ducts 
shall not be less than 3 inches (76.2 mm). See Figure 13. 
						

							
12

FIGURE 13.
• Alternatively a single permanent opening may be used when 
communicating directly with the outdoors, or with spaces that 
freely  communicate  with  the  outdoors.  The  opening  shall 
have  a  minimum  free  area  of  1  square  inch  per  3,000  BTU 
per hour (8.3 cm²/kW) of total input rating of all equipment in 
the enclosure. See Figure 14.
FIGURE 14.
•  Louvers  and  Grilles:  In  calculating  free  area,  consideration 
shall  be  given  to  the  blocking  effect  of  louvers,  grilles  or 
screens  protecting  openings.    Screens  used  shall  not  be 
smaller than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) mesh.  If the free area through 
a  design  of  louver  or  grille  is  known,  it  should  be  used  in 
calculating the size opening required to provide the free area 
specified.  If the design and free area is not known, it may be 
assumed that wood louvers will be 20-25 percent free area 
and  metal  louvers  and  grilles  will  have  60-75  percent  free 
area.  Louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open position 
or  interlocked  with  the  equipment  so  that  they  are  opened 
automatically during equipment operation.
•   Special  Conditions  Created  by  Mechanical  Exhausting  or 
Fireplaces:  operation  of  exhaust  fans,  ventilation  systems, 
clothes dryers or fireplaces may create conditions requiring 
special attention to avoid unsatisfactory operation of installed 
gas utilization equipment.
Water Piping
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: 
Water  heaters  are  intended  to  produce  hot  water.    Water 
heated  to  a  temperature  which  will  satisfy  space  heating, 
clothes washing, dish washing, cleaning and other sanitizing 
needs  can  scald  and  permanently  injure  you  upon  contact.  
Some  people  are  more  likely  to  be  permanently  injured  by 
hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the 
infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped.  If anyone using hot 
water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a 
local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water 
at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions.  
In addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting 
that satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a *mixing 
valve,  should  be  used  at  the  hot  water  taps  used  by  these 
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at 
plumbing supply or hardware stores. See Figure 15. Valves 
for reducing point of use temperature by mixing cold and hot 
water are also available. Follow  manufacturer’s instructions 
for  installation  of  the  valves.  Before  changing  the  factory 
setting on the thermostat, read the Temperature Regulation 
section in this manual.
FIGURE 15. 
						

							
13

This  water  heater  shall  not  be  connected  to  any  heating 
systems or component(s) used with a non-potable water heating 
appliance.
All piping components connected to this unit for space heating 
applications shall be suitable for use with potable water.
Toxic  chemicals,  such  as  those  used  for  boiler  treatment  shall 
not be introduced into this system.
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high line 
pressure, frequent cut-offs or the effects of water hammer have 
installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, 
back  flow  preventers,  etc.  to  control  these  types  of  problems.  
When these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, 
and no other measures are taken, the devices cause the water 
system  to  be  closed.   As  water  is  heated,  it  expands  (thermal 
expansion) and closed systems do not allow for the expansion 
of heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated 
and increases the pressure of the water system.  If the relieving 
point  of  the  water  heater’s  temperature-pressure  relief  valve 
is  reached,  the  valve  will  relieve  the  excess  pressure. The 
temperature-pressure  relief  valve  is  not  intended  for  the 
constant relief of thermal expansion.  This is an unacceptable 
condition  and  must  be  corrected.  It  is  recommended  that  any 
devices  installed  which  could  create  a  closed  system  have  a 
by-pass and/or the system have an expansion tank to relieve the 
pressure built by thermal expansion in the water system.  Refer 
to the Thermal Expansion section under Troubleshooting Guide 
or contact local plumbing authority or local Sears Service Center 
on how to control this situation.
NOTE: To protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold 
water	 fittings,	 it	is	 strongly	 recommended	 that	di-electric	
unions or couplings be installed on this water heater when 
connected to copper pipe.
Figure  16  shows  the  typical  attachment  of  the  water  piping  to 
the water heater.  The water heater is equipped with 3/4” NPT 
water connections.
NOTE: If using copper tubing, solder tubing to an adapter 
be f or e   a t t a c hing   t h e   a da pt e r   t o  t he   c old  wa t e r   inl e t 
connection.  Do not solder the cold water supply line directly 
to the cold water inlet.  It will harm the dip tube and damage 
the tank.
•  Look at the top cover of the water heater. The water outlet is 
marked “HOT”. Put two or three turns of Teflon tape around the 
threaded end of the threaded-to-sweat coupling and around 
both  ends  of  the  3/4”  NPT  threaded  nipple.  Using  flexible 
connectors, connect the hot water pipe to the hot water outlet 
on the water heater. • 
Look  at  the  top  of  the  water  heater.  The  cold  water  inlet  is 
marked “COLD”. Put two or three turns of Teflon tape around the  threaded  end  of  the  threaded-to-sweat  coupling  and around  both  ends  of  the  3/4”  NPT  threaded  nipple.  Using flexible  connectors,  connect  the  cold  water  pipe  to  the  cold water inlet of the water heater.
 NOTE: This water heater is super insulated to minimize heat  loss  from  the  tank.  Further  reduction  in  heat  loss can  be  accomplished  by  insulating  the  hot  water  lines 
from the water heater.
INSTALLATION COMPLETED USING INSTALLATION KIT
  
FIGURE 16.
T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation
Remove  insulation  for T  &  P  valve  and  pipe  connections  from 
carton.
FIGURE 16A.
Fit pipe insulation over the incoming cold water line and the hot water line. Make sure that the insulation is against the top cover of the heater. 
						

							
14

Fit T & P valve insulation over valve. Make sure that the insulation 
does not interfere with the lever or block the discharge opening 
of the T & P valve.
Secure all insulation using tape.
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
This  heater  is  provided  with  a  properly  certified  combination  
temperature - pressure relief valve by the manufacturer.
The  valve  is  certified  by  a  nationally  recognized  testing 
laboratory  that  maintains  periodic  inspection  of  production  of 
listed equipment as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves 
and  Hot  Water  Supply  Systems,  ANSI  Z21.22  and  the  code 
requirements of ASME.
If replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local codes, 
but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief 
valve certified as indicated in the above paragraph.
The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to 
exceed  the  marked  hydrostatic  working  pressure  of  the  water 
heater (150 psi = 1,035kPa) and a discharge capacity not less than 
the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating plate.
For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not 
be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly 
into the fitting of the water heater designed for the relief valve.  
Position  the  valve  downward  and  provide  tubing  so  that  any 
discharge  will  exit  only  within  6  inches  (153  mm)  above,  or 
at  any  distance  below  the  structural  floor,  see  Figure  17.    Be 
certain  that  no  contact  is  made  with  any  live  electrical  part.  
The  discharge  opening  must  not  be  blocked  or  reduced  in 
size under any circumstances.  Excessive length, over 30 feet  
(9.14 m), or use of more than four elbows can cause restriction 
and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief 
valve and the tank.  Do not connect tubing directly to discharge 
drain  unless  a  6  inch  air  gap  is  provided.    To  prevent  bodily 
injury, hazard to life, or property damage, the relief valve must 
be allowed to discharge water in quantities should circumstances 
demand.  If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other 
suitable means, the water flow may cause property damage.
FIGURE 17.
The Discharge Pipe:
• Shall  not  be  smaller  in  size  than  the  outlet  pipe  size  of  the 
valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.
•  Shall not be plugged or blocked.
•  Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.
•  Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the 
temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.
•   Shall terminate at an adequate drain or external to the structure.
•  Shall not have any valve between the relief valve and tank. 
						

							
15

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated 
at  least  once  a  year.    Caution  should  be  taken  to  ensure  that 
(1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-
pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually 
discharged will not cause any bodily injury or property damage 
because the water may be extremely hot.
If  after  manually  operating  the  valve,  it  fails  to  completely 
reset  and  continues  to  release  water,  immediately  close 
the  cold  water  inlet  to  the  water  heater,  follow  the  draining 
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve 
with a new one.
Filling the Water Heater
Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of water.  
To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be filled with water.  
Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” 
gas to the water heater.
To fill the water heater with water:
•  Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to 
the right (clockwise). The drain valve is on the lower front of 
the water heater.
•   Open  the  cold  water  supply  valve  to  the  water  heater.  
 
NOTE:  The  cold  water  supply  valve  must  be  left  open 
when the water heater is in use.
•   To  insure  complete  filling  of  the  tank,  allow  air  to  exit  by 
opening the nearest hot water faucet.  Allow water to run until 
a constant flow is obtained.  This will let air out of the water 
heater and the piping.
•   Check all water piping and connections for leaks.  Repair as 
needed.
Venting
VENT  DAMPERS  -  Any  vent  damper,  whether  it  is  operated 
thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use inhibits proper 
drafting of the water heater.
Thermally  Operated  Vent  Dampers:  Gas-fired  water  heaters 
having  thermal  efficiency  in  excess  of  80%  may  produce  a 
relatively  low  flue  gas  temperature.    Such  temperatures  may 
not  be  high  enough  to  properly  open  thermally  operated  vent 
dampers.  This would cause spillage of the flue gases and may 
cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as complying 
with  the  current  edition  of  the  American  National  Standard  
ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively, cover electrically 
and  mechanically  actuated  vent  dampers).    Before  installation 
of any vent damper, consult your local Sears Service Center or 
the local gas supplier for further information.
To  insure  proper  venting  of  this  gas-fired  water  heater,  the 
correct  vent  pipe  diameter  must  be  utilized.   Any  additions  or 
deletions  of  other  gas  appliances  on  a  common  vent  with  this 
water  heater  may  adversely  affect  the  operation  of  the  water 
heater.    Consult  your  gas  supplier  if  any  such  changes  are 
planned. For replacement heater installations where using pre-
existing venting, venting must be inspected for obstructions and 
if deterioration is present, venting must be replaced.
For proper venting in certain installations, a larger diameter vent 
pipe may be necessary.  Consult your local Sears Service Center 
or gas supplier to aid you in determining the proper venting for 
your water heater from the vent tables in the current edition of 
the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA  54.
Periodically check the venting system for signs of obstruction or 
deterioration and replace if needed.
The combustion and ventilation air flow must not be obstructed.
The  water  heater  with  draft  hood  installed  must  be  connected 
to a chimney or listed vent pipe system, which terminates to the 
outdoors.    Never  operate  the  water  heater  unless  it  is  vented 
to  the  outdoors  and  has    adequate  air  supply  to  avoid  risks  of 
improper operation, explosion or asphyxiation.
• For  proper  draft  hood  attachment,  the  draft  hood  legs  may 
be angled slightly inward.
•  Place  the  draft  hood  legs  in  the  receiving  holes  on  the  top 
of the water heater. The legs will snap in the holes to give a 
tight fit. Secure two legs to top with sheet metal screws.
•  Place  the  vent  pipe  over  the  draft  hood.  With  the  vent  pipe 
in position, drill a small hole through both the vent pipe and 
draft hood. Secure them together with a sheet metal screw. 
See Figure 18.
Obstructed  or  deteriorated  vent  systems  may  present  serious 
health risk or asphyxiation. 
						

							
16

FIGURE 18.
The  vent  pipe  from  the  water  heater  must  be  no  less  than  the 
diameter of the draft hood outlet on the water heater and must 
slope upward at least 1/4 inch per linear foot (21 mm per meter). 
See Figure 19.
FIGURE 19.
All vent gases must be completely vented to the outdoors of the 
structure (dwelling).  Install only the draft hood provided with the 
new water heater and no other draft hood.
Vent pipes must be secured at each joint with sheet metal screws.
There  must  be  a  minimum  of  6  inches  (153  mm)  clearance 
between  single  wall  vent  pipe  and  any  combustible  material.  
Fill  and  seal  any  clearance  between  single  wall  vent  pipe 
and  combustible  material  with  mortar  mix,  cement,  or  other 
noncombustible  substance.    For  other  than  single  wall,  follow 
vent pipe manufacturer’s clearance specifications.  To insure a 
tight fit of the vent pipe in a brick chimney, seal around the vent 
pipe with mortar mix cement.
Failure  to  have  required  clearances  between  vent  piping  and 
combustible material will result in a fire hazard.
Be  sure  vent  pipe  is  properly  connected  to  prevent  escape  of 
dangerous flue gases which could cause deadly 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.
Gas Piping
Make  sure  the  gas  supplied  is  the  same  type  listed  on  the 
model  rating  plate.    The  inlet  gas  pressure  must  not  exceed  
14 inch water column (3.5kPa) for natural and propane gas (L.P.) 
gas.  The minimum inlet gas pressure listed on the rating plate 
is  for  the  purpose  of  input  adjustment.  If  the  gas  control  valve 
is subjected to pressures exceeding 1/2 pound per square inch 
(3.5kPa), the damage to the gas control valve could result in a 
fire or explosion from leaking gas.
If the main gas line shutoff serving all gas appliances is used, also 
turn “OFF” the gas at each appliance.  Leave all gas appliances 
shut “OFF” until the water heater installation is complete.
A  gas  line  of  sufficient  size  must  be  run  to  the  water  heater.  
Consult  the  current  edition  of  National  Fuel  Gas  Code  ANSI 
Z223.1/NFPA 54 and your gas supplier concerning pipe size.
There must be:
• A readily accessible manual shut off valve in the gas supply 
line serving the water heater, and
•  A drip leg (sediment trap) ahead of the gas control valve to 
help prevent dirt and foreign materials from entering the gas 
control valve.
•   A  flexible  gas  connector  or  a  ground  joint  union  between 
the  shut  off  valve  and  control  valve  to  permit  servicing  of 
the unit.
Be sure to check all the gas piping for leaks before lighting the 
water heater.  Use a soapy water solution, not a match or open 
flame.  Rinse off soapy solution and wipe dry.
The minimum inlet gas pressure shown on the rating plate is that 
which will permit firing at the rated input. 
						

							
17

Water  heaters  covered  in  this  manual  have  been  tested  and 
approved for installation at elevations up to 7,700 feet (2,347 m) 
above sea level. For installation above 7,700 feet (2,347m), the 
water heater’s Btu input should be reduced at the rate of 4 percent 
for  each  1,000  feet  (305  m)  above  sea  level  which  requires 
replacement of the burner orifice in accordance with the current 
edition  of  the  National  Fuel  Gas  Code ANSI  Z223.1/NFPA  54. 
Contact your local gas supplier for further information.
Failure  to  replace  the  standard  orifice  with  the  proper  high 
altitude  orifice  when  installed  at  elevations  above  7,700  feet 
(2,347m)  could  result  in  improper  and  inefficient  operation  of 
the appliance, producing carbon monoxide gas in excess of the 
safe limits. This could result in serious injury or death. Contact 
your  local  gas  supplier  for  any  specific  changes  that  may  be 
required in your area.
Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape marked as being resistant 
to the action of petroleum (Propane [L.P.]) gases. 
The appliance and its gas connection must be leak tested before 
placing the appliance in operation.
T h e   a p p l i a n c e   a n d   i t s   i n d i v i d u a l   s h u t o ff   v a l v e   s h a l l   b e 
disconnected  from  the  gas  supply  piping  system  during  any 
pressure  testing  of  that  system  at  test  pressures  in  excess  of 
1/2  pound  per  square  inch  (3.5  kPa).    It  shall  be  isolated  from 
the  gas  supply  piping  system  by  closing  its  individual  manual 
shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping 
system  at  test  pressures  equal  to  or  less  than  1/2  pound  per 
square inch (3.5 kPa).
Connecting the gas piping to the gas control valve of the water 
heater can be accomplished by either of the two methods shown 
in Figures 20 and 21. 
Sediment Traps
Contaminants  in  the  gas  lines  may  cause  improper  operation 
of  the  gas  control  valve  that  may  result  in  fire  or  explosion.  
Before attaching the gas line be sure that all gas pipe is clean 
on  the  inside.    To  trap  any  dirt  or  foreign  material  in  the  gas 
supply line, a drip leg (sometimes called a sediment trap) must 
be  incorporated  in  the  piping.    The  drip  leg  must  be  readily 
accessible.    Install  in  accordance  with  the Gas  Piping  section. 
Refer  to  the  current  edition  of  the  National  Fuel  Gas  Code, 
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54.
A sediment trap shall be installed as close to the inlet of the water 
heater as practical at the time of water heater installation. The 
sediment  trap  shall  be  either  a  tee  fitting  with  a  capped  nipple 
in the bottom outlet or other device recognized as an effective 
sediment  trap.  If  a  tee  fitting    is  used,  it  shall  be  installed  in 
conformance with one of the methods of installation, shown in 
Figures 19 and 20. 
FIGURE 20.  GAS PIPING WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR.
FIGURE 21.  GAS PIPING WITH ALL
BLACK IRON PIPE TO GAS CONTROL. 
						

							
18

FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or 
explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
• If  you  cannot  reach  your  gas  supplier,  call  the  fire 
department.
C.  Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control 
knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or 
turn by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a qualified service 
technician. Force or attempted repair may result in a 
fire or explosion.
D.  Do not use this appliance if any part has been under 
water.  Immediately  contact  a  qualified  installer  or 
service agency to replace a flooded water heater. Do 
not attempt to repair the unit! It must be replaced!
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set thermostat to the lowest setting (PILOT LIGHTING).
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
BEFORE OPERATING: ENTIRE SYSTEM MUST BE FILLED WITH WATER AND AIR PURGED FROM ALL LINES.
1.     STOP!   Read the safety information 
      above on this label.
2.   Set the thermostat to lowest setting (PILOT LIGHTING). 
Turn thermostat dial fully clockwise    until it stops.
3.   Push  the  gas  control  knob  down  slightly  and  turn 
clockwise   to “OFF”, SEE FIGURE  “A”.
   NOTE: Knob CANNOT be turned from “PILOT” to “OFF” 
unless it is pushed down slightly.  Do not force.
4.   Remove  the  outer  burner  door  located  below  the  gas 
control.
5.   Wait  five  (5)  minutes  to  clear  out  any  gas.    If  you 
then  smell  gas,   STOP!    Follow  “B”  in  the  safety 
information above on  this label. If you don’t smell gas, 
go to next step.
6.   This  unit  is  equipped  with  a  push  button  pilot  igniter, 
which is used to light the pilot. Locate the igniter on the 
gas control.
7.   Turn gas control knob counterclockwise 
  to “PILOT”, 
SEE FIGURE  “B”.
8.   The pilot is located on the right side of the burner. It can 
be located by looking through the glass view port while 
pressing the piezo igniter button several times. Look for 
a spark at the pilot location,  FIGURE “D”. 9.  
Once  the  pilot  has  been  found,  push  the  gas  knob  all 
the way down.  Immediately press the pilot igniter button 
rapidly (4) to (5) times. If the pilot will not light, repeat step 
(3) through (9).
10.  Continue to hold the gas control knob down for about one 
(1) minute after the pilot is lit. Release the gas control knob 
and it will pop back up. Pilot should remain lit. If it goes out, 
repeat step (3) through (9). It may take several minutes 
for air to clear the lines before the pilot will light.
  •  If  knob  does  not  pop  up  when  released,  stop  and 
immediately call your service technician or gas supplier.
  •  If the pilot will not stay lit after several tries, turn the gas 
control knob clockwise  to “OFF” and call your service 
technician or gas supplier. SEE FIGURE “A”.
  11.  Once  the  pilot  flame  is  established  replace  the  outer 
burner door.
12.  A t   a r m s   l e n g t h   a w a y,   t u r n   g a s   c o n t r o l   k n o b 
counterclockwise   to “ON”. SEE FIGURE “C”.
13.  Set thermostat to desired setting.
   DANGER: Hotter water increases the risk   of  
  scald injury.  Consult the instruction manual  
  before changing temperature.
A. 
This appliance has a pilot which is lit by a piezo electric 
gas ignition system. Do not open the inner door of the appliance and try to light the pilot by hand. 
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
•  Do not try to light any appliance.
•  Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any phone 
in your building.
•  Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s 
phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
2. Push gas control knob down slightly and turn clockwise
    to “OFF”.  Do not force. SEE FIGURE “A”.
FIGURE “D”GAS CONTROL
TOP KNOB
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							
19

NOTE:  A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F (49°C-60°C) 
is recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers.
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its 
lowest position (PILOT LIGHTING).  It is adjustable and must be 
reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald 
injury.  The mark () indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) 
is preferred starting point.  Some states have a requirement for 
a lower setting. 
Turn  the  water  temperature  dial  clockwise  (   )  to  decrease 
the  temperature,  or  counterclockwise  (   )  to  increase  the 
temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn 
off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
FIGURE 22.
 Temperature  Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd 
  Settings
 Degree Burns on Adult Skin 
 VERY HOT= approx. 160°F (71°C)  About 1/2 second
  C = approx. 150°F (66°C)  About 1-1/2 seconds
  B = approx. 140°F (60°C)  Less than 5 seconds
  A = approx. 130°F (54°C)  About 30 seconds
  = approx. 120°F (49°C) More than 5 minutes
  LOW = approx.  80°F (27°C)  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
FIGURE 23.
Temperature Regulation
Due  to  the  nature  of  the  typical  gas  water  heater,  the  water 
temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30F° (16.7 C°) higher 
or lower at the point of use such as, bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to 
produce  hot  water.  Water  heated  to  a  temperature  which  will 
satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, and other 
sanitizing  needs  can  scald  and  permanently  injure  you  upon 
contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured 
by  hot  water  than  others.  These  include  the  elderly,  children, 
the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using 
hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is 
a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water 
at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In 
addition  to  using  the  lowest  possible  temperature  setting  that 
satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing valve, 
should  be  used  at  the  hot  water  taps  used  by  these  people  or 
at  the  water  heater.  Mixing  valves  are  available  at  plumbing 
supply or hardware stores. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for 
installation of the valves. Before changing the thermostat setting, 
see Figures 22 and 23. Using the lowest hot water temperature 
that meets your needs will also provide the most energy efficient 
operation of the water heater.
THE WATER HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE 
THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS. IF A SUITABLE 
AREA  IS  NOT AVAILABLE, A  COVER  SHOULD  BE  INSTALLED 
OVER THE THERMOSTAT TO PREVENT TAMPERING. Suitable 
covers are available through the Sears Service Center.
Never  allow  small  children  to  use  a  hot  water  tap,  or  to  draw 
their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person 
unattended in a bathtub or shower.   
						

							
20

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.
I f   w h e n   i n s p e c t i n g   t h e   v e n t   s y s t e m   y o u   f i n d   s o o t i n g   o r 
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.
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  (   )  to  the  “OFF”  position, 
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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT