Kenmore 31813 Owners Manual - Page 21

Troubleshooting Guide (cont'd) Operational Conditions SMELLY WATER In each water heater there is installed at least on anode rod (see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a "rotten egg smell". This odor is derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of _bur factors which must all be present for the odor to develop: • a concentration of sulfate in the supply water. • little or no dissolved oxygen in the water. • a sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.) • an excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode. Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact your local Sears Service Center for further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit #9001453 and this Chlorination _l_eatment. If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, we can only suggest that continuous chlorination and filtering conditioning equipment be considered to eliminate the water problem. Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided. "AIR" IN HOT WATER FAUCETS _,WARNING HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open. RUMBLING NOISE In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up on your heating elements. This buildup will cause a rumbling noise. Follow "Element Cleaning/Replacement" instructions to clean and replace the elements. HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM Your water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset button located on the thermostat. Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit behind the access panel. 1. Before beginning, turn "OFF" electrical power supply to the water heater. % _,WARNING I HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Before removing any access panels or servicing the water heater, make I sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned "OFF". Failure to do this could result in DEATH, SERI- OUS BOD LY NJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. 2. Remove the two screws securing the access panel and remove panel. 3. Remove the tape and insulation pad to expose the terminal cover. 21