Kenmore HydroSense 153.33443, Owner'S Manual

19

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.  

It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to 
avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, 
that the water temperature be set for the lowest temperature 
which satisfi es your hot water needs. This will also provide the 
most energy effi cient operation of the water heater. 

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 (OFF).  It is adjustable and must be reset to the 
desired temperature setting. The faceplate of the thermostat is 
marked with approximate temperature settings. The preferred 
starting point is approximately 120°F (49°C). Align the knob with 
the desired water temperature as shown in Figure 21. There is a 
hot water scald potential if the thermostat is set too high. Some 
states have a requirement for a lower setting. 

Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( 

 ) to increase 

the temperature, or counterclockwise ( 

 ) to decrease the 

temperature.

Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn 
off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.

THERMOSTAT DIAL

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 infi rm, or physically/mentally handicapped.  If anyone using 
hot water in your home fi ts 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 
satisfi es 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 factory setting 
on the thermostat, see Figures 21 and 22.

FIGURE 21.

FIGURE 22.

160°F (71°C) 

About 1/2 second

150°F (66°C) 

About 1-1/2 seconds

140°F (60°C) 

Less than 5 seconds

130°F (54°C) 

About 30 seconds

120°F (49°C) 

More than 5 minutes

VAC = approx.  80°F (27°C) 

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Temperature

Settings

Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd

Degree Burns on Adult Skin