Kenmore HydroSense 153.33443, Owner'S Manual

25

Operational Conditions (Continued)              

Leakage Checkpoints

FIGURE 27.

Read this manual fi rst. Then before checking the water heater 
make sure the gas supply has been turned “OFF”, and never turn 
the gas “ON” before the tank is completely full of water.

Never use this water heater unless it is completely fi lled with 
water.  To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be fi lled 
with water.  Water must fl ow from the hot water faucet before 
turning “ON” gas to the water heater. See Figure 27.

A.  Water at the draft hood is water vapor which has condensed 

out of the combustion products.  This is caused by a problem 
in the vent.  Contact the gas utility.

B.  *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or 

pipe connections may be leaking.

C.  *The anode rod fi tting may be leaking.

D.  Small amounts of water from temperature-pressure relief valve 

may be due to thermal expansion or high water pressure in 
your area.

E.  *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at the 

tank fi tting.

F.  Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being slightly 

opened.

G. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fi tting.

H.  Combustion products contain water vapor which can 

condense on the cooler surfaces of the tank. Droplets form 
and drip onto the burner or run on the fl oor. This is common 
at the time of start-up after installation and when incoming 
water is cold.

I.  Water in the water heater bottom or on the fl oor may be 

from condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve. 
DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection of all 
possible water sources is made and necessary corrective 
steps taken.

Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage 
should also be checked.

*  To check where threaded portion enters tank, insert cotton 

swab between jacket opening and fi tting. If cotton is wet, 
follow “Draining” instructions in the 

Periodic Maintenance

section and then remove fi tting. Put pipe dope or tefl on tape on 
the threads and replace. Then follow 

Filling the Water Heater

instructions in the 

Installing the New Water Heater

 section.