Kenmore HydroSense 153.33443, Owner'S Manual

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 
fl ow will not cause damage to the structure.  For this reason, it 
is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper 
fl oor.  When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain 
pan should be installed under the water heater.  Drain pans are 
available at your local Sears or 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 fl ow.

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 fl ammable 
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or 
main burner.  The resulting fl ashback and fi re can cause death 
or serious burns to anyone in the area.  Even though this water 
heater is a fl ammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and 
is designed to reduce the chances of fl ammable vapors being 
ignited, gasoline and other fl ammable substances should never 
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas 
water heater or other open fl ame 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 fl oor 
must be covered by the panel.  Failure to heed this warning may 
result in a fi re hazard.