Kenmore 153.31242 User Manual

Use & Care Guide

Model No.

153.312420 40 Gallon

Kenmore.

l il il í '

For potable water heating only. Not suitable for space heating.

INSTALLER: Affix these instructions to or near

the water heater.
OWNER: Retain these instructions for future

reference.

ADVERTENCIA

Si no puede leer o entender el inglés y necesita el manual de
instrucciones en español, puede solicitarlo al 1-800-821-2017. NO
TRATE DE INSTALAR U OPERAR ESTE CALENTADOR DE AGUA
SI NO ENTIENDE LAS INSTRUCCIONES. No hacer caso de esta
advertencia podría originar lesiones graves o mortales.

P/N 319358-000 (0710)

Sears Brands Management Corporation,

Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

WWW.kenmore.com

www.sears.com

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE

Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use and servicing of this water heater.

Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn
you and others of a potential injury hazard. Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual.
It is very important that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who install, use or service
this water heater.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous

ADANGER

A

WARNING

situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous

A

CAUTION

CAUTION

All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not follow the safety message
and how to avoid the risk of injury.

The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of substances
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to warn
of potential exposure to such substances.

This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
This appliance can cause low level exposure to some of the substances listed in the act.

______________________________________IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

• Sears Service Center: The Sears Service Center has the ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing and

electrical work including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Electrical Code as it relates to the installation
of electric water heaters. The Sears Service Center also has a thorough understanding of this instruction manual, and is able to
perform repairs strictly in accordance with the service guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in property damage.

______________________________________

© 2009 Sears Brands Management Corporation

GENERAL SAFETY

AWARNING

Read and understand instruction
manual and safety messages
before installing, operating or
servicing this water heater.

Failure to follow instructions and
safety messages could result in
death or serious injury.

Instruction manual must remain
with water heater.

AWARNING

Explosion Hazard

Overheated water can cause
watertank explosion.

Properly sized temperature
and pressure relief valve must
be installed in opening
provided.

CAUTION

Improper installation and use may result

in property damage.

• Do not operate water heater if flood damaged.

• Inspect and replace the anode as needed.

• Install in location with drainage.

• Fill tank with water before operation.

• Be alert for thermal expansion.
Refer to instruction manual for installation and service.

AWARNING

Before removing any access
panels or servicing the water
heater, make sure the electrical
supply to the water heater is
turned “OFF”.

V

Failure to do this could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or
property damage.

ADANGER

Water temperature over 125°F
(52°C) can cause severe burns
instantly resulting in severe injury
or death.

Children, the elderly, and the
physically or mentally disabled
are at highest riskfor scald injury.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available.

Read instruction manual for safe

te m pe ratu re setti ng.

^WARNING

Fire Hazard / Electric Shock Hazard

Do not use this water heater with any
voltage other than shown on the model
rating plate.

Failure to use the correct voltage shown
on the model rating plate could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or property
damage.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

3 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER HEATER

For three years from the date of purchase, if this water heater is instalied and operated in a single-family home in accordance with the
owner’s manual instructions and all local applicable plumbing codes, Sears will:

1. Supply free water heater parts for those that are defective in material or workmanship.

2. Supply a free water heater for one that develops a leak.
For the second through third year from the purchase date, you must pay the labor cost for installation of parts or water heater.
For commercial, institutional, industrial or residential use by two or more families, the above limited warranty is only for two years. During

the second year you must pay the labor cost for parts or water heater Installation.

If governmental regulations prohibit Sears from furnishing a comparable model replacement water heater under this warranty. Sears will
furnish a new water heater of comparable output as permitted by such governmental regulations; however, the Owner will be charged
for the additional cost associated with the changes made to the replacement water heater design to comply with such governmental
regulations.

Replacements and/or repairs furnished under this warranty do not carry a new warranty, and are only covered by the unexpIred portion
of the original warranty.

1 - YEAR EXCLUSIVE KENMORE LABOR WARRANTY

For the first year from the date of purchase. Sears will, free of charge, supply and Install new water heater parts for defective ones or a
new water heater for one that develops a leak.

WARRANTY SERVICE

To obtain warranty service, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663).
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS BRANDS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

The price of your water heater does not include a free checkup service call. On water heater installations arranged by Sears, Sears

warrants the installation.

A charge will be made on service calls due to poor or incomplete installation. These include:

a. Adjusting thermostat b. Condensation c. Leaks in pipes or fittings

Master Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore®

product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable op
eration. But like all products, it may require preventive maintenance
or repair from time to time. That’s when having a Master Protection
Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your
new product. Here’s what the Agreement* includes:

• Parts and labor needed to help keep products operating
properly under normal use, not just defects. Our coverage
goes well beyond the product warranty. No deductibles, no
functional failure excluded from coverage— real protection.

• Expert service by a force of more than 10,000 authorized
Sears service technicians, which means someone you can

trust will be working on your product.

• Unlimited service calls and nationwide service, as often as
you want us, whenever you want us.

• “No-lemon” guarantee - replacement of your covered product
if four or more product failures occur within twelve months.

• $250 Food Loss Protection annually for any food spoilage that

is the result of mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator
or freezer.

• Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered product takes

longer than promised.

• 10% discount off the regular price of any non-covered repair

service and related installed parts.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it
takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night,
or schedule a service appointment online.

The Master Protection Agreement is a riskfree purchase. If you cancel
for any reason during the product warranty period, we will provide a
full refund. Or, a prorated refund anytime after the product warranty
period expires. Purchase your Master Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional
Information In the U.S.A. call 1-800-827-6655.

• Coverage In Canada varies on some Items. For full details, call
Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665.

• Product replacement if your covered product can’t be fixed.

• Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request - no
extra charge.

• Fast help by phone - we call it Rapid Resolution - phone
support from a Sears representative on all products. Think of

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional Installation of home appliances, garage door

openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A.
or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

us as a “talking owner’s manual.”

• Power surge protection against electrical damage due to
power fluctuations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE.................................................................................................................................................2

GENERAL SAFETY........................................................................................................................................................................................3

PRODUCT WARRANTY.................................................................................................................................................................................4

TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................5

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED..................................................................................................................................................6

Materials Needed.....................................................................................................................................................................................6

Basic Tools.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Additional Tools Needed When Sweat Soldering....................................................................................................................................6

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................................................................................................7-16

Removing the Old Water Heater...........................................................................................................................................................7 8

Facts to Consider About the Location......................................................................................................................................................8

Insulation Blankets...................................................................................................................................................................................8

Facts to Consider About the Convertible Lower Element..................................................................................................................... 8 9

Water Piping...............................................................................................................................................................................................9 10

T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation............................................................................................................................................................10

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve........................................................................................................................................................10 11

Filling the Water Heater.........................................................................................................................................................................12

Converting the Lower Element.........................................................................................................................................................12-14

Wiring.......................................................................................................................................................................................................14 15

Wiring Diagrams.....................................................................................................................................................................................16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT...............................................................................................................................................................17-22

Temperature Regulation........................................................................................................................................................................17

Thermostats...........................................................................................................................................................................................17

Temperature Settings............................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Lower Thermostat Adjustment.................................................................................................................................................................17 18

Anode Rod Inspection............................................................................................................................................................................18

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation......................................................................................................................................18

Draining and Flushing..............................................................................................................................................................................18 19

Thermostat Removal/Replacement.......................................................................................................................................................19

Element Cleaning/Replacement.......................................................................................................................................................19-22

Drain Valve Washer Replacement.........................................................................................................................................................22

Service...................................................................................................................................................................................................22

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE................................................................................................................................................................23-25

Start Up Conditions.............................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Thermal Expansion........................................................................................................................................................................23

Strange Sounds.............................................................................................................................................................................23

Operational Conditions.....................................................................................................................................................................23-25

Smelly Water....................................................................................................................................................................................23 24

Air" in Hot Water Faucets.............................................................................................................................................................24

Rumbling Noise..............................................................................................................................................................................24

High Temperature Shut Off System...............................................................................................................................................24

Not Enough or No Hot Water.......................................................................................................................................................... 24 25

Water Is Too Hot............................................................................................................................................................................ 25

Leakage Checkpoints............................................................................................................................................................................26

REPAIR PARTS LIST..............................................................................................................................................................................27-29

NOTES.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 31

WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................................................................................32

INTRODUCTION

Thank You for purchasing a Sears water heater. Properly

installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free
service. It is strongly suggested that this new water heater be
professionally installed, contact the local Sears Service Center or
any Sears store. They will arrange for prompt, quality installation
by Sears authorized contractors.

Abbreviations Found in This instruction Manuai:

UL- Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

NEC - National Electrical Code

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

• Read the General Safety section, page 3 of this manual first
and then the entire manual carefully. If you don’t follow the
safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It
could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

This manual contains instructions for the installation,
operation, and maintenance of this electric water heater. It
also contains warnings throughout the manual that you must
read and be aware of. All warnings and all instructions are
essential to the proper operation of the water heater and your
safety. Since we cannot put everything on the first few pages,
READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.

• The installation must conform with the instructions in this
manual; electric company rules; and Local Codes, or in
the absence of Local Codes, with the current edition of the
NEC - National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. This publication
is available from your local government or public library or
electric company or by writing Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.

• If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, call Sears Service
Center.

• Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water
heater. Correct electrical wiring and connections are very
important in preventing death from possible electrical shock
and fires.

Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with
the Facts to Consider About the Location section.

For California installation, this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an
earthquake. See instructions for correct installation procedures.
Instructions may be obtained from California’s Office of
the State Architect, 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento,
CA95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your computer
at

www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.

Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed
in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00; State
Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00. In the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, this product must be installed by a licensed
plumber or gasfitter.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MAXIMUM

DIMENSIONS IN

MODEL

NUMBER

153.332420 40 20.5(521) 44.0 (1118) 17.3 3800 12 20

' Wiring size based on standard 60°C copper wire, if distance from fuse box to water heater is more than 90 feet, refer to your iocal electrical code.

TANK CAPACITY

IN GALLONS

INCHES (mm)

DIA. HEIGHT

RECOVERY RATE
GALS. PER HOUR

@ 90°F RISE

ELEMENT

WATTAGE

@ 240 VOLTS

MINIMUM WIRE
SIZE* (GAUGE)

FUSE OR

CIRCUIT

BREAKER SIZE

(AMPS)

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED

Materials Needed

To simplify the installation Sears has available the installation parts shown below. You may or may not need all of these materials,
depending on your type of installation.

EXPANSION TANKS FOR THERMAL
EXPANSION CONDITIONS AVAILABLE IN
2 GALLONS , AND 5 GALLONS CAPACITY
THROUGH LOCAL SEARS STORE OR
SERVICE CENTER.

WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT
WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4”
THREADED OR COPPER PLUMBING.

Basic Tools

You may or may not need all of these tools, depending on your
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local
Sears store.

Pipe Wrench (2)
Screwdriver
6 Foot Tape or Foiding Ruie
Garden Hose
Driii
Pipe Dope or Teflon Tape

DRILL

SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER

ROLL OF TEFLON TAPE (USE ON

WATER CONNECTIONS)

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

METAL DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE
IN 20” DIAMETER FOR WATER
HEATERS HAVING ADIAMETER18”
OR LESS AND IN 24” DIAMETER
FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING A
DIAMETER OF 22” OR LESS.

Additional Tools Needed When Sweat Soldering

Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
Propane Torch
Soft Solder
Solder Flux
Emery Cloth
Wire Brushes

TUBING CUTTER

Og

HACKSAW

C:

PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)

USE FOR WATER CONNECTIONS

GARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE PIPE WRENCH

ROLL OF

EMERY CLOTH

3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH

PROPANE

TORCH 1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH

ROLL OF

LEAD-FREE

SOFT SOLDER

a

SOLDER

FLUX

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Removing the Old Water Heater

1. Turn “OFF” electrical supply to the water heater.

The water passing out of the drain valve may be extremely hot.
To avoid being scalded, make sure all connections are tight and
that the water flow is directed away from any person.

4. Check again to make sure the electrical supply is turned

“OFF” to the water heater. Then unplug the water heater
(cord set) or disconnect the electrical supply connection from
the water heater junction box.

5a. If you have copper piping to the water heater, the two

copper water pipes can be cut with a hacksaw approximately
four inches away from where they connect to the water heater.
This will avoid cutting off the pipes too short. Additional cuts
can be made later if necessary. Disconnect the temperature­pressure relief valve drain line. When the water heater is
drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve. Close the
drain valve. The water heater is now completely disconnected
and ready to be removed.

2. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is no longer hot.

When the water has cooled, turn “OFF” the water supply to the

water heater at the water shut-off valve or water meter.

FIGURE 2.

3. Attach a hose to the water heater drain valve and put the other

end in a floor drain or outdoors. Open the water drain valve.

Open a nearby hot water faucet which will relieve pressure
in the water heater and speed draining.

5b. If you have galvanized pipe to the water heater, loosen the

two galvanized pipes with a pipe wrench at the union in each
line. Also disconnect the piping remaining to the water heater.
These pieces should be saved since they may be needed
when reconnecting the new water heater. Disconnect the
temperature-pressure relief valve drain line. When the water
heater is drained, disconnect the hose from the drain valve.
Close the drain valve. The water heater is now completely
disconnected and ready to be removed.