Kenmore 153.316050, 153.316060, 153.316070, 153.326070, 153.316332 Use & Care Manual

Use & Care Guide

Model No.

153.316050 10 Gallon

153.316060 19 Gallon Short

153.316070 19.9 Gallon Tall

153.316332 30 Gallon

153.326070 19.9 Gallon Tall, 240 V.

Kenmore®

Compact Electric
Water Heater

LOW LEAD

CONTENT

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 185775-003 (0313)
Sears Brands Management Corporation,
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

www. kenmore.com
www.sears.com

®

1

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

DANGER

WARNING

hazardous 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

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.

• WARNING: 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.

This product is certified to comply with a maximum weighted average of 0.25% lead content as required in some areas.

hazardous 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.

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.

TEFLON
Copyright © 2013 Sears Brands Management Corporation.

®

is referenced in this manual. TEFLON® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

2

GENERAL SAFETY

3

PRODUCT WARRANTY

6 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER HEATER

For six years from the date of purchase, if this water heater is installed 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 tank leak. See notes below also.

For the second through sixth 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 fi rst 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 specifi c 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 fi ttings

Master Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore
product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable op­eration. 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 risk free 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.

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

WARRANTY ............................................................................ 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................... 5

INTRODUCTION ................................................................. 5, 6

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 6

MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED ........................... 7

Materials Needed .............................................................. 7

Basic Tools ........................................................................ 7

Additional Tools Needed When Sweat Soldering ............. 7

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ...................................... 8-13

Removing the Old Water Heater .................................... 8,9

Facts to Consider About the Location......................................9

Insulation Blankets ............................................................ 9

Water Piping .............................................................. 10,11

T & P Valve and Pipe Insulation ...................................... 11

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve ........................... 11,12

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

Wiring ............................................................................. 13

Wiring Diagrams ............................................................. 13

Wiring Connections ......................................................... 13

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ........................................14-18

Temperature Regulation ................................................. 14

Thermostat ...................................................................... 14

Temperature Settings ...................................................... 14

Thermostat Adjustment ................................................... 14

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ............... 15

Draining and Flushing ..................................................... 15

Thermostat Removal/Replacement ................................ 16

Element Cleaning/Replacement ................................ 16-18

Drain Valve Washer Replacement .................................. 18

Anode Rod Inspection ...............................................18-19

Service ............................................................................ 19

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ......................................... 19-22

Start Up Conditions .......................................................19

Thermal Expansion ........................................................ 19-20

Strange Sounds ........................................................... 20

Operational Conditions ................................................... 20

Smelly Water.................................................................20

“Air” in Hot Water Faucets ........................................... 20

Rumbling Noise ............................................................20

High Temperature Shut Off System ........................20, 21

Not Enough or No Hot Water ........................................ 21

Water Is Too Hot ...........................................................21

Leakage Checkpoints ...................................................22

REPAIR PARTS LIST ....................................................... 23,24

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 Manual:

• ANSI - American National Standards Institute

• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers

• NEC - National Electrical Code

• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association

• UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION

1. Read the “General Safety” section 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

INTRODUCTION

could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, AND/
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

This manual contains instructions for the installation,

operation, and maintenance of the electric water heater.
It also contains warnings throughout the manual that you
must read and understand. All warnings and all instructions
are essential to the proper operation of the water heater
and your safety. READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE

ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER
HEATER.

2. 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

3.
understand any portion of the instructions, call

4. Carefully plan your intended placement of the water
heater. INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER

5

Sears Service Center.

HEATER REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF
A LICENSED TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED.
PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL WORK ARE REQUIRED.

Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with the

“Facts to Consider About the Location” section in this manual.

instructions may be obtained from California Office of the
State Architect, 1102 Q street, Suite 5100, Sacramento,
CA 95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your
computer at www/dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.

6. Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be
installed in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR

5. For California installation this water heater must be
braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving

during an earthquake. Correct installation procedure

5.00. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this
product must be installed by a licensed plumber or
gasfitter.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MAXIMUM FUSE
RECOVERY RATE MINIMUM OR CIRCUIT
MODEL IN GALLONS GALS.PER HOUR WIRE SIZE* BREAKER

NUMBER (LITERS) DIA. HEIGHT @90

153.316050 10 (37.8)

153.316060 19 (71.9)

153.316070 19.9 (75.3)

153.316332 30 (113.6)

153.326070 19.9 (75.3)

* 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 local electrical code.

TANK

CAPACITY

DIMENSIONS

IN INCHES (mm)

16” (406) 18.25” (464)
18” (457) 24.9” (632)
16” (406) 31.62” (803)
22” (559) 30” (762)
16” (406) 31.62” (803)

7.5 1650 ---- 12 20

ELEMENT
WATTAGE

0

F Rise 120 Volt 240 Volt (GAUGE) SIZE (AMPS)

7.5 1650 ---- 12 20

7.5 1650 ---- 12 20

7.5 1650 ---- 12 20

9.1 ---- 2000 14 15

Some compact models have labeled optional plumbing connections see below.

MODEL

NUMBER

153.316050 YES YES YES NO YES, PLUGGED

153.316060 YES YES YES YES, PLUGGED YES, PLUGGED

153.316070 YES YES YES YES, PLUGGED YES, PLUGGED

153.316332 YES YES YES NO NO

153.326070 YES YES YES YES, PLUGGED YES, PLUGGED

STANDARD

SIDE COLD INLET

SIDE HOT OUTLET

STANDARD

STANDARD

SIDE T&P

6

MODEL HAS OPTIONAL

TOP COLD INLET

MODEL HAS OPTIONAL

TOP HOT OUTLET OR T&P

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 Folding Rule
Garden Hose
Drill
Pipe Dope or Tefl on 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 A DIAMETER 18”
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

HACKSAW

PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)

USE FOR WATER CONNECTIONS

ROLL OF

EMERY CLOTH

3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH

PIPE WRENCHGARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE

7

PROPANE

TORCH

1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSH

ROLL OF

LEAD-FREE

SOFT SOLDER

SOLDER

FLUX

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Removing the Old Water Heater

FIGURE 1.

1. Before beginning turn “OFF” the electric power 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 disconnect the electrical supply
connection from the water heater junction box.

FIGURE 2.

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

FIGURE 3.

3. Close the cold water inlet valve. Connect a hose to the drain
valve and terminate it to an adequate drain or external to the
building. Open the water heater drain valve and allow all of
the water to drain from the tank.

FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 5.

5. a. 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 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.

FIGURE 6.

b. 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.

8

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 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.

FIGURE 7.

Mineral buildup or sediment may have accumulated in the old
water heater. This causes the water heater to be much heavier
than normal and this residue, if spilled out, could cause staining.

Facts to Consider About the Location

You should 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

intended for outdoor installation.

Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.

• 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.

INSTALLATION IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGES: The water heater
must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical
damage by a moving vehicle.

• The location selection must provide adequate clearances for
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.

• Keep combustibles such as boxes, magazines, clothes, etc.,
away from the water heater area.

• The location selected should be indoors as close to and as
centralized with the water piping system as possible. This
water heater, as well as all water heaters, will eventually leak.
Do not install without adequate drainage provisions so water
flow will not cause damage.

WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the water
heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank
or any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause
damage to the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided,
a suitable metal drain pan should be installed under the water
heater. Drain pans are available at your local Sears stores. Such
drain pans must be piped to an adequate drain.

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

Insulation Blankets

Insulation blankets are available to the general public for external
use on electric water heaters but are not necessary with this
product. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce
the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters.
Your water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance
Energy Conversation Act standards with respect to insulation
and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket
unnecessary.

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions below. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in fire, serious personal injury,
or death.

• Do not cover the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve
with an insulation blanket.

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of
the water heater or nearby for future reference.

• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement
on the blanket directly over the existing labels.

9