Kenmore 153.32118 User Manual

Use & Care Guide

Model No.

153.321160 60 Gallon

153.321180 80 Gallon

I<enmore® Elite

@

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

C

US

LLC

INSTALLER:Afflx these instructions to or near

the water heater.
OWNER: Retain these instructions for future

reference.

Si no puede leer o entender el ingles y necesita el manual de
instrucciones en espaSol, 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 podria originar lesiones graves o mortales.

P/N 319994-000 (0910)
Sears Brands Management Corporation,

Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www. kenmore.com

www.sears.com

®

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

A

_ l!l'll

to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.

DANGER indicatesan imminently hazardous
situation which, ifnot avoided, will result in

death or injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially

hazardous situation which, if notavoided,
could result in death or injury.

CAUTION indicatesa potentiallyhazardous
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.

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 listof 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 athorough 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.

© 2010 Sears Brands Management Corporation

Readandunderstandinstruction
manualandsafetymessages

beforeinstalling,operatingor

servicingthiswaterheater.

Failuretofollowinstructionsand
safetymessagescouldresultin

deathorseriousinjury.
Instructionmanualmustremain

withwaterheater.

Improper installation and use may result

in property damage.

• Do not operate water heater if flood damaged.

• Inspect and replace the anodeas 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.

Explosion Hazard

• Overheated water can cause
watertank explosion.

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

• Before removing any access
panels or servicing the water

heater, make sure the electrical
supply to the water heater is

turned "OFF".

• Failure to do this could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or

property damage.

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
temperature setting.

Fire Hazard / Electric Shock Hazard

voltage other than shown on the model

rating plate.

• Failure to use the correct voltage shown

_i_ • Do not use this water heater with any

on the model rating plate could result in
death, serious bodily injury, or property

damage.

10 -YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER H EATER

For ten 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 leak.
For the second through tenth year from the purchase date, you must pay the labor cost for installationof parts orwater 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.

• 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

us as a "talking owner's manual."

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

• $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. Ifyou 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.

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 ®.

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

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................. 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 .................................................................................................................................................. 8-14

Removing the Otd Water Heater ................................................................................................................................................... 8

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

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

Water Piping System .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Piping Installation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Condensate Drain Line Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 10

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

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Filling the Water Heater .............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Wiring .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13-14

Wiring Diagrams ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................................................... 17-22

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

Before Use .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Temperature Regulation ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Adjusting the User Interface Module/Operational Modes ........................................................................................................... 16

Operating Mode Descriptions ..................................................................................................................................................... 17

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ...................................................................................................................... 17-18

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

Element Removal/Replacement ............................................................................................................................................ 18-19

Routine Preventive Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................ 19

Air Filter Cleaning/Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Inspection/Cleaning of the Condensate Drain Pan & Condensate Drain Lines .......................................................................... 20

Drain Valve Washer Replacement .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Service ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..................................................................................................................................................... 21-22

Start Up Conditions ................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Thermal Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Strange Sounds .................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Operational Conditions .......................................................................................................................................................... 21-22

Powered Anode Rod Operation ........................................................................................................................................... 21

"Air" in Hot Water Faucets .................................................................................................................................................. 22

Rumbling Noise ................................................................................................................................................................... 22

High Temperature Shut Off System ..................................................................................................................................... 22

DIAGNOSTIC CODES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ......................................................................................................................................................... 24

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 25

REPAIR PARTS LIST ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26

NOTES .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

ThankYouforpurchasinga Searswaterheater.Properly theabsenceofLocalCodes,withthecurrenteditionofthe
installedandmaintained,itshouldgiveyouyearsoftroublefree
service.Itisstronglysuggestedthatthisnewwaterheaterbe
professionallyinstalled,contactthelocalSearsServiceCenteror

anySearsstore.Theywiltarrangeforprompt,qualityinstallation
bySearsauthorizedcontractors.

Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:

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

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.

heat pump water heater unit, having an 850 Watt compressor and
an external coil heat exchanger with backup electric elements.
When in Efficiency Mode the heat pump draws heat from the

ambient air in the room and transfers it to the water in the tank
through the coil heat exchanger. While in Electric Mode the water

heater functions like a standard electric water heater, relying
on the electric elements to heat the water. A Hybrid Mode is
available that relies primarily on the heat pump to heat the water
while the electric elements only function during high demand

Ambient Air

Upper Element

(4500 Watt)

Heat Pump

(Transfers heat _

from ambient _

air to Heat

Exchanger) _

Cool/Dehumidified Air

jWater Tank

Jacket

periods. The more often the unit operates using the heat pump,
rather than the elements, the more efficient the unit wilt be.

The large tank capacities of the Kenmore Elite Hybrid Electric
Water Heaters are intended to take optimal advantage of the

heat pump's capability to heat water for large families or those
having higher than normal hot water requirements. The larger

Heat Exchanger

(Heat Transfer Coils)

capacities enable the units to operate in the maximum efficiency
mode more often than other models having lower capacities.

These Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters use about half the
electricity of a comparably sized conventional electric water

Lower Element

(2000 Watt)

heater when operating in the Efficiency Mode and provide up to
1/2 ton cooling capacity and dehumidification. They are designed

for indoor, residential applications for installation in a basement,

FIGURE 1.

garage or utility room.

TANK

MODEL

NUMBER

153.321160

153.321180

* 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.
** Actual recovery will differ under Efficiency and Hybrid modes based upon ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

CAPACITY IN

GALLONS

6O
8O

DIMENSIONS IN INCHES

(mm)

DIA. HEIGHT

24 (610) 67.3 (1709)
24 (610) 80.9 (2055)

RECOVERY

RATE GALS.

PER HOUR @

90°F RISE

20.7**

20.7**

ELEMENT WATTAGE

@ 240 VOLTS

4500 Upper/2000 Lower
4500 Upper/2000 Lower

MINIMUM WIRE

SIZE* (GAUGE)

10AWG
10AWG

MINIMUM FUSE

OR CIRCUIT

BREAKER SIZE

(AMPS)

25
25

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 _L. j Ill}
Garden Hose

Drill
Pipe Dope or Teflon ®Tape

DRILL

SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER

ROLL OF TEFLON ® TAPE (USE ON

WATER CONNECTIONS) PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

PIPE DOPE (SQUEEZE TUBE)

USE FOR WATER CONNECTIONS

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

\

J

B

ROLLOF

EMERY CLOTH

ROLLOF

LEAD-FREE

SOFTSOLDER

SOLDER

FLUX

i

GARDEN HOSE 6 FOOT TAPE PIPE WRENCH

PROPANE

TORCH

3/4" (19 mm)WIRE BRUSH

C>-===,

1/2" (13 mm)WIRE BRUSH

Removing the Old Water Heater

FIGURE 2.

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.

FIGURE 6.

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 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 3.

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 4.

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

FIGURE 5.

• Burn hazard

• Hotwater discharge.

FIGURE 7.

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.

• Keep hands clear of drain
valve discharge.

FIGURE 8.

Mineral Buildup or Sediment MayAccumulate

• This causes the water heater to become
much heavier than normal.

• Ifspilled, could causestaining.

Mineral buildup or sediment may have accumulated in the old water
heater. Thiscauses 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 safetyof theoccupants in thebuilding and forthe most economical
use of theappliance. This water heater is not intended for outdoor

installation.

Whether replacing anold water heater or puttingthe water heater ina
new location, thefollowing critical points must be observed.

Select a location near the centerof the water piping system. The unit
must be installed indoors and in avertical position on a level surface.
The flooring beneath the water heater must be able to support the
weight of the water heater when filled with water (See Table 1).

IMPORTANT: The water heater mustbe located ina space 750 cubic
feet or larger, and must have unrestricted airflow. As an example, a
room that has an 8 foot tall ceiling and is 10 feet long by 9-1/2 feet

wide would contain 760 cubic feet.
NOTE: For optimal efficiency and serviceability, the following

clearances should be maintained: 3 feet on the air inlet side, 5 feet.
on the air outletside, 6 inches inthe back, 4 inches above, and2 feet

in the front.
The water heater should be located in anarea not subject to freezing

temperatures. Water heaters located in unconditioned spaces (i.e.,
garages, basements, etc.) may require the water piping, condensate
piping, and drain piping to be insulated to shelter against freezing.
The drain and controls must be easily accessible for operation and

service.
The site location must be free from any corrosive elements in the

atmosphere such as sulfur, fluorine, and chlorine. These elements
are found in aerosol sprays, detergents, bleaches, cleaning solvents,
air fresheners, paint, and vamish removers, refrigerants, and many
other commercial and household products. In addition, excessive
dust and lint may affect the operation of the unit (See "Cleaning the
Filter"section).

The ambient airtemperature must also be considered when installing
this unit. In Efficiency Mode the ambient air temperature must be

above 45°F and below 109°R If the ambient air temperature falls
outside these upper and lower limits the electrical elements wilt

activate to meet the hot water demand and the heat pump does not
operate.

NOTE: Local codes and requirements inyour area may require the
installation of your water heater be accomplished in a way that the

bottom element iselevated from the floor at least 18 inches. Ensure
that a platform capable of supporting the combined weight of the

water heater andwater is used. Reference Table 1.

TABLE 1.

Capacity Weight (filled with water)
60 Gallon 760 Ibs

80 Gallon 967 Ibs

• This water heater, as welt as all water heaters, wilt eventually
leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provisions so

water flow will not cause damage.

Property Damage Hazard

• All water heaters eventually leak

• Do not install without adequate drainage.

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 wilt 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 metal 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 metal drain pan. These devices are

available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers,

and detect and react to leakage in various ways:

• Sensors mounted inthe metaldrain pan thattrigger analarm or tum
offthe incomingwater tothewater heaterwhen leakage is detected.

• Sensors mounted in the metal 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.

Installations in Residential Garages

• Water heater must be located in a
protective area.

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.

Insulation Blankets

The use of an insulation blanket on this water heater is not

needed or recommended. 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 Conservation Act standards with respect to

insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation
blanket unnecessary.