Kenmore 153 User Manual

The water heater should be drained if being shut down during

freezing temperatures. Also, periodic draining and cleaning of

sediment from the tank may be necessary.

1. before beginning turn “OFF” the electric power supply to the

water heater.

2. CLOSE the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.

3. OPEN a nearby hot water faucet and leave open to allow for

draining.

4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate to an

adequate drain or outdoors.

5. OPEN the water heater drain valve to allow for tank draining.

NOTE: If the water heater is going to be shut down and

drained for an extended period, the drain valve should be

left open with hose connected allowing water to terminate

to an adequate drain.

6. Close the drain valve.

7. Follow “Filling the Water Heater” instructions in the “Installation

Instructions” section.

8. Turn “ON” power to the water heater.

Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of water.

To prevent damage to the tank and heating element, the tank

must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water

faucet before turning “ON” power.

Thermostat Removal/Replacement

1. Turn “OFF” the electrical power to the water heater at the

junction box.

2. Remove the access panel and the insulation cap with

handle.

3. Lift out the tab as shown below to unclip the terminal cover

from the thermostat. The terminal cover can now be removed

from the thermostat.

FIGURE 29.

4. Disconnect wires from the thermostat.

5. Remove the thermostat from behind the thermostat

bracket.

6. Place the new thermostat in the bracket making sure it fits

firmly against the tank.

7. Attach the wires to the new thermostat.

NOTE: Some of the terminals may require straight-in wiring

through an eye-opening. If wires are now looped, recut and

strip wire 3/8” to a straight length and insert.

8. Put plastic terminal cover back in place.

9. Replace the insulation cap with handle to cover the

thermostat.

10. Replace access panel, then turn the electric power on.

Element Cleaning/Replacement

NOTE: These instructions are written for element cleaning and

element replacement for the lower element. If it is necessary
to clean or replace the upper element, then repeat these
instructions.

To remove the element from your tank in order to clean or

replace it.