Kenmore Power Miser 6 Manual

							1
This water heater complies with ANSI Z21.10.1-
current edition regarding the accidental or 
unintended ignition of fl ammable vapors, such 
as those emitted by gasoline. 
 
www.sears.com
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
Owner’s Manual
FOR POTABLE WATER HEATING ONLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPACE HEATING.
NOT FOR USE IN MOBILE HOMES.
 
 
MODEL NO.     
  153.336433  40 Gallon Short
 153.336472  40 Gallon
  153.336482  40 Gallon Propane (L.P.)
 153.336572  50 Gallon
  153.336582  50 Gallon Propane (L.P.)
 
For Your Safety 
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER.
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
•  Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Parts List
POWER MISER™ 6 
GAS WATER HEATER
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.
ADVERTENCIA
     PRINTED IN THE U.S.A  0608  PART NO. 186496-000   
						

							2
Fl ammable VaporsFLAMMABLES
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death
           Do not store or use gasoline or other 
flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this 
or any other appliance. Storage of or use of 
gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the 
vicinity of this or any other appliance can result in 
serious injury or death.
Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions.
WARNING
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 situation which, if not avoided, could 
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 situation which, if not avoided, may 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 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 included in the Act.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   Qualifi ed Technician:  A qualifi ed technician must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing, air supply, 
venting, and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the 
installation of gas fi red water heaters.  The qualifi ed technician must also be familiar with the design features and use of fl ammable vapor 
ignition resistant water heaters, and have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual.
•   Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fi elds of plumbing, air supply, venting 
and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the installation of 
gas fi red water heaters. The service agency must also have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual, and be able to perform 
repairs strictly in accordance with the service guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
•   Gas Supplier: The natural gas or propane utility or service who supplies gas for utilization by the gas burning appliances within this 
application. The gas supplier typically has responsibility for the inspection and code approval of gas piping up to and including the natural 
gas meter or propane storage tank of a building. Many gas suppliers also offer service and inspection of appliances within the building.
© Sears, Roebuck and Co.
SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS      
						

							3
Fire or Explosion Harzard
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. 
Avoid all ignition sources if you smell Natural or LP gas.
Do  not  expose  water   heater  control   to  excessive  gas
pressure.
Use only gas shown on rating plate.
Maintain required clearances to combustibles.
Keep  ignition  sources  away  from  faucets  after  extended
period of non-use.
Read instruction manual before
installing, using or servicing
water heater.      
						

							4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE ................................................................................................. 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 2-3
PRODUCT WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 6
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................. 7
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  ...................................................................................................................... 8
MATERIALS AND BASIC TOOLS NEEDED .................................................................................................. 9
TYPICAL INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................ 10
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WATER HEATER ....................................................................11
Installation Checklist ................................................................................................................................................11
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 12-15
Removing the Old Water Heater ............................................................................................................................. 12
Location Requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Site Location ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Insulation Blankets .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Clearances and Accessibility ............................................................................................................................. 14-15
Filling the Water Heater .......................................................................................................................................... 15
GAS SUPPLY .......................................................................................................................................... 15-16
Gas Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Gas Piping .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Gas Pressure .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Gas Pressure Testing.............................................................................................................................................. 16
LP Gas Only............................................................................................................................................................ 16
COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY & VENTILATION ...................................................................................... 17-20
Unconfined Space ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Confined Space ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
All Air from Inside the Building ........................................................................................................................... 17-18
All Air from Outdoors ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Louvers and Grilles ............................................................................................................................................ 18-19
Vent Pipe System ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Draft Hood Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Vent Pipe Size ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Vent Connectors ................................................................................................................................................ 19-20
Chimney Connection ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Vertical Exhaust Gas Vent ...................................................................................................................................... 20
WATER SYSTEM PIPING ....................................................................................................................... 21-22
Piping Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 21
Closed System/Thermal Expansion ........................................................................................................................ 22
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve ................................................................................................................. 22
T&P Relief Valve and Pipe Insulation ........................................................................................................................ 22 
						

							5
OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER ...................................................................................................23-25
Lighting Instructions ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Checking the Draft .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Burner Flames ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Emergency Shut Down ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Water Temperature Regulation .......................................................................................................................... 24-25
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................... 26-28
Tank (Sediment) Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Vent System Inspection .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Burner Inspection .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Burner Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 26
Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Anode Rod Inspection ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ....................................................................................................... 27
Draining and Flushing ........................................................................................................................................ 27-28
Service .................................................................................................................................................................... 28
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WATER HEATER ........................................................................................ 29-32
Replacement Parts ................................................................................................................................................. 29
External Inspection & Cleaning of the Base-Ring Filter ......................................................................................... 29
Removing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 29
Removing the Burner from the Manifold/Burner Assembly .................................................................................... 29
Replacing the Thermocouple ............................................................................................................................. 29-30
Replacing the Pilot/ Pilot Tube Assembly ............................................................................................................... 30
Cleaning the Combustion Chamber and Flame-arrestor ........................................................................................ 30
Replacing the Manifold/Burner Assembly ............................................................................................................... 31
Piezoelectric Igniter System ................................................................................................................................... 31
Testing the Igniter System ...................................................................................................................................... 32
Removing and Replacing the Gas Control Valve/Thermostat ................................................................................ 32
FVIR System Operational Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 32
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................................................................................................ 33-35
Start Up Conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 33-34
Operational Conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 34-35
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ............................................................................................................... 36-37
PILOT LIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHART ................................................................................... 38
PARTS ORDER LIST .............................................................................................................................. 40-41 
						

							6
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 leak.
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.
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. 
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.  
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. 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.  
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
®. 
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
PRODUCT WARRANTY 
						

							7
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Thank You for purchasing a Kenmore water heater. Properly installed 
and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service. If 
you should decide that you want the new water heater professionally 
installed by Sears call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
®. They will arrange for 
prompt, quality installation by Sears authorized contractors.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
•    CSA - Canadian Standards Association
•    ANSI - American National Standards Institute
•    NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
•    ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
•    GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
 
Important Information About This Water Heater:
This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary safety 
standards to reduce the likelihood of a fl ammable  vapor  ignition 
incident. New technology used in meeting these standards makes this 
product more sensitive to installation errors or improper installation 
environments. Please review the Installation Checklist found at the 
end of the installation instructions section and make any required 
installation upgrades or changes. 
This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation, 
and maintenance of the gas-fi red water heater. It also contains 
warnings through out 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 fi rst few pages, READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL 
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER 
HEATER.
•   The installation must conform with these instructions and the 
local code authority having jurisdiction.  In the absence of local 
codes, installations shall comply with the following:
In the United States: The National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54.  This publication is available from the Canadian 
Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Rd, Cleveland 
Ohio 44131, or The National Fire Protection Association, 1 
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
•  If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not 
understand any portion of the instructions, call the Sears Service 
Center.
•  Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water heater. 
Correct combustion, vent action, and vent pipe installation are 
very important in preventing death from possible carbon monoxide 
poisoning and fi res.  See Figure 1.
•  Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with 
the Installation Instructions section in this manual.
•  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 Offi ce 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.  
•  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.
•  Complies with 40 Ng/J NOx requirements of Texas and most 
California AQM Districts.  
Excessive Weight Hazard
WARNING
Use two or more people to move and install the water heater.
Failure to do so can result in injury (including back injury).
IMPORTANT: Do not remove any permanent instructions, labels, or 
the data label from either the outside of the water heater or on the 
inside of water heater panels.
•  Remove exterior packaging and place installation components 
aside.
•  Inspect all parts for damage prior to installation and 
start-up.
•  Completely read all instructions before attempting to assemble 
and install this product.
•  After installation, dispose of/recycle all packaging materials. 
						

							8
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 
MODEL
NUMBERTANK CAPACITY 
IN GALS (LTRS)TYPE
OF
GASINPUT 
RATE
(Btu/hr)RECOVERY 
RATE GALS.
PER HOUR
@ 90°F RISEMINIMUM 
VENT PIPE
DIA. INCHES
(mm)DIAMETER
INCHES
(mm)DIMENSIONS
INCHES (mm)
HEIGHT TO
JACKET TOP
153.336433 40 (151)Natural 35,500 36.34 3 (76) or 4 (102) 2 0  (508) 47.75 (1213)
153.336472 40  (151)Natural 35,500 36.34 3 (76) or 4 (102) 18  (457) 58.14  (1477)
153.336482 40  (151)Propane  
(L.P.)35,500   36.34 3 (76) or 4 (102) 18  (457) 58.14  (1477)
153.336572 50 (189)Natural 35,500 36.34 3 (76) or 4 (102) 2 0  (508) 57.28 (1455)
153.336582 50 (189)Propane  
(L.P.)35,500 36.34 3 (76) or 4 (102) 2 0  (508) 57.28 (1455) 
						

							9
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.
WATER HEATER INSTALLATION KIT WITH 
FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS FOR 3/4” 
(19.05 mm) OR 1/2” (12.7 mm) THREADED OR 
COPPER PLUMBING AND FLEXIBLE WATER 
HEATER GAS CONNECTOR WITH FITTINGS. EXPANSION TANKS FOR 
THERMAL EXPANSION 
CONDITIONS AVAILABLE 
IN 2 GALLONS 
(7.6 LITERS) AND 
5 GALLONS (18.9 LITERS) 
CAPACITY HROUGH 
LOCAL SEARS STORE 
OR SERVICE CENTER.DRAIN PANS AVAILABLE IN 
20” (508 mm) DIAMETER FOR 
WATER HEATERS HAVING A 
DIAMETER 18” (457 mm) OR 
LESS, 24” (610mm) DIAMETER 
FOR WATER HEATERS HAVING 
A DIAMETER 22” (559 mm) 
OR LESS AND AVAILABLE IN 
28” (711 mm) DIAMETER FOR 
WATER HEATERS HAVING A 
DIAMETER 26” (660 mm) OR 
LESS.
BASIC TOOLS
You may or may not need all these tools, depending on your 
type of installation. These tools can be purchased at your local 
Sears Store.
•  Pipe Wrenches (2) 14” (356 mm)
• Screwdriver
• Tin Snips
•  6’ (1.82 m) Tape or Folding Ruler
• Garden Hose
• Drill
•  Pipe Dope or Tefl on Tape
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED 
WHEN SWEAT SOLDERING
•  Tubing Cutters or Hacksaw
• Propane Tank
• Soft Solder
• Solder Flux
• Emery Cloth
• Wire Brushes
SLOT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVERTIN SNIPS
PIPE WRENCH PIPE DOPE 
(SQUEEZE TUBE)
USE FOR WATER AND GAS 
CONNECTIONSDRILL
GARDEN HOSE6 FOOT TAPE ROLL OF TEFLON
TAPE (USE ONLY ON
WATER CONNECTIONS)
HACKSAW
3/4” (19 mm) WIRE BRUSH
1/2” (13 mm) WIRE BRUSHSOLDER 
FLUX ROLL OF LEAD-FREE
SOFT SOLDER TUBING CUTTERPROPANE
TORCH
ROLL OF 
EMERY CLOTH                    
						

							10
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS
 A Vent Pipe
 B Draft Hood 
  C  Anode (Not Shown)
  D  Hot Water Outlet
 E Insulation
  F  Gas Supply Piping
  G  Manual Gas Shut-off Valve
  H  Ground Joint Union
  I  Drip Leg (Sediment Trap)
* INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE
  WITH LOCAL CODES.
* DRIP LEG AS REQUIRED  
  BY LOCAL CODES.
FIGURE 1.
 J Inner Door
 K Outer Door
 L Union
  M  Inlet Water Shut-off Valve
  N   Cold Water Inlet
  O  Inlet Dip Tube
  P  Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve
 Q Rating Plate
  R   Flue Baffl e S Thermostat
 T Drain Valve
  U  Pilot and Main Burner
 V  Flue
  W   Drain Pan
  X   Piezo Igniter
 Y Base-Ring Filter
* ALL PIPING MATERIALS TO BE 
  SUPPLIED BY CUSTOMERS.TO VENT 
TERMINATION ON 
ROOF
A
BD
F
G
H
I
W
V
U
T
S
O
R
J
K
Q
VACUUM RELIEF
VA LV E
*INSTALL PER
LOCAL CODES
INSTALL THERMAL EXPANSION
TANK OR DEVICE IF WATER
HEATER IS INSTALLED IN A 
CLOSED WATER SYSTEM
MNL
E
P
X
Y
MANIFOLD TUBE
IGNITER WIRE
MAIN BURNER
PILOT TUBETHERMOCOUPLE
IGNITER ROD
(U) MANIFOLD/BURNER ASSEMBLY
MANIFOLD DOOR
DISCHARGE PIPE
(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG.)
6” MAXIMUM 
AIR GAP
FLOOR DRAIN
GAS CONTROL KNOB
WATER TEMPERATURE DIAL
(ADJUSTING DIAL)
TOP VIEW
“OFF”
POSITION“PILOT”
POSITION“ON”
POSITION
(S) GAS CONTROL VALVE/
THERMOSTAT: WHITE-RODGERS