Kenmore Power Miser 6 Owners Manual

							21
8. Clean the area around the element opening. Remove any
sediment from or around the element opening, inside the
tank.
9. If you are cleaning the element you have removed, do so by
scraping or soaking in vinegar or a de-liming solution.
Replacement elements must (1) be the same voltage and (2)
no greater wattage than listed on the model rating plate affixed
to the water heater.
10. A new gasket should be used in all cases to prevent a
possible water leak. (See Element Gasket in the “Repair
Parts List ” Chart). Place the new element gasket on the
thread side of the cleaned or new element and screw into
tank, securing tightly using an element wrench.
                              
FIGURE 37.
11. Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to
the right (clockwise). The drain valve is on the lower front of
the water heater.
12. Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
NOTE: The cold water supply valve must be left open when the
water heater is in use.
13. To insure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit by
opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water to run
until a constant flow is obtained. This will let air out of the
water heater and the piping.
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.
14. Check element for water leaks. If leakage occurs, tighten
element or repeat steps 2 and 3, remove element and
reposition gasket. Then repeat steps 10 through 14.
15. Reconnect the two wires to the element and then check to
make sure the thermostat remains firmly against the
surface of the tank.
                                      
FIGURE 38.
16. Replace terminal cover on thermostat making sure that
the locking tabs on the terminal cover are in place.
FIGURE 39.
17. Replace the insulation cap with handle so that it completely
covers the thermostat and element.
                                   
FIGURE 40. 
						

							22
18. Replace access panel.
19. Turn “ON” electric power to water heater.
                      
FIGURE 41.
Drain Valve Washer Replacement
.
NOTE: For replacement, use a 17/32 x 13/64 x 1/8 thick
washer available at your nearest hardware store. For
ordering a replacement washer, refer to the “Repair Parts
List” section.
• Before beginning turn “OFF” the electrical power supply to
the water heater.• Follow “Draining” instructions. See “Draining” section.
• Turning counter clockwise, remove the hex cap below the
screw handle.
• Remove the washer and put the new one in place.
• Screw the handle and cap assembly back into the drain
valve and retighten using a wrench. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN.
• Follow “Filling the Water Heater” instructions in the
“Installation Instructions” section.
• Check for leaks.
• Turn “ON” electric power to the water heater.
FIGURE 42.
Service
Before calling for repair service, read the “Start Up Conditions”
and “Operational Conditions” found in the Troubleshooting
section of this manual.
If a condition persists or you are uncertain about the operation
of the water heater, let a qualified person check it out.
Contact Sears Repair Services at 1-800-4-MY-HOME
®
(1-800-469-4663). 
						

							23
Start Up Conditions
THERMAL EXPANSION
Water supply systems may, because of such events as high
line pressure, frequent cut-offs, the effects of water hammer
among others, have installed devices such as pressure
reducing valves, check valves, back flow preventers, etc...to
control these types of problems. When these devices are not
equipped with an internal by-pass, and no other measures are
taken, the devices cause the water system to be closed. As
water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion) and closed
systems do not allow for the expansion of heated water.
The water within the water heater tank expands as it is heated
and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving
point of the water heaters temperature-pressure relief valve is
reached, the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The
temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the
constant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable
condition and must be corrected.
It is recommended that any devices installed which could create
a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an
expansion tank to relieve the pressure built by thermal
expansion in the water system. Thermal expansion tanks are
available from Sears stores and through the Sears Service
Centers. Contact the local plumbing inspector, water supplier
and/or the Sears Service Center for assistance in controlling
these situations.
Thermal Expansion Tank Specifications
Ta n k                 DimensionsPipe
Model Capacity                 in Inches   Fitting
Number In GallonsDiameterLength On Tank
153.331020 2 8 (203 mm) 12-3/4 (323 mm) 3/4” Male
153.331050 5 11 (279 mm) 14-3/4 (375 mm) 3/4” Male
Expansion Tank Sizing Chart
Inlet*        Water Heater Capacity (Gallons)
Water
Pressure 30 40 50 66 82
Expansion40psi 2 2 2 5 5
Tank50psi 2 2 2 5 5
Capacity60psi 2 2 5 5 5
Needed70psi 2 2 5 5 5
80psi 2 5 5 5 5
*Highest recorded inlet water pressure in a 24 hour period or
regulated water pressure.NOTE: Expansion tanks are pre-charged with a 40 psi air
charge.  If the inlet water pressure is higher than 40 psi, the
expansion tank’s air pressure must be adjusted to match
that pressure, but must not be higher than 80 psi.
      
      
FIGURE 43.
STRANGE SOUNDS
Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some
metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Operational Conditions
SMELLY WATER
In each glass-lined water heater there is installed one anode
rod (see parts section) for corrosion protection of the tank.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this
rod and the water. The most common complaint associated
with the anode rod is one of a “rotten egg smell”. This odor is
derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The
smell is the result of four factors which must all be present for
the odor to develop:
A. A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
B. Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
C. A sulfate reducing bacteria within the water heater. (This
harmless bacteria is non-toxic to humans.)
TROUBLESHOOTING 
						

							24
D. An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by
corrosion protective action of the anode.
Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water
heater models by replacing the anode rod (s) with one of less
active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and
all hot water lines. Contact the local Sears Service Center for
further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit
#9001453 and this Chlorination Treatment. Anode replacement
and chlorination of the tank are not covered by the water
heater ’s limited warranty.
If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and
chlorination treatment; then you should consider chlorinating
or aerating your water supply.
Do not remove the anode leaving the tank unprotected. By
doing so, all warranty on the water heater tank is voided.
“AIR” IN HOT WATER FAUCETS
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot
water system that has not been used for a long period of time
(generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely
flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury
under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet
be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before any
electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water
system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine).
If hydrogen gas is present, there will probably be an unusual
sound similar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot water
faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame
near the faucet at the time it is open.
RUMBLING NOISE
In some water areas, scale or mineral deposits will build up
on your heating elements. This buildup will cause a rumbling
noise. Follow “Element Cleaning/Replacement” instructions
to clean and replace the elements.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM
The water heater has a high limit shut off system with a reset
button located on the thermostat.
Follow the resetting instructions which refer to the high limit
behind the access panel.
NOTE: If your water heater is connected to an “Off Peak” Clock,
and uses the “3 wire lead” wiring diagram in the “Wiring
Diagram” section, then the water heater will have a high limit
on both the upper and lower thermostats. Follow the instructions
to reset the high-limit behind the upper and lower access panels.
1. Before beginning, turn “OFF” electrical power supply to the
water heater.
               
FIGURE 44.
2. Remove the two screws securing the access panel and
remove panel.
3. Remove the insulation cap with handle.
4. Reset the high limit by pushing in the red button marked
“RESET”.
                                
FIGURE 45.
5. Replace the insulation cap with handle so that it completely
covers the thermostat and element.
6. Replace the access panel.
7. Turn “ON” electric power to the water heater.
If the high limit must be reset again, call Sears Service
Department to find out why the high limit turned “OFF” the electric
power
NOT ENOUGH OR NO HOT WATER
1.  In a new installation, the water heater may not be properly
connected. Make sure the cold water supply valve is open.
Review and check piping installation. Make sure that the
cold water line is connected to the cold water inlet to the
water heater and the hot water line to the hot water outlet
on the water heater. 
						

							25
2. Make sure the electrical supply to your water heater is
“ON”.
3.  Check for loose or blown fuses in your water heater circuit.
Circuit breakers weaken with age and may not handle
their rated load and should be replaced.
4.  Make certain the disconnect switch, if used, is in the “ON”
position.
5. Check to see the electric service to your house has not
been interrupted. If this is the case, contact the electric
company.
6.  Is the thermostat set to the desired temperature? See
“Temperature Regulation” section.
7.  If you had experienced very hot water and now no hot
water, the problem may be due to the high temperatureshut off system. See “High Temperature Shut Off System”
in the “Troubleshooting” section.
8.   During very cold weather, the incoming water will also be
colder and it will require a longer time to become heated.
9.   The hot water usage may exceed the capacity of the water
heater. If so, wait for water heater to recover after abnormal
demand. Also examine pipes and faucets for possible
water leaks.
10. If you can not determine the problem, then call the Sears
Service Department.
WATER IS TOO HOT
Adjust the thermostat to a lower setting. See the “Temperature
Regulation” section. 
						

							26
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Read this manual first. Then before checking the water heater
make sure the electric supply has been turned “OFF”, and never
turn the electric supply “on” before the tank is completely full of
water.
Use this guide to check a “Leaking” water heater. Many
suspected “Leakers” are not leaking tanks. Often the source of
the water can be found and corrected.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with electric codes, the water
heater, and safety practices, contact your local Sears Service
Center to check 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. The water must flow from the hot
water faucet before turning “ON” power.
A. *Condensation may be seen on pipes in humid weather or
pipe connections may be leaking.
B. Small amounts of water from the temperature-pressure
relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high water
pressure in your area.
C. *The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at
the tank fitting.
D. The element may be leaking at the tank fitting.
Turn electrical power “OFF”, remove access panel and
insulation cap with handle. If leaking around element, follow
proper draining instructions and remove element. Reposition
or replace gasket on element. Place element into opening and
tighten securely. Then follow “Filling the Water Heater”
instructions in the “Installation Instructions” section.
E. Water from drain valve may be due to the valve being opened
slightly
F. *The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.
G. Water  in the water heater bottom or on the floor may be from
condensation, loose connections or the temperature-
pressure relief valve. DO NOT replace the water heater until
a full inspection of all possible water sources is made and
necessary corrective steps taken.
Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage
should also be checked.
Note: To check where threaded portion enters tank,
insert cotton swab between jacket opening and fitting.
If cotton is wet, follow “Draining” instructions in the
“Service and Adjustment” section and then remove
fitting. Put pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads
and replace. Then follow “Filling the Water Heater”
instructions in the “Installation Instructions” section. 
						

							27
KENMORE POWER MISERTM 6
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
NOTE:A
UPPER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with 3800 watt
elements.
LOWER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with factory installed
convertible elements, which can be operated at 3800 watts or 5500
watts. Convertible elements are not offered as replacement parts.
ELEMENT ORDERING INFORMATION: If a replacement 3800 watt, 240
volt element is needed, order part no. 9000049 replacement element. If,
at the time of installation, the water heater was converted to operate at
5500 watts, order part no. 9000396 replacement element. (See model
rating plate” If Converted” box).
NOTE:B
These water heaters are equipped with a Roto-Swirl
TM dip tube to
retard a build-up of dissolved solids.
REPAIR PARTS LIST
Now that you have purchased this water heater, should a need ever
exist for repair parts or service, simply contact any Sears Service
Center or call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
® (1-800-469-4663). Be sure to provide
all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
All Parts listed may be ordered from any Sears Service Center and by
calling 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278).
If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order will be
electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center
for handling.The model number of the water heater will be found on the model rating
plate located near the access panel.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
• Model Number •  Part Number
• Serial Number •  Part Description
THIS IS A REPAIR PARTS LIST, NOT A PACKING LIST.
    Key                                              Model No.
   No. Part  Description153.326362 153.326363 153.326462 153.326463 153.326562 153.326563
1 Buss Bar Kit9001591 9001591 9001591 9001591 9001591 9001591
2 Drain Valve9001588 9001588 9001588 9001588 9001588 9001588
3 Drain Valve Washer (17/32”x13/64”x1/8” thick)**9001584 9001584 9001584 9001584 9001584 9001584
4 Element Gasket9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308
5 Element Gasket9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308
6 Heat Trap Nipple 9003915 9003915 9003719 9003719 9003719 9003719
7 Lower Access  Panel9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900
8 Lower Element (See NOTE “A” above)      3800 Watts9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049
                                                                    5500 Watts9000396 9000396 9000396 9000396 9000396 9000396
9 Lower Thermostat w/Hi-Limit (3 wire lead models) †† -  -  -  -  -  -  -9002300 - - - - - - - 9002300 - - - - - - - 9002300
10 Manual #185796-000 185796-000 185796-000 185796-000 185796-000 185796-000
11 Model Rating Plate † 184227-000 184227-000 184227-000 184227-000 184227-000 184227-000
12 Primary Anode Rod9003888 9003888 9000029 9000029 9000029 9000029
13 Roto-SwirlTM Dip Tube (See NOTE “B” above)9003473 9003473 9003919 9003919 9003919 9003919
14 Temperature Pressure Relief Valve*42 3308642 3308642 3308642 3308642 3308642 33086
15 Terminal Cover - - - - - - - 9002438 - - - - - - - 9002438 - - - - - - - 9002438
16 Terminal Cover 9002438 9002438 9002438 9002438 9002438 9002438
17 Terminal Cover 9002276 - - - - - - - 9002276 - - - - - - - 9002276 - - - - - - -
18 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309
19 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309
20 Upper Access Panel9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900
21 Upper Element (See NOTE “A” above)9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049
22 Upper Thermostat w/Hi Limit9002302 9002302 9002302 9002302 9002302 9002302
23 2 Pole Thermostat (Two wire lead models) ††9002214  - - - - - - - 9002214 - - - - - - - 9002214  - - - - - - -
* These parts are also available at most Sears retail stores. ** Also available at most hardware stores.   †  Replaced only on return of damaged
plate.  
††  Refer to Wiring Diagram section for verification.  #Not illustrated.
1
5
81112 13
14
9 1618
7
2
3
4
8
1517
19
20
2122
23
66
MODEL NUMBERS
153.326362 30 Gallon
153.326363 30 Gallon
153.326462 40 Gallon
153.326463 40 Gallon
153.326562 55 Gallon
153.326563 55 Gallon 
						

							28
Now that you have purchased this water heater, should a need ever
exist for repair parts or service, simply contact any Sears Service
Center or call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
® (1-800-469-4663). Be sure to provide
all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
All Parts listed may be ordered from any Sears Service Center and by
calling 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278).
If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order will be
electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center
for handling.The model number of the water heater will be found on the model rating
plate located near the access panel.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
• Model Number •  Part Number
• Serial Number • Part Description
THIS IS A REPAIR PARTS LIST, NOT A PACKING LIST.
KENMORE POWER MISERTM 6
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
NOTE:A
UPPER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with 3800 watt
elements.
LOWER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with factory
installed convertible elements, which can be operated at 3800 watts or
5500 watts. Convertible elements are not offered as replacement parts.
ELEMENT ORDERING INFORMATION: If a replacement 3800 watt, 240
volt element is needed, order part no. 9000049 replacement element. If,
at the time of installation, the water heater was converted to operate at
5500 watts, order part no. 9000396 replacement element. (See model
rating plate” If Converted” box).
NOTE:B
These water heaters are equipped with a Roto-Swirl
TM dip tube to
retard a build-up of dissolved solids.
REPAIR PARTS LIST
1
5
81112 13
14
9 1618
7
2
3
4
8
1517
19
20
2122
23
66
    Key                                                             Model No.
   No. Part  Description153.326662 153.326663 153.326762 153.326763
1 Buss Bar Kit9001591 9001591 9001591 9001591
2 Drain Valve9001588 9001588 9001588 9001588
3 Drain Valve Washer (17/32”x13/64”x1/8” thick)**9001584 9001584 9001584 9001584
4 Element Gasket9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308
5 Element Gasket9000308 9000308 9000308 9000308
6 Heat Trap Nipple 9003921 9003921 9003719 9003719
7 Lower Access  Panel9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900
8 Lower Element (See NOTE “A” above)         3800 Watts9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049
                                                                      5500 Watts9000396 9000396 9000396 9000396
9 Lower Thermostat w/Hi-Limit (3 wire lead models) †† -  -  -  -  -  -  -9002300 - - - - - - - 9002300
10 Manual #185796-000 185796-000  185796-000185796-000
11 Model Rating Plate † 184227-000 184227-000  184227-000184227-000
12 Primary Anode Rod9003972 9003972 9003889 9003889
13 Roto-SwirlTM Dip Tube (See NOTE “B” above)9003501 9003501 9003500 9003500
14 Temperature Pressure Relief Valve*42 3308642 3308642 3308642 33086
15 Terminal Cover - - - - - - - 9002438 - - - - - - - 9002438
16 Terminal Cover 9002438 9002438 9002438 9002438
17 Terminal Cover 9002276 - - - - - - - 9002276 - - - - - - -
18 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309
19 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309 9000309 9000309
20 Upper Access  Panel9003900 9003900 9003900 9003900
21 Upper Element (See NOTE “A” above)9000049 9000049 9000049 9000049
22 Upper Thermostat w/Hi Limit9002302 9002302 9002302 9002302
23 2 Pole Thermostat (Two wire lead models) ††9002214  - - - - - - - 9002214 - - - - - - -
MODEL NUMBERS
153.326662 50 Gallon Medium
153.326663 50 Gallon Medium
153.326762 40 Gallon Medium
153.326763 40 Gallon Medum
* These parts are also available at most Sears retail stores. ** Also available at most hardware stores.  †  Replaced only on return of damaged
plate.  
††  Refer to Wiring Diagram section for verification.  #Not illustrated. 
						

							29
Now that you have purchased this water heater, should a need ever
exist for repair parts or service, simply contact any Sears Service
Center or call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
® (1-800-469-4663). Be sure to provide
all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
All Parts listed may be ordered from any Sears Service Center and by
calling 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278).
If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order will be
electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center
for handling.The model number of the water heater will be found on the model rating
plate located near the access panel.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
• Model Number •  Part Number
• Serial Number •  Part Description
THIS IS A REPAIR PARTS LIST, NOT A PACKING LIST.
KENMORE POWER MISERTM 6
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
NOTE:A
UPPER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with 3800 watt
elements.
LOWER ELEMENT: These water heaters are equipped with factory installed
convertible elements, which can be operated at 3800 watts or 5500 watts.
Convertible elements are not offered as replacement parts.
ELEMENT ORDERING INFORMATION: If a replacement 3800 watt, 240 volt
element is needed, order part no. 9000049 replacement element. If, at the
time of installation, the water heater was converted to operate at 5500 watts,
order part no. 9000396 replacement element. (See model rating plate” If
Converted” box).
NOTE:B
These water heaters are equipped with a Roto-Swirl
TM dip tube to retard a
build-up of dissolved solids.
REPAIR PARTS LIST
    Key                    Model No.
   No. Part  Description153.326862 153.326863
1 Buss Bar Kit9001591 9001591
2 Drain Valve9001588 9001588
3 Drain Valve Washer (17/32”x13/64”x1/8” thick)**9001584 9001584
4 Element Gasket9000308 9000308
5 Element Gasket9000308 9000308
6 Heat Trap Nipple 9003921 9003921
7 Lower Access  Panel9003900 9003900
8 Lower Element (See NOTE “A” above)9000049 9000049
9000396 9000396
9 Lower Thermostat w/Hi-Limit (3 wire lead models) †† -  -  -  -  -  -  -9002300
10 Manual #185796-000 185796-000
11 Model Rating Plate † 184227-000 184227-000
12 Primary Anode Rod9003889 9003889
13 Roto-SwirlTM Dip Tube (See NOTE “B” above)9003926 9003926
14 Temperature Pressure Relief Valve*42 3308642 33086
15 Terminal Cover - - - - - - - 9002438
16 Terminal Cover 9002438 9002438
17 Terminal Cover 9002276 - - - - - - -
18 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309
19 Thermostat Bracket9000309 9000309
20 Upper Access Panel9003900 9003900
21 Upper Element (See NOTE “A” above)9000049 9000049
22 Upper Thermostat w/Hi Limit9002302 9002302
23 2 Pole Thermostat (Two wire lead models) ††9002214  - - - - - - -
*  These parts are also available at most Sears retail stores. ** Also available at most hardware stores.  ††  Refer to Wiring Diagram section for
verification.  
#Not illustrated.
MODEL NUMBERS
153.326862 50 Gallon Short
153.326863 50 Gallon Short
1
5
81112 13
14
9 1618
7
2
3
4
8
1517
19
20
2122
23
66 
						

							30
NOTES