Kenmore 153.586420 Use & Care Manual page 17

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.
1. Before beginning turn "OFF" the electric power supply to
the water heater.
FIGURE 17
2. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is no longer hot.
FIGURE 18
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. Flush the tank with
water as needed to remove sediment.
FIGURE 19
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. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the water heater
securing the access panel, and remove panel.
5. Remove the insulation expose the terminal cover and
element.
6. Lift out the tab as shown to unclip the terminal cover from
the thermostat. The terminal cover can now be removed
from the thermostat.
7. Disconnect the two wires on the element and unscrew the
old element from the tank.
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.
17
FIGURE 20
FIGURE 21
FIGURE 22
FIGURE 23