Thermostat Removal/Replacement; Element Cleaning/Replacement - Kenmore POWER MISER 153.326162 Owner's 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.
4. Disconnect wires from 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:
19
FIGURE 29.