Kenmore Elite electric water heater repair and replacement parts

How to adjust the water temperature on your Kenmore Elite electric water heater

Read all warnings in your owner's manual and on the water heater before proceeding. The water heater thermostat has been factory set at a setting which approximates 120°F (49°C), to reduce the risk of scald injury. The thermostats are adjustable if a different water temperature is desired.

Turn OFF the electric power to the water heater and then remove the upper and lower access panels. Fold the insulation back to expose the thermostats. Turn the dial clockwise with a screwdriver to increase the temperature setting or counterclockwise to decrease the temperature setting.

Replace the insulation and access panels. Turn ON the power supply.

Common Kenmore Elite electric water heater replacement parts

• Electric heating element. The electric heating element is the heat source inside an electric water heater. It extends directly into the tank, where it heats the water around it. Most electric water heaters have two heating elements, one at the bottom of the tank and one at the top. The bottom element handles most of the load, heating cold water as it enters at the bottom of the tank. The top element only operates to give water at the top of the tank a quick water-heating boost when needed.
• Drain valve. The drain valve fits at the bottom of the tank and allows you to drain water from the tank.
• Dip tube. The dip tube is a high-temperature plastic tube that is inserted into the tank through the cold-water inlet port. The dip tube extends far down into the tank to distribute incoming cold water at the bottom of the tank for efficient heating.
• Thermostat. The thermostat monitors water temperature in the tank. When water temperature drops beneath the desired setting, the thermostat turns on the heating element to heat the water. When the water temperature in the tank reaches the set temperature, the thermostat shuts off the heating element.