What is the most common problem with gas water heaters?
The most common gas water heater problem is the pilot light going out or the burner not staying lit, which leaves you with little or no hot water. On Kenmore model 153339562, this is often tied to combustion air issues, venting/drafting problems, or a failing pilot component.
- No hot water or water turns lukewarm quickly
- Pilot won’t light, or lights but won’t stay on
- Burner cycles off unexpectedly
- Sooting, unusual odors, or moisture around the draft hood (venting related)
- Water around the base that looks like a leak but can be condensation during warm-up
We recommend starting with the safe, high-impact checks below (many are called out in the owner's manual):
- Airflow and flammable vapor safety: Keep gasoline, solvents, propane cylinders, and other flammables away from the heater area; vapors can ignite from the pilot or burner.
- Venting and draft: Poor draft can cause flue gas spillage and shutdown conditions; confirm the venting system is intact and drafting properly.
- Condensation mistaken for a leak: After a cold start, condensation can drip and look like a tank leak; it typically clears after the tank warms for about 1 to 2 hours.
- Burner contamination: Dust, lint, or chemical vapors can lead to sooting and poor combustion.
- Pilot components wearing out: If the pilot will not stay lit, the pilot assembly is a common replacement item.
If troubleshooting points to ignition or flame-sensing issues, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot won’t stay lit | Pilot/ignition | Water heater pilot assembly 100109295 or water heater pilot assembly 100109286 |
| Burner won’t run steadily | Burner/air mix | Burner head 100109225 |
| Sooting or poor flame | Gas delivery at burner | Orifice 100109267 |
A gas water heater that is not drafting correctly can spill combustion gases, and a heater installed near flammable vapors can create a serious fire hazard. Addressing pilot, burner, and venting issues quickly restores reliable hot water and helps keep operation safe.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153339562 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average labor cost to install a 50 gallon gas water heater?
For a 50-gallon Kenmore gas water heater like model 153339562, average labor to remove the old unit and install the new one typically runs $600 to $1,500 (labor only). Your final price depends mostly on venting, gas-line work, and whether code upgrades are needed.
Labor varies because a “swap” is very different from a modified install. Common cost drivers include:
- Venting changes (draft hood, flue sizing, chimney liner, power vent conversions)
- Gas piping updates (adding a sediment trap, resizing pipe, new shutoff)
- Water piping work (new shutoff valves, dielectric unions, expansion tank)
- Location and access (tight closet, attic, crawlspace, stairs)
- Permits and inspection time (often billed separately from labor)
- Altitude requirements: installs above 7,700 ft require a proper high-altitude burner orifice setup per the owner's manual
| Install scenario | What it includes | Typical labor range |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement | Disconnect, haul away, reconnect to existing gas, vent, and water lines | $600 to $900 |
| Replacement with minor updates | Adds small code upgrades (sediment trap, shutoff updates, minor vent work) | $900 to $1,200 |
| Replacement with significant modifications | Venting rework, gas-line reroute, relocation, or multiple code upgrades | $1,200 to $1,500 |
If your installer finds a safety or leak issue, these parts are commonly involved:
- T&P relief valve: leaking or corroded valves often get replaced during install (see relief valve 100108279)
- Anode rod: replacing it helps protect the tank from corrosion, especially on older systems (see water heater anode rod 100108660)
- Pilot and burner components: if the heater will not light reliably after hookup, the pilot or burner assembly may need attention (see water heater pilot assembly 100109295)
A gas water heater installation is a combustion appliance job; correct venting, gas supply, and safety controls (including the temperature and pressure relief system) directly affect performance and safe operation. Following the setup and maintenance guidance in the owner's manual helps prevent nuisance shutdowns and premature part wear.
You can order model 153339562 replacement parts from the parts list for this water heater, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I read my water heater model number?
On your Kenmore gas water heater model 153339562, the model number is printed on the rating plate (also called the model rating plate) on the front of the water heater. Use that exact model number when looking up parts, manuals, or service information in the owner's manual.
The rating plate is the main ID label for the tank. When you find it, copy these items exactly:
- Model number (for this unit: 153339562)
- Serial number (unique to your tank)
- Fuel type (natural gas or propane)
- Other key specs often listed (capacity, input BTU, etc.)
The model number identifies the product design; the serial number identifies your specific unit.
| Item | What it tells us | Why we need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Which Kenmore water heater you have | Ensures parts diagrams and part matches are correct |
| Serial number | Your unit’s unique production ID | Helps confirm production details and correct replacements |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Prevents ordering the wrong burner or pilot components |
Using the rating plate info helps us match the correct replacement parts for model 153339562, especially for gas-train and safety components.
Common examples on this model include:
- Water heater pilot assembly 100109295 (ignition and pilot flame)
- Burner head 100109225 (main burner flame pattern)
- Relief valve 100108279 (pressure and temperature safety)
- Water heater anode rod 100108660 (tank corrosion protection)
If you are ordering parts beyond what’s listed for this model, search by the full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
A single digit off on the rating plate can lead to the wrong pilot assembly, orifice, or valve. Matching the exact model and gas type keeps ignition, combustion, and safety controls working as designed.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts on a gas water heater?
A Kenmore 153339562 gas water heater is built around a storage tank and a gas burner system, plus safety and water-flow components such as the anode rod, inlet tube (dip tube), gas control valve, and temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. For the full parts list and diagrams, use the owner's manual.
- Anode rod: protects the tank from corrosion.
- Gas control valve and temperature knob: regulates gas flow and water temperature.
- Pilot assembly and igniter: lights the main burner.
- Burner head, orifice, and burner tube: mix gas and air and create the flame.
- Draft hood and vent pipe connection: routes flue gases safely outdoors.
- Inlet tube (dip tube): directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank.
- Drain valve: lets you drain the tank for maintenance.
- T&P relief valve: safety valve that opens if temperature or pressure gets too high.
These are examples of replacement parts available for this model:
| Part (example) | What it’s for | When it’s commonly replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Water heater anode rod 100108660 | Corrosion protection | Rotten-egg odor, rusty water, tank protection maintenance |
| Relief valve 100108279 | Pressure/temperature safety | Dripping, leaking, or valve won’t reseat |
| Water heater pilot assembly 100109295 | Pilot flame/ignition | Pilot won’t stay lit, weak pilot flame |
| Burner head 100109225 | Main flame stability | Poor combustion, delayed ignition, soot |
Knowing the major components helps you troubleshoot symptoms (no hot water, pilot issues, leaks) and order the correct replacement part by matching the part description to your Kenmore 153339562.
When ordering, we use these details to match parts correctly:
- Model number: 153339562
- Serial number (from the rating label)
- Gas type: natural gas or propane (LP)
- Part description (for example, “pilot assembly” or “T&P relief valve”)
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How old is my water heater by the serial number?
To find the age of your Kenmore gas water heater model 153339562, read the serial number on the rating plate and decode the date code embedded in it. The rating plate is typically on the front of the tank; use the 153339562 owner's manual to confirm the exact label location.
Look for the model rating plate and copy the serial number exactly.
- Check the front of the water heater for the rating plate
- Write the serial number exactly as shown (letters and numbers)
- Record the fuel type listed (natural gas or propane)
- Keep the serial number handy when ordering parts
Kenmore-branded water heaters were produced by different manufacturers, so the serial format varies. Start by looking at the first few characters and match the pattern.
| Common serial pattern | What it usually means | Age result you get |
|---|---|---|
YYWW... (all digits) |
Year, then week | Build week and year |
WWYY... (all digits) |
Week, then year | Build week and year |
| Letter + digits | Month code + year digits | Build month and year |
- If the serial begins with 4 digits, it is usually week and year in some order.
- If it begins with letters, the date code is often a little later in the serial.
- Once you identify the build week or month and year, that is the water heater’s manufacture date.
The manufacture date helps us match the correct replacement parts and plan maintenance. For example, tank protection parts like the water heater anode rod 100108660 are often replaced on a schedule tied to age and water conditions.
You can order parts for model 153339562 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026


