How old is my water heater by the serial number?
For Kenmore gas water heater model 153331682, you can date the unit by decoding the serial number format: older units use a month letter plus a 2-digit year, while newer units use an 11-character serial where the first two digits are the year and the next two digits are the week.
Step 1: Find the serial number in the right place
You’ll typically find the serial number on the rating plate label on the tank. Use the owner's manual to confirm the exact label location and how the serial is formatted for your unit.
Step 2: Decode the serial number format
Use the format that matches what you see on your label.
- If the serial number has letters and looks like an older style (pre-2008):
- The 2nd character is a month letter.
- The next two digits are the year.
- Month letters run A through N for Jan through Dec, skipping I.
- If the serial number is an 11-character alpha-numeric style (2008 and newer):
- The first two characters are the year.
- The next two characters are the week number (01 to 52).
Month letter quick reference (older serial numbers)
| Month | Letter |
|---|---|
| Jan | A |
| Feb | B |
| Mar | C |
| Apr | D |
| May | E |
| Jun | F |
| Jul | G |
| Aug | H |
| Sep | J |
| Oct | K |
| Nov | L |
| Dec | M or N |
Example (so you can sanity-check your result)
| Serial style | What to read | Example meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Month letter + year | 2nd character = month, next 2 digits = year | B07 = Feb 2007 |
| 11-character year + week | first 2 = year, next 2 = week | 14 23 = week 23 of 2014 |
Why it matters
Knowing the manufacture date helps you plan maintenance and repairs, especially for common wear items like the anode rod 100109624 and safety components such as the water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279. It also helps you decide whether a no-heat issue is more likely a maintenance problem (burner and pilot) or a control issue.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a gas water heater?
The most common gas water heater problem is not getting enough hot water (slow recovery or water that stays lukewarm). On Kenmore model 153331682, the most common causes are restricted combustion air, a blocked vent/flue, low gas pressure, or a lint-clogged base-ring filter; see the owner's manual.
Most common symptoms you will notice
- Hot water runs out faster than normal
- Water never reaches the set temperature
- Burner seems to run longer than usual
- Pilot goes out intermittently
- Sooting or unusual odors near the draft hood
What usually causes it on model 153331682
The manual points to airflow and venting issues as top drivers of poor heating performance. Start with these checks:
- Combustion air is restricted (tight closet, blocked make-up air openings, negative pressure from exhaust fans)
- Base-ring filter is dirty (lint, dust, dirt buildup at the bottom of the heater)
- Flue or venting is blocked or deteriorated (can cause improper venting and poor combustion)
- Gas supply issues (low gas pressure or supply problems)
- Control or ignition components are failing (pilot, thermocouple, gas valve/temperature control)
Quick triage: what to check first (in order)
- Confirm the area has adequate fresh air and nothing is blocking airflow around the heater.
- Inspect the venting path for obstructions, loose connections, or rust flakes.
- If the installed environment is dusty, clean the base-ring filter and surrounding intake area.
- If the pilot will not stay lit, inspect ignition components and wiring connections.
Parts that commonly fix “no heat” or “pilot won’t stay lit”
| Symptom | Common suspect | Example part for 153331682 |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot won’t stay lit | Thermocouple or pilot assembly | Water heater thermocouple 100112327 or water heater pilot assembly 100112330 |
| Burner will not fire or temp control issues | Gas valve/temperature control | American water heaters water heater gas valve and temperature control assembly 100112336 |
| Slow recovery in dusty area | Clogged intake/filter base area | Filter base 100111375 |
Why it matters
A gas water heater needs clean airflow and proper venting to burn fuel correctly. When air supply is restricted or venting is blocked, the flame can burn poorly, heat can build up in the combustion chamber, and safety devices can trip, leaving you with little or no hot water.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153331682 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you replace parts on a hot water heater?
Yes. On the Kenmore 153331682 gas water heater, many service parts are replaceable (such as the gas control, pilot components, and valves) as long as you follow the safety steps and procedures in the owner's manual and shut off gas and water before starting.
Parts you can commonly replace on this model
These are typical replaceable items for the Kenmore 153331682, and several are available for this model:
- Water heater pilot assembly 100112330 (pilot ignition and flame sensing components)
- American water heaters water heater gas valve and temperature control assembly 100112336 (gas control and temperature regulation)
- Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279 (safety pressure relief)
- Water heater drain valve 100108778 (tank draining and flushing)
- Anode rod 100109624 (corrosion protection)
Safety first (gas water heater essentials)
We recommend these steps before any inspection or part replacement:
- Turn the gas control/temperature knob to OFF and wait at least 10 minutes before attempting relighting.
- Shut off the cold water supply valve to the heater.
- If you smell gas: do not operate switches or phones nearby; follow the safety instructions on the heater.
- Keep combustion air openings clear; do not store flammables near the heater.
- If the gas control knob will not turn by hand, stop and use a qualified technician.
Quick guide: which part matches which symptom?
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot will not stay lit | Pilot flame, wiring, safety sensing | Water heater pilot assembly 100112330 |
| No burner operation, status light codes | Gas control/temperature control | American water heaters water heater gas valve and temperature control assembly 100112336 |
| Water leaking from relief valve discharge pipe | T&P valve or overheating condition | Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279 |
| Hard to drain or drain valve drips | Drain valve | Water heater drain valve 100108778 |
Why it matters
Replacing the correct part restores safe operation and helps prevent nuisance shutdowns, leaks, and overheating. On gas water heaters, correct venting and combustion air are just as important as the replacement part itself.
You can order replacement parts for the Kenmore 153331682 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts on a gas water heater?
A Kenmore gas water heater like model 153331682 is built around the tank plus a gas burner system, safety controls, and water connections. Common service parts include the pilot assembly, gas control valve/thermostat, burner access door, drain valve, anode rod, and the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P).
Main parts you will typically find
These are the components customers most often ask about on a gas tank water heater:
- Tank (stores and heats water)
- Gas control valve/thermostat (regulates gas flow and water temperature)
- Pilot and ignition components (light and prove flame)
- Burner and manifold (mix and deliver gas to the burner)
- Draft hood and venting (moves combustion gases safely up the flue)
- Anode rod (helps protect the tank from corrosion)
- Drain valve (used for draining and flushing sediment)
- Temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P) (critical safety valve)
Model 153331682 parts you can replace
For this Kenmore model, these are examples of replaceable parts we commonly see on the parts list:
- Water heater pilot assembly 100112330
- American water heaters water heater gas valve and temperature control assembly 100112336
- Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279
- Anode rod 100109624
- Water heater drain valve 100108778
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Quick “what it does” reference
| Part | What it does | Common reason to replace |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot assembly | Lights the burner and supports safe operation | Pilot will not stay lit, weak pilot flame |
| Gas valve/thermostat | Controls gas flow and temperature | No heat, temperature problems |
| T&P relief valve | Releases excess pressure/temperature | Dripping, leaking, won’t reseat |
| Anode rod | Reduces tank corrosion | Odor issues, heavy corrosion, routine maintenance |
| Drain valve | Drains tank for flushing | Leaks, clogged, won’t open/close |
Why it matters
Knowing the major parts helps you troubleshoot safely and order the correct replacement. For example, the manual calls out proper gas piping practices (shut-off valve, union, drip leg) and leak-checking with an approved solution, which directly affects safe operation.
For diagrams and part identification, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026


