How do I read my water heater model number?
Your Kenmore gas water heater model number is the full set of letters and numbers printed on the rating plate; for this unit, the model is 153579410. We use that exact model number to match the correct parts list and the right instructions in the owner's manual.
On most Kenmore gas water heaters, the rating plate is a label on the outside of the tank. Check these common spots:
- On the side of the tank, near the middle or lower half
- Near the gas control valve area (front lower section)
- Near the burner access door area
- On the back of the tank (use a flashlight and mirror if needed)
- Occasionally near the top, close to the draft hood/vent connection
When you locate the label, copy the information exactly as printed.
- Model number: the main identifier (example: 153579410)
- Serial number: unique to your specific tank
- Manufacture date (or “MFG date”): helps confirm age and compatible revisions
- Fuel type: natural gas or LP (propane)
- Capacity and input: gallons and BTU rating (useful for sizing and troubleshooting)
| Label item | What it tells you | Why we need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The exact product design | Ensures correct Kenmore 153579410 parts match |
| Serial number | Your unit’s unique ID | Helps distinguish similar models |
| Manufacture date | When it was built | Helps confirm version changes over time |
Gas water heater parts are model-specific. Using the exact model number helps you avoid ordering the wrong components, especially for ignition and safety parts like the water heater pilot assembly 100112330 or the american water heaters water heater gas control valve 100112337.
- Write the model number exactly; do not drop digits or add spaces
- Photograph the rating plate before ordering parts
- If the label is worn, use a flashlight at an angle to make faint print easier to read
- Match the model number on the label to the parts listing before you buy; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average labor cost to install a 50 gallon gas water heater?
For a typical 50-gallon gas water heater installation, average labor commonly runs about $400 to $1,000. If the job needs venting changes, gas line work, a new shutoff valve, or code-related updates, labor can go higher even when the heater itself is unchanged.
Labor varies mainly by how much work is required beyond swapping the tank.
- Permits and inspection requirements in your area
- Venting condition and whether the draft hood or vent connector must be modified
- Gas piping changes (new shutoff, sediment trap, resizing, leak test)
- Water piping changes (corroded nipples, tight clearances, new connectors)
- Safety valve discharge piping for the temperature and pressure relief valve
- Accessibility (attic, crawlspace, tight closet, stairs)
| Install type | What it usually includes | Typical labor range |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement | Disconnect, remove old tank, set new tank, reconnect water and gas, basic startup | $400 to $700 |
| Replacement plus minor updates | Small vent or piping adjustments, new connectors/valves, added drain pan or minor carpentry | $700 to $1,200 |
| Complex or code-heavy install | Venting rework, significant gas line changes, relocation, multiple code upgrades | $1,200+ |
If your installer finds worn or unsafe components, replacing them during installation can reduce callbacks and nuisance shutdowns.
- T&P relief valve: a leaking or corroded valve often gets replaced; see water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279
- Heat trap nipples: damaged or seized nipples can add time; see nipple 100108409
- Pilot/ignition components: if the burner will not stay lit after install, the pilot and thermocouple circuit is a common focus; see water heater pilot assembly 100112330 and water heater thermocouple 100112327
A gas water heater install is as much about safe combustion and venting as it is about hot water. Paying for the right permit, leak testing, and correct relief-valve discharge setup helps prevent performance problems and unsafe operation.
For Kenmore model 153579410, use the lighting, venting, and safety guidance in the owner's manual. For replacement parts for this model, order from the parts list for 153579410 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a gas water heater?
The most common problem we see on a Kenmore 153579410 gas water heater is ignition trouble, especially a pilot light that will not stay lit. In many cases, the root cause is a weak thermocouple or a pilot assembly issue that prevents the gas control from staying open.
- Thermocouple not proving flame: pilot lights but drops out when you release the knob.
- Dirty or failing pilot assembly: pilot flame is small, yellow, or unstable.
- Gas control valve problems: pilot and burner operation is inconsistent.
- Restricted combustion air: burner is lazy, sooting, or the pilot is easily blown out.
- Sediment buildup: hot water runs out faster, popping or rumbling sounds.
If you need model-specific lighting and shutdown steps, follow the 153579410 owner's manual.
- Confirm gas is on at the shutoff valve.
- Look at the pilot flame: it should be steady and directed at the thermocouple tip.
- Check for lint and dust around the base and air intake area.
- Verify venting draft is not backdrafting (especially after windy weather).
- If the pilot drops out repeatedly, stop and inspect the pilot and safety components.
| Symptom | Most likely part area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot lights, then goes out | Flame sensing/safety | Water heater thermocouple 100112327 |
| Pilot flame weak or won’t light reliably | Ignition/pilot hardware | Water heater pilot assembly 100112330 |
| Pilot and burner act erratic | Gas regulation/control | Water heater gas control valve 100112337 |
A gas water heater that cannot keep the pilot lit will not heat water consistently, and repeated relighting attempts can point to a safety device doing its job. Fixing the underlying cause restores reliable hot water and helps the burner run cleaner and more efficiently.
We recommend matching parts by model number 153579410 and comparing the part description to what’s installed. You can order the parts listed for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a gas hot water heater?
A Kenmore gas water heater like model 153579410 is built around a storage tank and a gas burner system, with safety and control parts that regulate temperature, vent combustion gases, and protect against overpressure. For your exact component layout, use the exploded views in the owner's manual.
- Tank (stores hot water)
- Gas control valve/thermostat (sets water temperature and controls gas flow)
- Pilot and ignition system (lights the main burner)
- Burner and orifice (mixes gas and air, creates the flame)
- Draft hood and venting (routes exhaust safely)
- Anode rod (helps protect the tank from corrosion)
- Temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) (safety valve to relieve excess pressure/temperature)
These are examples of parts we commonly see replaced on this model:
| What it does | Part you may need | When it’s commonly replaced |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps the pilot flame stable | Water heater pilot assembly 100112330 | Pilot will not stay lit, weak pilot flame |
| Senses pilot flame heat for safety | Water heater thermocouple 100112327 | Pilot lights but drops out when you release the knob |
| Controls gas flow and temperature | American water heaters water heater gas control valve 100112337 | No heat, erratic temperature, control will not hold settings |
| Protects tank from corrosion | Water heater anode rod 100109434 | Rusty water, reduced tank life, routine maintenance |
| Prevents dangerous overpressure | Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279 | Dripping/leaking valve, won’t reseat after lifting test lever |
Knowing the major parts helps you troubleshoot faster and order the right replacement the first time. For example, a “no hot water” complaint can point to the gas control valve, pilot assembly, thermocouple, or burner components, while “leaking” often points to the T&P valve or fittings.
- Match the model number 153579410 exactly.
- Use the part’s ID (for example, 100112330) to avoid mix-ups.
- Compare your old part’s shape, connections, and mounting points.
- Use the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How old is my water heater by the serial number?
For Kenmore gas water heater model 153579410, we determine age by decoding the serial number on the rating plate; the serial format varies by manufacturer, so the correct method is to match your exact serial pattern to the decoding chart in the 153579410 owner's manual.
Look for the rating plate label on the water heater jacket (often on the side near the gas control, or near the burner access area). Record:
- Serial number (copy every letter and digit)
- Model number (confirm it reads 153579410)
- Fuel type (natural gas or LP)
- Any manufacturer name shown on the label
Because Kenmore-branded water heaters were built by different manufacturers over the years, the serial number can use different date codes. Use this process:
- Write the serial number exactly as shown (including leading zeros).
- Identify whether it starts with letters, numbers, or a letter-number mix.
- In the 153579410 owner's manual, look for the rating plate example and any date-code guidance.
- If the manual does not spell out the code, compare your serial format to common patterns below and match the closest one.
- Once you find the manufacture month and year, that is the water heater’s “age” (not the install date).
| Serial pattern (example) | What it often means | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starts with 2 digits (e.g., 09xxxxxx) | Year first | Year of manufacture |
| Starts with 4 digits (e.g., 2019xxxx) | YYYY first | Year (and sometimes month/week) |
| Letter then digits (e.g., A20xxxxx) | Letter-coded month + year digits | Month and year |
Knowing the manufacture date helps us choose the right repair approach. For example, if the unit is older and you are troubleshooting pilot outages or no-heat symptoms, age can point you toward common wear items like the water heater pilot assembly 100112330 or the water heater thermocouple 100112327 before replacing larger components.
- Most tank-style gas water heaters last 8 to 12 years.
- Heavy sediment, hard water, and high temperature settings shorten life.
- Replacing the water heater anode rod 100109434 on schedule helps extend tank life.
You can order model-matched parts from the parts list for 153579410, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026


