How do I read my water heater model number?
For Kenmore gas water heater model 153336466, the model number is printed on the rating plate on the front of the water heater. Use that full model number (and the serial number) when looking up parts, manuals, or service information in your 153336466 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number (rating plate)
On this Kenmore unit, the rating plate is on the front of the tank. Once you locate it, copy the information exactly as shown.
- Look for a label that says rating plate or model rating plate
- Write down the model number (for this page: 153336466)
- Write down the serial number
- Note the gas type listed (natural gas or propane)
- Take a clear photo of the plate for future reference
What the model number tells us (and what it does not)
The model number identifies the exact design family so we can match correct parts like a pilot assembly, burner components, and safety valves. The serial number is typically used to identify the unit’s production details.
| You’ll see on the rating plate | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 153336466) | Matching the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Identifying the specific unit |
| Gas type (natural or propane) | Ensuring burner and pilot parts match the fuel |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong gas control, burner, or pilot parts. For example, common model-matched parts on this page include the water heater pilot assembly 100109290 and the water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279.
Quick ordering tip
When ordering repair parts, we use these details:
- Model number
- Serial number
- Gas type (natural or propane)
- Part description
If you need to search beyond the parts shown for model 153336466, we also support model lookups on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts on a gas water heater?
On the Kenmore 153336466 gas water heater, the main serviceable parts include the burner and pilot system, gas control valve and temperature adjustment, venting components, and safety devices like the T&P relief valve. For the complete illustrated parts list, use the owner's manual.
Common parts you will see on this model
These are the most common components customers identify when troubleshooting, maintaining, or ordering replacement parts:
- Burner system: burner, burner tube, burner orifice, and burner assembly
- Ignition and pilot: pilot assembly and piezo igniter
- Safety and pressure protection: temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve
- Corrosion protection: anode rod
- Water flow components: inlet tube (dip tube) and water line connector
- Venting: draft hood and flue-related parts (baffle, restrictor)
- Access and sealing: outer door, inner door, gaskets, viewport assembly
Quick “what it does” guide
| Part or system | What it does | Common symptom when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Anode rod | Protects the tank from corrosion | Rusty odor, faster tank corrosion |
| Pilot assembly | Keeps a stable pilot flame for ignition | Pilot will not stay lit |
| Burner and burner tube | Heats the tank water | No hot water, weak heating |
| Gas control valve/thermostat knob | Regulates gas flow and temperature | Water too hot, too cool, or fluctuating |
| T&P relief valve | Releases excess pressure/temperature | Dripping or discharge from relief line |
Parts customers replace most often
If you are ordering parts for the Kenmore 153336466, these are common replacements that match this model’s parts list:
- Anode rod 100109624
- Water heater pilot assembly 100109290
- Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279
Why it matters
Knowing the major parts helps you troubleshoot faster and order the correct replacement. For example, a “no hot water” complaint often points to the pilot or burner system, while a discharge tube leak often points to the T&P relief valve.
Ordering tip (to avoid wrong parts)
When ordering, match model number, serial number, gas type (natural or propane), and the part description listed for the Kenmore 153336466. You can order parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a gas water heater?
The most common gas water heater problem is the pilot light going out or not staying lit, which stops the burner from heating water. On Kenmore model 153336466, pilot outages can also be triggered by excessive condensation dripping onto the burner area, especially during heavy hot-water use with very cold refill water (see the owner's manual).
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the gas control is set correctly (OFF, PILOT, then ON) and follow the lighting steps exactly.
- Look for signs of condensation: sizzling or frying sounds, water droplets, or moisture near the burner door.
- Check for venting issues (sooting or deterioration in the flue or vent system).
- Verify the thermostat setting; water temperature at the tap can vary and can be dangerously hot above 125°F.
- If you notice a rotten egg smell, treat it as an anode rod related odor condition and ventilate hot water lines before using appliances.
Common causes and what they usually point to
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot will not stay lit | Pilot assembly issue or condensation putting out the pilot | Inspect for moisture and consider replacing the pilot assembly |
| No hot water or weak heating | Burner or burner tube/orifice issue | Inspect burner area and venting; service or replace burner components |
| Water on the floor (not a tank leak) | Condensation or a leaking connection | Allow 1 to 2 hours for warm-up; then re-check fittings |
| Drips from relief valve | Thermal expansion or high water pressure | Evaluate pressure/expansion control; replace valve if it leaks at the tank fitting |
Parts that commonly solve “pilot out” complaints
If troubleshooting points to ignition components, these are common replacements for this model:
- Water heater pilot assembly 100109290 (ignition and flame sensing assembly)
- Water heater pilot assembly 100109261 (alternate pilot assembly option listed for this model)
- Water heater burner assembly 100109251 (burner and related components)
For ordering, we list model-matched parts for Kenmore 153336466 on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Why it matters
A pilot that will not stay lit is more than an inconvenience; it can indicate condensation, venting problems, or burner issues that affect safe combustion and consistent hot water delivery.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average labor cost to install a 50 gallon gas water heater?
For a 50-gallon gas water heater like Kenmore model 153336466, average labor to install typically runs $400 to $1,000. Labor goes up when the installer must modify gas piping, venting, or add code-required items such as an expansion tank or a new shutoff.
What usually changes the labor price
Labor is mostly about time on site and how much has to be brought up to code.
- Venting changes (draft hood, flue sizing, chimney liner, power vent conversions)
- Gas line work (new shutoff, sediment trap, resizing pipe)
- Water piping updates (new shutoffs, dielectric unions, rerouting)
- Thermal expansion control (adding or resizing an expansion tank)
- Access and removal (tight closets, attic installs, stairs, haul-away)
- Permits and inspections (varies by city and county)
Typical labor scenarios (labor only)
| Install situation | What it includes | Typical labor range |
|---|---|---|
| Straight swap | Disconnect old, set new, reconnect existing lines | $400 to $700 |
| Moderate updates | Minor vent or gas piping changes, new valves | $700 to $1,200 |
| Complex install | Significant venting or gas line rework, tight access | $1,200 to $2,000+ |
Model-specific notes that affect installation
Your 153336466 is a gas water heater; the manual calls out safety and code-related items that can add labor time.
- A sediment trap (drip leg) is typically installed on the gas line per code guidance in the manual.
- Installations above 7,700 feet require a high-altitude orifice change; that adds parts and labor.
- If your home has a pressure-reducing valve or backflow device, an expansion tank is often needed; sizing guidance is shown in the owner's manual.
Why it matters
Gas water heater installs are not just “hookups”; correct venting and gas piping help the burner run cleanly and reduce nuisance shutdowns. Proper pressure control also helps protect the tank and the temperature and pressure relief system.
Parts that are commonly replaced during an install
These are common “while we’re here” items that can affect labor if they are corroded or leaking:
- Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279
- Water shutoff valve and supply connectors (as needed)
- Expansion tank (when required by plumbing conditions)
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153336466 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a water heater?
For your Kenmore 153336466 gas water heater, repairing is cheaper when the problem is limited to replaceable parts (pilot, burner components, or a leaking valve). Replacing is cheaper when the tank is leaking, the unit was flooded, or combustion and venting problems make continued operation unsafe.
Quick decision guide
- Repair for pilot ignition problems, burner not lighting, or a valve seep.
- Repair when water on the floor is condensation or a loose connection.
- Replace when water is coming from the tank body (tank leak).
- Replace if the heater has been flooded (the manual says it must be replaced).
- Stop using and correct the cause if you see sooting at the burner or pilot.
Common repairs and parts for model 153336466
These are common, targeted fixes that usually cost less than replacement:
- Pilot will not stay lit: water heater pilot assembly 100109290 or water heater pilot assembly 100109261
- Burner issues: water heater burner assembly 100109251 or water heater burner assembly 100109246
- Safety valve leaking: water heater temperature and pressure relief valve 100108279
- Corrosion prevention: anode rod 100109624 or anode rod 100108260
Repair vs. replace comparison
| Situation | Usually cheaper | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot will not stay lit | Repair | Replace pilot assembly and verify gas supply is on |
| Water on floor at startup | Repair | Often condensation or a fitting leak |
| Relief valve seep | Repair | Replace valve or reseal fitting |
| Tank leak | Replace | Tank failure is not a practical repair |
Why it matters
A gas water heater with sooting or venting issues can be dangerous. Use the owner's manual to follow the inspection and shutdown guidance before deciding on parts or replacement.
Last updated: February 2026


