Kenmore 153339462 water heater Parts

On your Kenmore gas water heater model 153339462, the model number is printed on the rating plate on the front of the water heater. Use that exact model number (plus the serial number) when looking up parts, manuals, or service details in the owner's manual.

Where to find the model number (rating plate)

The rating plate is the identification label that lists key specs and IDs. On this model, it’s located on the front of the tank.

Check the rating plate for:

• Model number (example: 153339462)
• Serial number
• Gas type (natural gas or propane)
• Basic heater information used for parts matching

How to use the model number to get the right parts

When ordering parts, we use the model number to match the correct burner, pilot, valves, and gaskets for your exact build.

Bring these details when you shop:

• Model number
• Serial number
• Gas type (natural or propane)
• Part description (what you are replacing)

Common parts you may match by model number

Part type	What it affects	Example part on this model page
Anode rod	Tank corrosion protection	Water heater anode rod 100108660
Pilot assembly	Ignition and pilot flame	Water heater pilot assembly 100109290
T and P relief valve	Safety pressure/temperature relief	Relief valve 100108279

Why it matters

A single digit off in a water heater model number can point to a different gas control setup, burner/orifice size, or pilot assembly. Using the rating-plate model number helps ensure the replacement part fits and the heater operates safely.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153339462 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore gas tank water heater like model 153339462 typically lasts 8 to 12 years. Regular maintenance (especially flushing sediment and checking corrosion protection) helps you reach the upper end of that range; neglected tanks usually fail sooner from leaks or burner and pilot problems.

Typical lifespan and what changes it

Most of the difference between an 8-year and a 12-year outcome comes down to water conditions and maintenance.

• Water hardness and sediment: more buildup means more stress on the tank and burner.
• Anode rod condition: a depleted anode speeds up tank corrosion.
• Combustion air and venting: poor air supply can cause unsafe operation and premature failure.
• Operating temperature: higher setpoints increase wear and scale.
• Usage level: larger households cycle the heater more often.

Maintenance that extends life

We recommend following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Practical steps that matter most:

• Flush a few gallons from the drain valve periodically to reduce sediment.
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve for proper operation.
• Inspect and replace the anode rod when it is heavily worn.
• Keep the burner area clean and make sure combustion air openings are not blocked.
• Address pilot or burner issues early so the heater does not run inefficiently.

Parts that commonly support longer service life

If your 153339462 is aging, these are common wear items we see replaced to keep performance steady:

What you’re maintaining	What it affects	Example part for this model
Corrosion protection	Tank life, rust prevention	Water heater anode rod 100108660
Overpressure safety	Safety, nuisance leaking	Relief valve 100108279
Ignition and flame stability	Reliable hot water	Water heater pilot assembly 100109290

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 153339462, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Why it matters

Once a tank begins to corrode internally, repairs to burners, pilot assemblies, or valves cannot stop a future leak. Staying ahead of sediment and anode-rod wear is the most direct way to get the full expected lifespan from a Kenmore gas water heater.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore gas water heater model 153339462, the high-temperature shutoff (thermal cutoff) is built into the gas control valve and is non-resettable. If it trips, the fix is replacing the gas control valve, then following the lighting steps in the owner's manual.

What “thermal switch” usually means on this model

Many customers call it a “thermal switch,” but this water heater’s safety shutoff is part of the gas control valve. When it activates, it shuts off gas to prevent overheating.

What to do right away

• Turn the gas control knob to OFF.
• Turn OFF the gas supply to the water heater.
• Let the unit cool down fully.
• Do not try to bypass or jumper any safety device.
• If you smell gas, stop and have the gas supply addressed before doing anything else.

How this differs from a resettable switch

Item	Resettable?	Where it is	Typical fix
High-temperature shutoff (this model)	No	Built into gas control valve	Replace gas control valve
Some other appliance limit switches	Yes	Separate button-style switch	Press reset button

Related issues that can look like a “tripped thermal switch”

If the heater will not stay lit or will not heat, these are common causes to check next (and they are listed in the troubleshooting guidance for this type of unit):

• Dirty pilot burner or clogged air intake screen
• Thermocouple not positioned correctly in the pilot flame
• Pilot assembly problems (a common repair item)
• Combustion or venting problems (lack of air, downdraft)

If you’re diagnosing a no-heat or no-ignition condition, the water heater pilot assembly 100109290 is one of the model-matched parts we commonly see replaced.

Why it matters

A non-resettable high-limit shutoff is a critical safety feature. Replacing the failed control and correcting the overheating cause helps prevent repeated shutdowns and unsafe operating conditions.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153339462 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Kenmore gas water heater model 153339462, the age is determined by decoding the serial number on the rating plate. The serial format varies by manufacturer, but it typically includes a manufacture year plus a week or month code. Use the decoding guidance in the owner's manual and match it to the serial on your unit.

Where to find the serial number

Look on the model rating plate on the front of the water heater. Write down the full serial number exactly as shown.

• Check the front rating plate first (most common location)
• Copy the entire serial number, including any letters
• Also note the model number 153339462 (helpful for parts lookup)
• If the label is worn, use a flashlight and take a close-up photo

How serial number dating usually works

Most water heater serial numbers encode a production date near the beginning of the serial.

• Some use YYWW (year, then week)
• Some use YYMM (year, then month)
• Some use a letter for month plus numbers for year
• Some use a longer code where the date is embedded in positions 3 to 6

Quick decoding cheat sheet (common patterns)

Common pattern	Example format	What it means
YYWW	2415xxxx	2024, week 15
YYMM	2407xxxx	July 2024
Letter month + year digits	G24xxxxx	Month code + 2024

Why it matters

Knowing the manufacture date helps you plan maintenance and replacement. For gas water heaters, the most common age-related service items include the anode rod, pilot components, and safety valves.

If you are maintaining this unit, we stock model-matched parts such as the water heater anode rod 100108660 and the relief valve 100108279. For broader parts searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

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 153339462, other frequent causes of poor hot water include burner/airflow issues, vent drafting problems, and minor leaking at the T&P relief valve.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Confirm the pilot is lit and the gas control is set correctly (follow the lighting steps in the owner's manual).
• Look for signs of venting trouble (sooting, poor draft, or moisture at the draft hood).
• Check for water at common leak points, especially around the T&P relief valve and fittings.
• If the burner area is dirty, plan a careful inspection and cleaning.
• If hot water smells “sulfur-like,” inspect the anode rod condition.

Common symptoms and the most likely causes

Symptom	Most likely cause	What to do next
Pilot will not stay lit	Pilot/combustion issue, dirty burner area	Inspect pilot and burner area; replace the pilot assembly if needed
No hot water or weak heating	Burner not operating correctly, airflow restriction	Inspect burner, burner tube, and air intake area
Water at relief valve discharge	Thermal expansion or high water pressure; valve leaking	Test/replace the relief valve if it drips continuously
“Leaking” right after startup	Condensation (often clears after tank warms)	Give it 1 to 2 hours of operation, then re-check

Parts that commonly solve these problems (for model 153339462)

• If the pilot will not stay lit: consider the water heater pilot assembly 100109290 (or the alternate water heater pilot assembly 100109295 if that matches your unit’s configuration).
• If the burner is damaged or heavily corroded: consider the water heater burner assembly 100109201.
• If the relief valve is leaking at the fitting or won’t reseat: consider the relief valve 100108279.
• If odor and corrosion protection are concerns: inspect/replace the water heater anode rod 100108660 (or anode rod 100109434).

Why it matters

Pilot, burner, and venting problems can stop heating and can also create unsafe combustion conditions. The manual also highlights that proper drafting is essential and that condensation can be mistaken for a tank leak until the water warms up.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 153339462 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026