Kenmore water heater parts are generally available, since most Kenmore units are private-labeled State Industries or A.O. Smith manufacturing — both of which have nationwide parts distribution.
Identifying your unit's manufacturer
The model number (starts with 153) on the data plate tells you the manufacturing partner:
- Most 153 series = State Industries
- Some 153.330xxx series = A.O. Smith
- Post-2019 153 series = A.O. Smith (Transformco contract)
Once you know the underlying manufacturer, source replacement parts from State or A.O. Smith directly, not from Sears.
Common replacement parts
Heating elements (electric)
Standard 1" NPT screw-in elements, 4500 W or 5500 W 240V. Aftermarket equivalents:
- Camco 02922 (4500 W, $15–22)
- Reliance 100109109 (4500 W, $15–25)
- OEM State/A.O. Smith elements ($35–55)
Thermostats
Dual upper/lower thermostat setup. Upper has high-limit reset; lower is single-stage. Compatible aftermarket: Therm-O-Disc 59T series, Honeywell L4080 — $25–40 each.
Gas valves (gas models)
Honeywell or Robertshaw gas valves with integrated ignition control. Failures require gas-fitter service. $180–300 OEM. Verify model number before ordering — gas valve compatibility is critical.
Anode rod
3/4" NPT, 42–46" long. Universal aftermarket: $25–65 depending on type (rigid magnesium, flexible, or aluminum-zinc).
T&P relief valve
Standard ASME-rated 3/4" NPT, 150 psi / 210°F. Any compatible valve works — Watts 100XL, Honeywell EW100, Apollo Valves — $15–30.
Dip tube
Universal residential dip tube fits Kenmore tanks — $8–15.
Drain valve
Standard 3/4" NPT brass boiler drain — $12–25.
Where to buy Kenmore parts
SearsPartsDirect.com
Historically the primary source. Post-bankruptcy, availability is reduced but the site still operates. Search by Kenmore model number.
State Industries / A.O. Smith
For models 5+ years old, source directly from the underlying manufacturer. A.O. Smith parts: hotwater.com/parts. State Industries: stateind.com/replacement-parts. Provide your Kenmore model and they'll match to the underlying part number.
Home Depot, Lowe's, plumbing supplies
For universal parts (elements, thermostats, T&P valves, anodes), any of these work — match by capacity and voltage spec, not Kenmore-specific part number.
Amazon
Many Kenmore parts are available through third-party sellers on Amazon. Verify part number matches your model before purchasing.
Service records
If you've previously had Sears service on the unit, request service history. Sears retained detailed parts replacement records that can help identify what's been done.