Kenmore water heater warranties are inherited from the original manufacturer (State or A.O. Smith) but administered through Sears Home Services or Transformco depending on the era of the original purchase. Warranty navigation can be confusing — here's how to identify your coverage and file claims.
Identifying your Kenmore's warranty
Look at the data plate on the tank. The model number indicates the manufacturing partner:
- 153.xxxxx or 153xxxxxx — State Industries manufactured (most common)
- 153.330xxx series — A.O. Smith manufactured
- Newer 153 series (post-2019) — A.O. Smith manufactured under Transformco contract
The warranty period is typically 6, 9, or 12 years depending on the tier purchased. The number is usually printed prominently on the tank front or in marketing materials at time of purchase.
Typical warranty terms
| Coverage | 6-year tier | 9-year tier | 12-year tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank leak | 6 years | 9 years | 12 years |
| Parts | 6 years | 9 years | 12 years |
| Labor (in-home service) | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
What's covered
- Tank leak through the wall within rated period (replacement tank, no labor after year 1)
- Element/thermostat failure (electric)
- Gas valve/burner failure (gas) within parts-warranty period
- T&P valve and standard hardware within year 1
What's NOT covered
- Damage from improper installation (most common claim denial)
- Hard-water damage if water exceeds 7 grains per gallon and no softener installed
- Freeze damage
- Cosmetic damage
- Failure from third-party additives or aftermarket parts
- Consequential damage (water damage to floors, drywall) — homeowner insurance
Filing a Kenmore warranty claim
Post-Sears-bankruptcy, the claim path depends on what's still operating in your region:
- Sears Home Services (where active): call 800-4-MY-HOME (800-469-4663). Schedule service. Out-of-pocket parts cost only if outside parts warranty.
- Transformco direct: for tank replacement claims, may direct you to A.O. Smith warranty service center.
- Underlying manufacturer: if Sears/Transformco doesn't respond, contact A.O. Smith directly with the model and serial number. A.O. Smith honors the original manufacturer warranty.
Documentation you'll need
- Original receipt with date and Sears store/online identifier
- Model and serial number from data plate
- Manufacture date (decoded from serial number)
- Photos of failure
- Installation address (warranty tied to address, not buyer)
What to expect
Pre-bankruptcy (2018 and earlier) Kenmore warranties were straightforward — Sears arranged service. Post-bankruptcy, the path is slower (2–4 weeks for tank replacement) and requires more proactive follow-up. If Sears Home Services is unresponsive, escalate to A.O. Smith warranty service ($800-433-2545) with your model number.