How to Repair a Kenmore Power Miser 6 Electric Water Heater

Hot water is something we take for granted until the awful day when only cold comes out of the hot tap. It's one of those disasters that strikes at the most inopportune moments, such as when we want to take a shower or bath just an hour before we're due to attend a major social gathering.

Some simple measures could soon have your Kenmore Power Miser producing hot water once more.

If your water is heated by a Kenmore Power Miser, there are a number of simple steps you can take which may just get your hot water supply flowing once again.

Warning

Always switch the electricity to your water heater off before working with it. If you do not, you risk a fatal electric shock.

No Hot Water

Ensure the cold water supply valve is open, allowing water to flow into your Kenmore Power Miser.
Check that the cold water line is connected to the cold water inlet and the hot water line is connected to the hot water outlet of your Kenmore Power Miser water heater.

Ensure that the electrical supply to your water heater is on. If you have a disconnect switch, ensure it is also set in the "on" position.
Check that the fuses and trip switches linked to the operation of your water heater are not tripped.
Ensure that the neighborhood in which you live is not suffering a power failure. Do so by switching on lamps and other appliances.

Water Heater Fails to Produce Enough Hot Water

Check the thermostat on your Kenmore water heater to ensure it is set to a high enough temperature.
Check for the activation of the high-temperature shutoff system. This occurs if the water is too hot and is likely to be the problem if the water was previously at a very high temperature.
Measure the temperature outside your home. If the weather is very cold, the water entering your domestic system will be at a very low temperature. This will take longer to heat.
The amount of hot water being used may exceed the tank's capacity. If this is the case, you will have to wait for it to refill and heat up following the high level of demand.

The Water Heater's Tank is Leaking

Ensure you are actually witnessing leakage. Leaks can occur at pipe connections or from the tank itself, but in humid weather condensation can form on the pipes, giving an impression of leakage.
Gauge the amount of water that is leaking. Small amounts can be produced by the water temperature relief valve when the tank is experiencing thermal expansion or the area in which you live is experiencing high water pressure.
Check the tank fittings of both the temperature pressure relief valve and the heating element, as these are areas where leaks may occur.

Your Power Miser Produces Smelly Hot Water

Replace the anode rod in your water heater with one constructed from a less active material, as it is likely that a reaction involving the rod is producing a rotten egg smell. You will have to contact your local Sears service center to obtain the necessary equipment.
Chlorinate the water heater tank and hot water lines. Equipment needed for this can also obtained from the Sears service center.
Chlorinate or aerate your entire hot water supply if the smell persists after you have taken the above steps.

The Drip Cap

Hot water is something we take for granted until the awful day when only cold comes out of the hot tap.
Ensure that the electrical supply to your water heater is on.
Measure the temperature outside your home.
If this is the case, you will have to wait for it to refill and heat up following the high level of demand.
Small amounts can be produced by the water temperature relief valve when the tank is experiencing thermal expansion or the area in which you live is experiencing high water pressure.
You will have to contact your local Sears service center to obtain the necessary equipment.