Kenmore Water Heater Age: Serial Number Decoder
Kenmore is a Sears brand name, not a factory — its water heaters were built by State, A.O. Smith, Whirlpool, and Rheem and sold under the Kenmore label. The good news: most Kenmore water heaters (Sears model numbers starting 153) are State / A.O. Smith-built and use the same date code, where the first four digits of the serial are the year and week. Check your serial style first, then decode it below.
How old is my Kenmore water heater?
The first four digits of the serial number are the build date: the first two are the year and the next two are the week. Type your serial for an instant date, or read it by eye with the steps below.
e.g. Where's my serial number?
Standard Kenmore tank models use this code. Some specialty or non-standard units may use a different serial format.
Where to find your serial number
- Find the rating/specification plate on the side of the tank, often near the gas control valve/thermostat and the yellow energy-guide label.
- The model number starts with 153 for Kenmore water heaters; use the full 153.xxxxxx number (not the marketing name) when ordering parts.
- The serial number sits next to the model number; on most modern Kenmore units the first four digits are the date code (for example, 1210A002243).
How to read a Kenmore serial number
Rules last verified 2026-06-01First identify who made your Kenmore from the serial style. If the serial begins with four digits (like 1210A002243), it is the State / A.O. Smith code most Kenmore tanks use: the first two digits are the year and the next two are the week. Serials that begin with a letter, or use another pattern, were built on an older or different maker's code — use the routing table and links below.
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Find the model and serial on the rating plate
The rating plate is on the side of the tank, usually near the gas control valve or the energy-guide label. A Kenmore water-heater model number starts with 153 (the Sears source code for water heaters).
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Read the serial style to identify the maker
If the serial starts with four digits (for example 1210…), it is the modern State / A.O. Smith code — the most common Kenmore. If it starts with a letter, or a single letter plus digits, it is an older State/A.O. Smith style or a different maker; see the routing table below.
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For the common State / A.O. Smith case, read year then week
The first two digits are the year (12 = 2012) and the next two are the week of that year (01 through 53). Enter the serial in the decoder above for an instant date. The decoder flags older or non-matching serials so you don't misread them.
Who made your Kenmore? Identify it by the serial style
Kenmore water heaters came from four makers. Match your serial's pattern, then use the decoder above (for the State / A.O. Smith case) or the brand links below.
| Serial style | Likely maker → what to do |
|---|---|
| Starts with four digits (or one leading letter then four digits), e.g. 1210A002243 or S1318F000046 | State or Whirlpool (modern) → year+week; use the decoder above, or see the A.O. Smith / State / Whirlpool pages. |
| Single letter + digits, e.g. C05… (month letter + year) | Older State / A.O. Smith → letter-month + 2-digit year; see the A.O. Smith page and confirm with the maker. |
| Letter-led, e.g. A03307353 or J06A059461 | A.O. Smith legacy style → routed to verification; confirm with A.O. Smith / State support. |
| Other numeric pattern (e.g. a Rheem-style code) | Rheem-built minority (some gas/commercial) → see the Rheem page. |
Worked examples
1210A002243 A State / A.O. Smith-built Kenmore: 12 is the year 2012 and 10 is week 10 (early March). Built around March 2012.
S1318F000046 Ignore the leading S. 13 is the year 2013 and 18 is week 18 (early May). Built around May 2013. (State/Whirlpool-style code.)
J06A059461 An older letter-led A.O. Smith-style Kenmore — the digits aren't a year+week. The decoder routes these to verification; confirm with the maker or the routing table below.
Kenmore didn't make your water heater — find out who did
Sears sold Kenmore water heaters built by other companies: most often State (an A.O. Smith brand), and also A.O. Smith, Whirlpool (itself A.O. Smith-built), and Rheem for some units. Whoever built it determines the serial code, so identify the maker by the serial style above, then use that brand's decoder. Kenmore water heaters are believed discontinued (around 2021), and the brand is now owned by Transformco; for parts and manuals, look up your full 153 model number on Sears PartsDirect.
What your manufacture date tells you
Warranty
Kenmore tanks were sold in warranty tiers (commonly 6, 9, or 12 years), with the number in the model name usually signaling the tier and shorter labor coverage. After Sears' 2018 bankruptcy and the brand's move to Transformco, a Kenmore warranty claim may need proof of sale and Transformco/Kenmore processing; if that path fails, claims are often best directed to the underlying maker (most commonly State / A.O. Smith). Confirm the build date and any coverage with the maker's verification tool using your serial number.
Check warranty by serial at State / A.O. Smith ↗
How long they last and when to replace
Most tank water heaters, including Kenmore, run about 8 to 12 years; State / A.O. Smith (the common Kenmore maker) suggests considering replacement after about 10 years if a unit leaks or runs erratically.
Home inspectors generally treat 10 to 12 years as the typical service life for a tank water heater and often flag units past 12 years at sale. (Industry guidance.)
This page primarily covers tank-style Kenmore units; Sears also sold a few Kenmore tankless models (such as 305/505), which use the maker's own date code — confirm those from the manual or maker.
Watch for these replacement warning signs:
- Age past 10 to 12 years. At or beyond typical tank service life; budget for a replacement, especially as Kenmore parts get harder to source.
- Rusty hot water. Discoloration from the hot tap can signal internal tank corrosion.
- Rumbling or popping. Noise usually means sediment buildup, which cuts efficiency and stresses the tank.
- Leaks at the base. Water around the base needs immediate attention and often means the tank is failing.
Why the age matters
Kenmore recalls and your serial
Kenmore-branded gas water heaters were part of A.O. Smith's recall of about 616,000 Ultra-Low NOx units (30, 40, and 50 gallon) over a fire hazard. These were sold primarily in California, and the recall is keyed to the same first-four-digit serial code most Kenmore units use. The burner screen can tear and let the burner throw excess radiant heat.
- Affected models
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30, 40 & 50-gallon gas Ultra-Low NOxSold as Kenmore / A.O. Smith / State / Reliance / American / U.S. Craftmaster / Whirlpool - Affected serials
- First four serial digits 1115 through 1631 — week 15 of 2011 through week 31 of 2016 (built April 8, 2011 to August 1, 2016). CPSC recall announced November 8, 2018.
- Hazard
- A torn burner screen can cause excess radiant heat and a fire if the heater sits directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
- Remedy
- Check your model and serial at waterheaterrecall.com for a free repair kit, or call the Kenmore / A.O. Smith / State / Reliance recall line at (866) 880-4661.
Kenmore owners use the (866) 880-4661 line (the A.O. Smith / State / Reliance / Kenmore contact); the separate (866) 854-2793 line is for American / Whirlpool / U.S. Craftmaster owners. Search the CPSC site by your model if your unit falls outside the range above.
Read the official CPSC recall notice ↗ Recall list last checked 2026-06-01
Can't read the serial number?
If the rating plate is corroded, painted over, or missing, try these in order.
- If the rating plate is damaged, check a building permit, install sticker, or service tag for an installation date as a rough age.
- Look up your full 153 model number on Sears PartsDirect for manuals and parts that can help date the unit.
- Once you know the maker, use that brand's warranty verification tool with the serial number to confirm the build date.
Model number vs serial number
A Kenmore water-heater model number starts with 153 (the Sears source code for water heaters) and identifies the size and warranty tier, not the build date — only the serial number's digits carry the year. Use the full 153.xxxxxx model number from the rating plate when ordering parts or manuals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell the age of my Kenmore water heater?
First identify the maker from the serial style. Most Kenmore tanks are State / A.O. Smith-built and read the first four digits as year then week (1210 = 2012, week 10). Enter the serial in the decoder above; it flags older or different-maker serials so you don't misread them.
Who makes Kenmore water heaters?
Kenmore is a Sears brand name, not a manufacturer. Its water heaters were built by State (an A.O. Smith brand), A.O. Smith, Whirlpool, and Rheem. Most modern Kenmore tanks (Sears model 153) are State / A.O. Smith-built.
How do I decode my Kenmore model number?
A Kenmore water-heater model number starts with 153, the Sears source code for water heaters. The model identifies size and warranty tier, not the date — the serial number carries the build date. Use the full 153.xxxxxx number for parts and manuals on Sears PartsDirect.
Is my Kenmore actually a State or A.O. Smith water heater?
Most likely yes. The modern Kenmore date code is the same as State's, and State is an A.O. Smith brand. If your serial starts with four digits, decode it as the State / A.O. Smith year+week code and use the A.O. Smith or State page to confirm.
My Kenmore serial starts with a letter — how do I read it?
That is an older State / A.O. Smith letter style (for example a month letter plus a two-digit year), not the modern year+week code. The decoder routes these to verification. Use the routing table above and confirm with the maker.
Can you still buy Kenmore water heaters?
No — Kenmore water heaters are believed to have been discontinued around 2021, after Sears' 2018 bankruptcy and the brand's move to Transformco. Parts and manuals are still available through Sears PartsDirect by model number.
Where is the serial number on a Kenmore water heater?
On the rating/specification plate on the side of the tank, usually near the gas control valve and the energy-guide label, next to the model number.
Is my Kenmore warranty still good after Sears' bankruptcy?
It is unreliable. With Sears bankrupt and the brand owned by Transformco, original Kenmore warranty service is uncertain; claims are often best directed to the underlying maker (most commonly State / A.O. Smith). Use that maker's verification tool with your serial.
How long do Kenmore water heaters last?
About 8 to 12 years for a tank unit, like other brands. State / A.O. Smith, the common Kenmore maker, suggests considering replacement after about 10 years if the unit leaks or runs erratically.
Is my Kenmore part of the Ultra-Low NOx recall?
Kenmore-branded gas Ultra-Low NOx units with serial first-four-digits 1115 through 1631 (built April 2011 to August 2016) were recalled for a fire hazard. Check your model and serial at waterheaterrecall.com, or call (866) 880-4661 (the Kenmore / A.O. Smith / State line).
Sources & verification
The serial and date-code rules and examples are sourced below — from manufacturer and inspector references — with recall data from the CPSC. Edge-case formats and broader context (lifespan, inspection, insurance, code) are separately sourced too. Confirm an individual unit with the official lookup.
Kenmore (Sears) water heaters were manufactured and rebranded by A.O. Smith, Rheem, State, and Whirlpool, so the serial style depends on the maker: State/Whirlpool modern units use the first-four-digit year+week code (1210A002243 = 2012 wk10); older A.O. Smith units use a letter-led style; Rheem uses its own. Kenmore water heaters are believed discontinued (~2021); brand now owned by Transformco.
Kenmore water heaters use the Sears source-code model family 153.xxxxxx, and most modern Kenmore tanks were built by State (an A.O. Smith brand), sharing State's first-four-digit year+week date code. A.O. Smith acquired State Industries in 2001; State's modern YYWW serial code begins around 2008.
Parts and manuals for Kenmore water heaters are still listed by full 153.xxxxxx model number; use the complete model number off the rating plate, not the marketing name.
Official State tool that returns warranty status and coverage from the water heater's serial number.
Official A.O. Smith tool/guidance: the manufacturing date is read from the serial number's leading digits (year then week).
~616,000 30/40/50-gallon gas Ultra-Low NOx water heaters built Apr 8 2011–Aug 1 2016 (serial first-four-digits 1115 through 1631) recalled for a burner-screen fire hazard (recall announced Nov 8 2018); sold under A.O. Smith, State, American, Kenmore, Reliance, U.S. Craftmaster, and Whirlpool. Check model+serial at waterheaterrecall.com. Recall hotline differs by brand: American/Whirlpool/U.S. Craftmaster 866-854-2793; A.O. Smith/State/Reliance/Kenmore 866-880-4661.