Problem with electric water heater element

[mrsargemeister]

Hello all, I'm having an issue with my hot water heater element life. Heres the situation:

Its a 50gal kenmore dual element heater. Elements are the screw in type. Although the way it was wired operates the top element only. Looks like theres a separate thermostat for each element. An adjustable one at the bottom, and a factory set one at the top.

The first element lasted several years. The second element lasted about a year. The third element I replaced lasted only 1 month. All the elements had scale build up.

One month is wayy too short life span. What is the best quality element on the market? Or is there another problem here that I'm unaware of.

[RegUS_PatOff]

model number ?

[mrsargemeister]

model is # 153.320560 HI

[RegUS_PatOff]

153.320560 Parts List & Diagrams at SearsPartsDirect

Made by State Industries

shows the (2) Heating Elements that look the same, but are probably different

with only the Top Element working, it'll be over-worked..

shows Lower Element N/A

[mrsargemeister]

i think this water heater is designed to be wired for single or dual element use. The first upper element lasted about 3 yrs. I cant figure out why the replacement lasted only a month. Any good quality recommendations you can offer? I'm looking forward to anything you can find. Thanks for your help.

[RegUS_PatOff]

what replacement Element did you use ?

the lower Element is more important .. that's where the Heat shoud start .. heat rises

[mrsargemeister]

i used a genuine kenmore element 3800W 240V #31906

[RegUS_PatOff]

that would be the one ..

I'm searching to see what the lower Element should be ..

 

[mrsargemeister]

ok thanks, do you by chance have the owners manual for this unit or should I try the separate forum? I want to read how the connections should be for dual element use. Thanks for your help!

[RegUS_PatOff]

I can't find any manuals, yet ..

[mrsargemeister]

any updates on the info or am I out of luck?

[RegUS_PatOff]

I can't find anything else ..