Kenmore Elec 153.320592

[Marcplante]

The Hi Limit shutoff switch on our 7 year old Kenmore heater tripped...so much for the morning shower.

Does this indicate the thermostat is going? Are there likely culprits in these units?

Would it be the Top thermostat with the Hi limit switch? [42 31917]

Does the bottom thermostat matter? or does that just drive the bottom coil? [42 31919]

While I'm in the basement mucking around with the heater, is it worth opening up to clean coils to extend the heater's life? Water is not too hard, though there is a bit of reddish brown film that seems to build up on shower heads over time. We have municipal treated water as opposed to well water.

Domo

[RegUS_PatOff]

Does this indicate the thermostat is going? Are there likely culprits in these units?

Would it be the Top thermostat with the Hi limit switch? [42 31917]

Does the bottom thermostat matter? or does that just drive the bottom coil? [42 31919]

1) yes

2) & 3) could be either one... they both heat the water.

you could change them both, since if one is worn-out, the other may soon follow.

and / or maybe the lower Element / Thermostat isn't working at all...

153.320592 Owners Manual