If your water tank isn’t heating properly, leaking, or making unusual noises, you could be facing a problem that needs attention. Most household appliances won’t last forever. However, you might be able to fix an issue by identifying the make, model, and age of your unit. Even better, some water heaters might still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Keeping thorough household records and receipts can help you bypass the need to search for the model and serial number. However, not everyone maintains such organization. Luckily, many water heaters have essential information printed on a label attached to the side of the unit.
Different Manufacturers, Similar Technique
The method to determine your water tank’s age slightly varies by manufacturer, but the general approach remains the same. Nearly every water heater has a rating plate, though its location may differ.
This plate provides information about the manufacturer, model, tank capacity (for tank heaters), heating element wattage, and the unit’s production year. Deciphering this information can feel like cracking a code, with each manufacturer having its own key.
Determining the Age of Your Water Tank
To find out your water heater’s age, identify the manufacturer first, which is usually clear on the label. Then, proceed to determine the unit’s age. Here’s how to do it for some popular manufacturers:
Rheem and A.O. Smith Age
Rheem and A.O. Smith use a straightforward method. The serial number on their plates (usually 10-11 digits) begins with four digits representing the month and year of manufacture. For example, Serial #0915****** indicates a manufacturing date of September 2015.
Bradford White Age
Bradford White uses a unique coding system. Their serial numbers start with two letters: the first for the year and the second for the month. You can refer to their latest production codes to decipher this.
American Water Heater Age
American Water Heater makes it easy to read their labels. The 10-digit serial number indicates the year of manufacture in the first two digits and the production week in the next two. For instance, a serial number starting with 1220 was manufactured in the 20th week of 2012.
Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
If your water heater’s brand isn’t listed above, don’t hesitate to reach out for help or consult NACHI’s serial number decoder. Remember, your unit might still be under warranty. For assistance with repairs, replacements, upgrades, or any queries, feel free to contact us. We’re committed to providing fast and efficient service!