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How Can I Tell How Old My Water Heater Is?

Identifying Potential Issues and Their Solutions

Whether your water heater isn’t heating water properly, is leaking, or making strange noises, it’s crucial to identify and address the issue promptly. Most household appliances have a limited lifespan, and understanding the age of your water heater can be key to determining whether a repair is viable or if it’s time for a replacement. Even more encouraging, some water heaters may still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Locating Essential Information

If you don’t keep detailed household records and receipts, don’t worry. Many water heaters have a label affixed to the side of the unit, displaying essential information you need.

Different Manufacturers – Same Technique

Although the method to determine the age of your water heater varies slightly by manufacturer, the general approach remains similar. Almost every water heater has a rating plate, but its location might differ.

The plate usually includes the manufacturer, model, tank capacity (for tank heaters), wattage of the heating elements, and the year of manufacture. Deciphering this information is somewhat like cracking a code, and the key to this code varies depending on the water heater’s manufacturer.

How Old is My Water Heater?

To find out the age of your water heater, first identify the manufacturer, which should be clearly listed on the label. Then, proceed to determine the unit’s age. Here’s how you can do this for a few top manufacturers:

Rheem and A.O. Smith Water Heater Age:

Look for a serial number with 10-11 digits. The first four digits represent the month and year of manufacture. For example, Serial #0915****** indicates that your unit was manufactured in September 2015.

Bradford White Water Heater Age:

Bradford White uses a coding system for its serial numbers. The serial number starts with two letters, where the first letter represents the year and the second the month of manufacture. You can check their latest production codes online.

American Water Heater Age:

American Water Heater simplifies the process. Their serial numbers, consisting of 10 digits, begin with the year of manufacture followed by the week of the year. So, a serial number starting with 1220 means the unit was made in the 20th week of 2012.

Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement?

If your water heater brand isn’t listed, contact us for assistance or use NACHI’s serial number decoder. Remember, your water heater might still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. For any repair or replacement needs, discussions about an upgrade, or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here to ensure quick and efficient solutions for your water heater concerns.

Contact Our Water
Heater Experts Today!

The water heater in your home is often overlooked — but it’s one of the most important appliances and provides a great deal of comfort on a daily basis. The good news is that Fast Water Heater can keep your hot water flowing with our fast, dependable, and hassle-free services. After all, we specialize in everything from water heater maintenance and repairs to comprehensive installations.

Hot water is an essential part of everyday life, and if you’re without it, don’t wait to get the problem fixed. Contact us today to get a free quote!

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