Are you curious about how to tell how old a water heater is? Many homeowners in Lakeland have the same question. After all, you need to know the age of your water heater so you can schedule maintenance, or make plans to replace the unit.
First, look at the installation paperwork of your home’s water heater. If you cannot find it, check for a sticker on the side of the tank for a printed serial number. Examine the serial number to determine the year and month when the company constructed your water heater.
Why Knowing Your Water Heater’s Age Matters
Homeowners in Lakeland want to know how old their particular water heater is, because different types of heaters provide a longer service life than others.
- Tank-style units should operate for 8 to 12 years
- Tankless water heaters usually run for up to 20 years
When you cannot find the serial number or date of manufacture, assume that the tank might already be aging to the point that you’ll need to upgrade it shortly.
The age of your unit also affects its efficiency. The older the water heater, the more energy it tends to use to provide the same level of heating. Consequently, you’ll pay higher utility bills.
Older water heaters are prone to breaking down as they get closer to the end of their ordinary service life, especially when homeowners forget to schedule maintenance and inspections each year.
Locating the Manufacturer’s Label
Look on the side of the tank for a serial number sticker, often placed next to the energy savings and warning stickers.
The label may only show the manufacturing date, or include a serial number that needs to be decoded to learn when the unit was built.
Decoding the Serial Number by Brand
Each manufacturer can use its own method for serial numbers. Here are details to decipher your unit’s serial number and determine its age.
A.O. Smith Water Heaters:
The manufacturer lists two digits at the start of its serial number to show what year the unit was built. It shows the week it was built with the second two digits.
Bradford White Water Heaters:
The first letter of a Bradford White water heater’s serial number indicates the year it was produced. The second letter tells you the month.
Year:
A water heater built in 1984 or 2004 comes with a Bradford White serial number starting with the letter “A.” The serial number will start with “B” if the company built it in 1985 or 2005, and so on.
Bradford White repeats letters in a cycle every 20 years.
Month:
The letter “A” refers to January, while the letter “B” indicates February, and so on.
If your water heater’s unit has a serial number starting with “AB,” the manufacturer produced it in February of 1984 or 2004. If you cannot tell just by looking at your unit whether it’s more than 20 years old or was made more recently, we are standing by to assist. ‘
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s experts are adept at figuring out the age of our Lakeland customers’ water heaters.
Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters:
Rheem and Ruud water heaters have a serial number that uses a MMYY format to show the month and year. A serial number with “0421” means the company manufactured the unit in April 2021.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Aging
Wondering if your water heater is growing old? Here are the main signs to look out for:
- Loud, unusual rumbling noises
- Rusty colored water
- Water leaking near the tank
- Inconsistent temperature
Did you notice any of these signs? If so, get in touch with the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today. We’ll send a plumber to your home to inspect the water heater and tell you about whether it’s best to fix or replace it.
When to Contact a Professional
You should give us a call if you are uncertain about the age of your Lakeland home’s water heater, or if you already have noticed problems.
Homeowners who can’t find the serial number or paperwork showing the manufacturing date will also want to contact us for service to find out the status of their water heater.
To keep your water heater working properly for as long as possible, we provide annual inspections and maintenance services.
When it comes time to upgrade your water heater, talk with us about potential government, manufacturer or utility rebates, which will save you money on the new unit.
Benefits of Upgrading an Old Water Heater
You’ll benefit when you have us install a new water heater. For example, your utility bills should be reduced since a new unit will be much more energy-efficient.
The upgraded water heater will have a manufacturer’s warranty to help further reduce the costs of ownership.
If your family is trying to reduce your carbon footprint, we will explain the newest technology options, such as hybrid electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters.
Is Your Water Heater Nearing Its Last Days? Here’s What to Do
Check the installation documents to verify how old the water heater is. Or, look on the side of the water heater for its serial number or a manufacturer’s label that shows when the company produced the unit.
When a water heater is getting near the end of its useful service period, it pays to schedule proactive maintenance with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing as soon as possible. We’ll keep it running as long as possible.
Don’t Get Caught Without Hot Water – Let’s Check Your Heater Today!
To ensure that hot water continues flowing in your Lakeland home, contact us for a water heater inspection.
We’ll check out the unit and determine how much longer it may operate before needing replacement.
Call us today to schedule service!
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions from Lakeland homeowners about aging water heaters and their maintenance:
How can I find the serial number on my water heater?
Locate the serial number next to the warning label and energy guide stickers on the side of the tank.
What does it mean if my water heater is making rumbling noises?
Rumbling sounds may occur when calcium, dirt and sediment accumulate on the bottom of the tank. The noises result as the water heats up.
Is rusty water always a sign of a failing water heater?
It’s likely that you’re seeing rusty water from your unit because of rust and corrosion. We’ll inspect your water heater to verify its condition.
Can I determine the age of my water heater without the serial
number?
The company may have included a manufacturer label on the side of the water heater that shows when it was produced. You can also consult the records from when a plumber installed the water heater.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a newer water heater model?
A big benefit is warranty protection for your upgraded water heater. The new unit will be more energy efficient, so you can anticipate seeing reduced power bills.
How often should I have my water heater inspected?
For best results, schedule a water heater inspection once every year. That way, if we discover a problem while it’s still relatively small, it will be easier and less expensive to fix.