If remembering dates isn’t your forte, we get it. Dates can be tricky to remember, especially when you’ve got a lot on your plate as a homeowner. But here’s the thing: when it comes to your water heater, knowing your water heater’s age is actually pretty important. Why? Well, if your water heater has been around for a while, it might be nearing the end of its life. So, if you have no clue how old your water heater is, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when it decides to call it quits, and you’re left scrambling for a replacement.
If you want to know how old your water heater is and you have no paperwork for it or whatnot, you’ll want to check for its manufacture date. Here’s what you can do, according to Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain professionals, to figure out its age.
WHAT IS THE GENERAL LIFESPAN OF A WATER HEATER?
Typically, a gas water heater can hang in there for about 8-12 years, while an electric one can keep going for 10-15 years. Of course, how well you’ve treated your unit plays a big role in its service life.
HOW CAN YOU FIGURE OUT HOW OLD YOUR WATER HEATER IS?
If you want to know how old your unit is, try finding the manufacture date. Just keep in mind that most water heater models don’t have the manufacture date clearly labeled on the unit. In other words, you won’t easily find the words “manufacture date” spelled out for you. On top of that, the manufacture date is usually coded within the serial number, but it can vary depending on the brand and model.
Step One:
- Take a look at the product label, which should be on the water heater. This label should contain all the info about the unit. Usually, the serial number can be found on this label.
- If you can’t find the serial number on the label, give the user manual a shot next. It might have info on where to find the serial number.
- You can check out the manufacturer’s website as a last resort. If you can’t find the serial number, head to the manufacturer’s site online and look for the support or product info section. They should have some helpful tips on finding the serial number.
Step Two:
- Once you’ve found the serial number, the next thing to do is decode it to find the manufacturing date. Keep in mind that different manufacturers have different formats for their serial numbers, but most of them follow a similar pattern. Usually, the serial number includes the manufacture date.
- The simplest thing you can do is check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a decoding tool for the manufacture date. If not, you can use your online detective skills by entering your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” into your preferred search engine. You’ll find several sites with detailed instructions on how to decode the manufacture date of your specific model.
ARE YOU DUE FOR AN UPGRADE?
Awesome job! Now that you’ve figured out the age of your water heater, are you thinking it might be time for an upgrade? There are a bunch of things to consider when looking at your options. Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help make it easier for you! We can answer any questions you have or even talk about financing options. So why wait? Give us a call today!
Call Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-3731 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!