If you’re one of those folks who struggle with keeping track of dates, we get it! Dates can be tough to remember, especially when you have so much going on as a homeowner. But here’s something important to know: the age of your water heater. Why does it matter? Well, if your water heater has been around for a while, it might be getting close to the end of its life. So, if you have no clue how old your water heater is, you might be in for a not-so-pleasant surprise when it does decide to retire and you’re left scrambling to find a replacement. That’s no good!
If you’re curious about the age of your water heater, here are a few steps from Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain to help you out.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A WATER HEATER?
Generally, a properly maintained gas water heater has an average lifespan of 8-12 years, while an electric one can last for about 10-15 years. It is important to note that the longevity of these appliances is influenced by the level of care and maintenance they receive throughout their lifespan.
HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT HOW OLD YOUR WATER HEATER IS?
To figure out how old your unit is, you have to find the manufacture date. But the thing is – most water heater models might not have the manufacture date clearly labeled on the unit – meaning you may not find anything clearly written on the label that says “Manufacture Date” or “MFR Date.” Instead, it could be hidden in the serial number. Oh, and to make things more interesting, it can differ depending on the brand and model. Yikes! Although it sounds a bit stressful, stay with us. Determining the manufacture date of your water is not all that bad.
Step One – Find the Serial Number:
- The Product Label: First, check out the product label. You can usually find it on the side of the water heater. It will contain all the information about the unit. With some luck, you should be able to see the serial number on this label.
- The User Manual: Next, try looking at the user manual. If you have the manual that came with the water heater, it might have some info on where to find the serial number.
- The Manufacturer’s Website: Lastly, as another option to find the serial number, try the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find the serial number in person, just head to their website and look at the support or product information section. They should have some helpful guidance on finding the serial number.
Step Two – Decode the Serial Number:
- Once you’ve got the serial number, the next step is to decode it and determine when it was made. Remember, different manufacturers have different serial number formats, but most follow a similar pattern. Basically, the manufacture date should be in the serial number.
- The easiest thing you can do is check out the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a tool to decode the manufacturing date. If not, you can put your online detective skills to good use by typing in your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” into your favorite online search engine. You’ll come across several websites with step-by-step instructions on how to decode the manufacture date of your specific model.
DO YOU NEED A NEW WATER HEATER?
Now that you’ve figured out how old your water heater is, are you starting to think it might be time for a replacement soon? There are a bunch of details to consider when weighing your options. But we’ve got you covered! We’re here to answer your questions, schedule a free estimate, or even chat about our great financing options. So why wait? Give us a call today!
Call Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 463 – 6947 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
