Working silently in the background, your dependable water heater provides soothing showers, clean dishes, and fresh laundry, amongst many other things. However, like other appliances, water heaters have a lifespan (averaging around 8-12 years.) Therefore, we firmly advocate keeping tabs on your water heater’s age. Now, we understand that adding another date to remember might not be at the top of your list, but knowing your water heater’s age can prove invaluable for maintenance, potential repairs, or planning a replacement. Avoiding unwelcome surprises is key, so let’s dive into the following steps provided by your trusted experts at New Albany Plumbing & Drain.
Examine Your Records for Installation Date:
If you are still in possession of your water heater’s installation records, uncovering its age should be a straightforward process. The installation date will give you the answer you need if you can find these papers. If not, continue to the next step below.
Locate the Serial Number:
Most water heaters are equipped with a product label that will contain the serial number. You will first need to obtain this serial number so that you can pinpoint the manufacture date. The manufacture date of your water heater will be the next best thing to figure out your unit’s age. This alphanumeric code is the key, as manufacturers often encode the manufacturing date within it, although the format may vary.
To find the serial number, try these steps:
- Identify the serial number on the product label, which should be on the water heater.
- Look in the user manual for guidance on how to find the serial number.
- Keep in mind that some manufacturers utilize a simple code where the first four digits represent the year and week of production (e.g., YYWW).
Utilize Your Online Resources:
Once you have located the serial number, now it’s time to decode the manufacture date. You can achieve this by jotting down your water heater’s brand and serial number, then typing in the phrase “manufacture date,” into your preferred search engine. After you click “search”, the results should lead you to several informative websites offering specific instructions on how to utilize the serial number to decode your water heater’s manufacture date. Bravo! You did it! Now you can rest easy knowing exactly how old your water heater is and plan accordingly.
Your Next Plumbing Inspection:
Should you encounter challenges in ascertaining your water heater’s age, our certified plumbers are ready to assist during your next seasonal checkup. We are committed to addressing all your plumbing needs. So, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Depend on New Albany Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs! Call today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!