Your dependable water heater operates inconspicuously, delivering warm showers, sanitized dishes, and fresh laundry, amongst many other things. However, like any household appliance, water heaters have a lifespan, typically ranging from eight to twelve years. Thus, we emphasize the importance of tracking your water heater’s age. Of course, we understand that adding another date to remember might not be ideal. Yet, we believe knowing your water heater’s age can prove invaluable for maintenance, potential repairs, or strategic replacement. Avoiding unexpected surprises is key, so here are some simple steps provided by your Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain experts to help you pinpoint your water heater’s age.
Retrieve Installation Date from Records:
If you have documentation indicating when your water heater was installed, determining its age becomes straightforward. The installation date is a dependable marker of the water heater’s age. So, if you find the installation date, you find its age. However, if you have somehow misplaced your paperwork with the water heater’s information, no problem. Try the steps below.
Locate the Serial Number:
Most water heaters bear a product label which should have the unit’s serial number on it. This alphanumeric code typically holds the key, with manufacturers often embedding the manufacturing date within it, though the format may vary. This means that you’ll need the serial number to decode the manufacture date of the water heater, which is the next best thing to determine its age. To locate the serial number:
- Look for it on the product label on your water heater.
- Consult the user manual for guidance if you have it available.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for directions.
Keep in mind, some manufacturers use a simple pattern where the initial four characters denote the year and week of production (e.g., YYWW).
Harness Online Resources:
Numerous online resources and databases are available to help determine your water heater’s age based on the serial number. Once you have the serial number, you can look up the manufacture date. Do this by typing in your water heater’s brand and serial number, plus the words “manufacture date” into your chosen online search engine, then click search. These steps should lead you to several informative websites offering specific instructions on using the serial number to decode your water heater’s manufacture date. At this point, you should now have your answer – the water heater’s manufacture date, which is the next best thing equivalent to its age. Congratulations! Your investigative skills paid off!
Your Professional Inspection:
If you still encounter difficulties determining your water heater’s age, our certified plumbers are ready to assist during your upcoming seasonal checkup. So, don’t hesitate to ask; we’d be more than happy to help you find this information!
Remember, we are here for all of your plumbing needs! Call Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 363-1924, or schedule an appointment by clicking here!