If remembering specific dates isn’t your forte, no worries! Dates can be tricky to recall, and as a responsible homeowner, you already have plenty on your plate that you have to remember. But here’s something crucial you should know – the age of your water heater. Why does it matter? Well, if your water heater has been in operation for a while, it might be approaching the end of its lifespan. So, if you have no clue about its age, you could be taken by surprise when it decides to retire officially, leaving you with no option but to find a replacement.
Let’s walk through these steps together, courtesy of your favorite Kettering Plumbing & Drain professionals:
HOW LONG DO WATER HEATERS LAST?
On average, a well-maintained gas water heater can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, while a well-maintained electric water heater can typically serve for 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan depends on how well the unit has been cared for and maintained over the years.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DECODE A WATER HEATER’S AGE?
The key is to find the manufacture date, which can help reveal your unit’s age. However, most water heater models do not have the manufacture date clearly labeled on the unit itself. Instead, the date is often coded within the serial number, which varies among different brands and models.
Step One – Find the Serial Number:
- Try checking the product label on the water heater for the serial number.
- Try checking the user manual that came with the water heater; it may provide information on where to find the serial number.
- Try visiting the manufacturer’s website and explore their support or product information section to find the serial number.
Step Two – Decode the Serial Number:
Once you have the serial number, the next step is to decode it to find the manufacture date. While different manufacturers may use varying formats for their serial numbers, most include the date of manufacture embedded within it. The easiest approach is to check the manufacturer’s website to see if they offer a decoding tool for the manufacture date. If that’s not available, you can utilize your online investigative skills by entering your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” into your favorite search engine. You should find several sites with detailed instructions on how to decode the manufacture date specific to your model.
DO YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY NEED A NEW WATER HEATER?
At this point, you should have now found the date you were looking for, so congratulations on figuring out your water heater’s age! If you suspect it’s time for a replacement, we’re here to help you make the right decision. We can answer any questions you have and discuss financing options with you. Don’t wait any longer—give us a call today!
Call Kettering Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!