How Old Is My Water Heater?
Figuring out how long your water heater will last is
difficult — depending on how it has been maintained, and the water quality, typical
40-50 gallon gas water heaters in Utah tend to last 8–15 years and usually come
with a 6 year limited parts warranty.
When water heaters fail, it can be extremely inconvenient, but
most of the time… a disaster. Unfortunately, most home insurance claims can be
denied if the water damage can be blamed on normal wear-n-tear of an old water
heater, or neglected maintenance. If you’re not sure how old your current water
heater is, or what condition it’s in, here are some tips to help you decide if
you should consider replacement…
Inspect
the unit:
Is
there any water leaking from the unit?
Is there
corrosion on the pipes on top of the unit?
Rust or
calcium deposits on top of the tank?
Does it
have earthquake straps? Expansion tank?
Are the
rings around the top and bottom of the tank starting to separate?
Locate
the install date:
Check the label
Check for a manufacturer label on the side of your water
heater — this should include the installation date.
If the label is missing, or the installation date is not
listed, you can use the serial number to determine the age of your unit.
Decoding the serial number
Serial number nomenclature is different with each
manufacturer. Find the brand name on your water heater and then see below to figure
out the age of your unit:
Rheem / Ruud
MMYY****
MM = Month of manufacture
YY = Year of
manufacture
Example: 1209D1234
= December 2009
Bradford White
Bradford White’s serial numbers
are trickier. The year of manufacture is the first letter of the serial number,
and the month is the second letter.
YM*******
Y = Year of
manufacture
A = 1984 or 2004 | B = 1985 or
2005 | C = 1986 or 2006 | D = 1987 or 2007 | E = 1988 or 2008 | F = 1989 or
2009 | G = 1990 or 2010 | H = 1991 or 2011 | J = 1992 or 2012 | K = 1993 or
2013 | L = 1994 or 2014 | M = 1995 or 2015 | N = 1996 or 2016 | P = 1997 or
2017 | S = 1998 or 2018 | T = 1999 or 2019 | W = 2000 | X = 2001 | Y = 2002 | Z
= 2003
** Bradford White water heaters made
20 years apart will have the same letter designation. Sheesh!
M = Month of
manufacture
A = January | B = February | C =
March | D = April | E = May | F = June | G = July | H = August | J = September
| K = October | L = November | M = December
Example: KH6511396
= August 2013
AO Smith / American
2008–present:
YYWW*******
YY = Year of
manufacture
WW = Week of
manufacture
Example:
16051234567 = 2016, 5th week (early February)
Pre-2008:
*MYY******
M = Month of
manufacture
A = January | B = February | C =
March | D = April | E = May | F = June | G = July | H = August | J = September
| K = October | L = November | M = December
YY = Year of
manufacture
Example:
4D051234567 = April 2005
Is your water heater’s brand not
listed here?
If not, check the NACHI’s chart to
learn more.
Time to Replace?
If it’s time to replace, or if you just want to upgrade, consider
having a high-efficient tankless water heater installed. Some benefits include:
*They save energy and money by
heating water only when needed.
*They provide an endless supply of
hot water for multiple uses.
*They take up less space and can be
installed on walls or outdoors.
*They last longer and have less
risk of leaking or exploding than tank heaters.
*They are safer and more
eco-friendly than tank heaters.
You may also qualify for a $300 rebate from ThermWise / Dominion
Energy.
Want to stay with a traditional gas tank water heater? If
your existing water heater was bought and installed before November 1, 2017,
you will still be helping out with our air quality in Utah as any water heater installed
since then is required to be Ultra LoNox, meaning less pollution from the
exhaust.
Learn more and schedule your free
estimate here.
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