If you are one of those people who aren’t very good at remembering specific dates, we don’t blame you one bit! Dates aren’t exactly the easiest thing to remember, and when you are a homeowner, there is quite a bit that rests upon your shoulders that you need to keep track of. But if you didn’t know already, it’s important to know your water heater’s age, specifically when it was put into service. Why? If your water heater has been around for a while, it may be nearing the end of its life. So, if you have no idea just how old your water heater is, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when it decides to retire officially, and you have no choice but to get a replacement.
Referencing your water heater for its manufacture date should give you an idea of how old it is. Follow these steps from your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain to help determine its age.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WATER HEATER?
On average, a well-maintained gas water heater can last anywhere from 8-12 years, while a well-maintained electric water heater can average a life expectancy of 10-15 years. Naturally, service life is based upon the care and maintenance a unit has received over the past years.
HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE HOW OLD YOUR WATER HEATER IS?
Find the manufacture date, and you will find out your unit’s age. Keep in mind, most water heater models do not have the manufacture date labeled clearly on the unit. In other words, you likely won’t find the words “manufacture date” labeled clearly on the unit for you to pinpoint easily. Every brand and model will vary, but typically, you will find the manufacture date coded within the serial number.
Step One:
- The Product Label: Check the product label. On the water heater, you should be able to find a product label containing information about the unit. Generally, you can find the serial number printed on this label.
- The User Manual: Next, try the user manual. If you have the user manual that came with the water heater, it may contain information on where to find the serial number.
- The Manufacturer’s Website: Lastly, check the manufacturer’s website. Suppose you still have not been able to locate the serial number physically. In that case, you can visit the manufacturer’s website and check their support or product information section for guidance on locating the serial number.
Step Two:
- Once you’ve located the serial number, the next step is to decode it to find the manufacture date. Remember, different manufacturers have varying serial number formats, but most follow a similar pattern. Generally, the serial number contains the date of manufacture embedded within it.
- The easiest thing you can do is check the manufacturer’s website to see if they offer a decoding tool for the manufacture date. If not, you can utilize your online investigative skills by entering your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” into your favorite online search engine. You should have several sites populated, providing detailed instructions on decoding your particular model’s manufacture date.
ARE YOU DUE FOR A REPLACEMENT?
Bravo! You did it! Now that you’ve figured out how old your water heater is, do you suspect you may be soon due for a replacement? There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about your replacement options. So, let us help ease your load! We can answer any questions you may have or even discuss our financing options with you. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today!
You can reach Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!