If you’re one of those folks who struggle with remembering dates, we totally get it! Dates can be tough to keep track of, especially when you have so much on your plate as a homeowner. But something important to know is the age of your water heater. Why does it matter? Well, if your water heater has been around for a while, it might be nearing the end of its life. So, if you have no clue how old your water heater is, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when it decides to retire, and you’re left scrambling for a replacement.
If you want to figure out how old your water heater is, here are some steps from Five Star Columbus Plumbing to help you out.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A WATER HEATER?
Typically, a well-kept gas water heater can stick around for about 8-12 years, while an electric one can go for 10-15 years. Of course, how long they last will depend on how well they’ve been taken care of over the years.
HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT HOW OLD YOUR WATER HEATER IS?
To figure out how old your unit is, you need to find the manufacture date. But keep in mind most water heater models may not have the manufacture date clearly labeled on the unit. Instead, it may be coded within the serial number. Plus, it varies by brand and model.
Step One – Find the Serial Number:
- The Product Label: Check the product label. You can usually spot a product label on the water heater with all the unit info. On this label, you’ll typically find the serial number printed.
- The User Manual: Next, give the user manual a shot. If you have the manual that came with the water heater, it might have info on where to find the serial number.
- The Manufacturer’s Website: Lastly, try visiting the manufacturer’s website. If you still can’t find the serial number, head to their website and check out the support or product information section. They should have some guidance on finding the serial number.
Step Two – Decode the Serial Number:
- Once you’ve found the serial number, the next thing to do is decode it to figure out when it was made. Just keep in mind that manufacturers have different formats for their serial numbers, but most of them follow a similar pattern. Basically, the serial number should have the manufacturing date in it.
- The simplest thing you can do is check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a tool to decode the manufacture date. If not, you can use your online detective skills by entering your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” into your go-to search engine. You should find several sites with detailed instructions on decoding the manufacture date of your specific model.
DO YOU NEED A NEW WATER HEATER?
Awesome job! You nailed it! Now that you’ve figured out the age of your water heater, are you thinking it might be time for a replacement soon? There’s a lot to think about when considering your options. But hey, don’t worry; we’ve got your back! We’re here to answer your questions and chat about financing options. So why wait? Give us a call today!
Call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
