Are you concerned about the condition of your water heater, wondering if it’s about to fail?
It’s important for Bradenton, FL homeowners to know the age of their water heater, to plan maintenance or replacement of the unit.
One of the easiest ways to tell the age of the water heater is to check your files for the installation paperwork. If you don’t have these records, you can check the manufacturer’s serial number. Serial numbers typically indicate the month and year of manufacture.
Why Knowing Your Water Heater’s Age Matters
You’ll want to track the age of your Bradenton water heater because tank-style units tend to last 8-12 years, while tankless heaters can provide up to 20 years of service.
If you cannot remember when you had your unit installed, or if the previous homeowner purchased the water heater, it may already be due for replacement.
As a water heater ages, it can operate less efficiently, which leads to higher energy bills. The potential for the unit to fail also increases, especially when homeowners don’t arrange annual inspections and maintenance.
Locating the Manufacturer’s Label
Look on the side of the water heater for the manufacturer’s label. It’s usually placed near warning stickers and energy savings information.
Check the label for the unit’s serial number or its manufacturing date.
Decoding the Serial Number by Brand
Each manufacturer has its own way of designating the month and year of production. Here’s how to interpret the serial numbers for different water heater brands.
A.O. Smith Water Heaters:
This manufacturer uses serial numbers where the first two digits represent the year and the next two digits represent the week of manufacture.
Bradford White Water Heaters:
The first letter of a Bradford White water heater serial number indicates the year, and the second letter indicates the month.
Year:
If the first letter is “A,” the unit was produced in 1984 or 2004, and “B” means 1985 or 2005, and so on. Bradford White employs a 20-year letter cycle, repeating the letters every two decades.
Month:
“A” stands for January and “B” stands for February, and so on.
So a Bradford White water heater serial number that begins with “BA” means the water heater was built in January of 1985 or 2005. It’s not very likely that your unit will be functioning properly if it’s more than 20 years old.
Rest assured that, based on inspecting your water heater, one of our knowledgeable plumbers will be able to tell if the unit was produced in the last few years or more than two decades ago.
Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters:
Look at the serial number’s first four digits, following a MMYY format for month of manufacture and year of manufacturer. “0915” would indicate a Rheem and Ruud water heater was built in September 2015.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Aging
Here are physical and performance indicators of an aging water heater in your Bradenton home:
* Rusty water
* Weird, rumbling noises
* Leaking water
* Inconsistent water temperature
If you notice any or all of these signs, they point to an aging unit that you may need a professional plumber to replace.
An expert from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will inspect your unit and advise you whether it needs replacement now.
When to Contact a Professional
If your water heater is showing signs of aging, or if you cannot find or interpret the unit’s serial number, it’s time to call a professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
We offer inspections, maintenance, repairs and replacement services for water heaters in Bradenton. To save you money, we’ll let you know about the latest utility, government and manufacturer rebates.
Benefits of Upgrading an Old Water Heater
If your water heater needs to be replaced, you will benefit from an upgrade:
Manufacturers produce newer models that operate much more efficiently. You’ll use less power and therefore save money on each utility bill.
We’ll explain your options, such as hybrid electric units and heat pump water heaters that reduce operational costs.
Is Your Water Heater Nearing Its Last Days? Here’s What to Do
The first thing to do if you suspect your water heater is getting close to retirement is to check its age (from installation paperwork or the serial number printed on the sticker stuck to the side of the unit).
You should schedule proactive maintenance as soon as possible, to avoid unexpected failure. Our team has years of experience determining when it’s finally time to replace an aging water heater.
Don’t Get Caught Without Hot Water – Let’s Check Your Heater Today!
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for professional assistance with your aging water heater. We’ll be happy to consult with you and set up an inspection at a time that’s most convenient for your family.
We are experts at diagnosing water heater issues and determining if maintenance, repair or replacement is needed.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions our customers call to ask us about water heater age and maintenance.
How can I find the serial number on my water heater?
Usually, manufacturers place a label with the unit’s serial number on the side of the water heater, near the energy guide and warning labels.
What does it mean if my water heater is making rumbling noises?
Strange rumbling sounds are typically an indication that sediment, dirt and calcium have built up inside the water heater. With this material settling on the bottom of the heater, noise occurs as water starts heating up.
Is rusty water always a sign of a failing water heater?
Rusty water indicates that the water heater has grown rusty from the hot water it holds and circulates. The rust-colored water shows that the unit is probably already starting to corrode. A professional plumber should inspect the heater to verify its status.
Can I determine the age of my water heater without the serial
number?
If you do not have the original paperwork from when the water heater was installed and you cannot locate the serial number, see if a manufacturer label is stuck on the side of the unit.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a newer water heater model?
A major benefit is that a newer model will run more efficiently, saving you money and conserving natural resources. You will also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a brand-new unit with a manufacturer’s warranty.
How often should I have my water heater inspected?
The professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing recommend that you schedule an inspection once annually for your water heater. We’ll catch small problems while they’re easier and less expensive to address.