Water heaters have a typical life expectancy of 10 to 15 years for tank-type systems and 20 years for tankless models. When the appliance reaches the end of its life, you might hear loud noises, experience temperature fluctuations, and see rust in your water. That’s why it’s best to research replacements before equipment finally fails. To find out the age of your tank, consult the tips below. 

How to Determine the Age of a Water Heater

1. Look for the Owner’s Manual

If you have it tucked away in a drawer, get out the manual that came with the water heater. Although it might not state the manufacturer date for your specific product, you can still get an idea of when it was built. Look for the copyright date of the publication. 

2. Refer to the Label

If you don’t have the manual, look at the unit for guidance. On the outer lining, you should see several stickers. Look for the label with a serial number. It should be near the energy guide information and warning stickers. Depending on your make and model of water heater, the installation date should be located on the serial sticker.

3. Decipher the Serial Number  

If the installation date is unclear, use the serial number to figure out the date of manufacture. For example, with a Rheem® system, 1209D1234 can be grouped as the month of manufacture “12” and the year it was built “09.” The last five characters indicate the plant identifying code.    

 

If it’s time for a new water heater, reach out to Don's Plumbing. The Spring Branch, TX-based, insured, and bonded plumbers will help you find a suitable replacement. With a master license and more than 30 years of experience, they will also make sure it is installed correctly. For installation in Canyon Lake or the surrounding areas, call (830) 964-4477. Take a look online to see additional services the company offers and connect on Facebook for suggestions to improve your plumbing system.