Florida homeowners need to determine the age of their water heater to effectively schedule maintenance or prepare to have a plumber install a new unit.
Begin by checking the documentation that came with your water heater when it was first installed, to learn the manufacturing date.
If you cannot access this information, look for the manufacturer’s sticker on the side of the water heater, which should show you a serial number you can decode to find the year the manufacturer made it.
Why Knowing Your Water Heater’s Age Matters
It’s crucial for Florida residents to know the age of their water heater. This is because different kinds of water heaters last longer than others:
- Tank-style units are generally designed to last 8 to 12 years
- Tankless water heaters can provide service for as many as 20 years
When you do not have the manufacturing date, be aware that your water heater could already be so old that it should be replaced soon.
Consider that as your water heater ages, it will work less efficiently, causing utility bills to rise. And aging water heaters are more likely to break down than newer units. This is particularly the case when Florida homeowners do not schedule annual inspections and maintenance.
Locating the Manufacturer’s Label
Locate the manufacturer’s label on the side of the water heater. It’s often placed near the energy saving information and warning labels.
Sometimes, the manufacturer only affixes a sticker with the production date. If there is a serial number, you’ll need to decode it to find out when the company built your water heater.
Decoding the Serial Number by Brand
Manufacturers devise their own system for creating water heater serial numbers.
Follow these tips to figure out the age of your unit based on its serial number:
A.O. Smith Water Heaters:
A.O. Smith water heaters have a serial number starting with two digits signifying the year of manufacture. Their second two digits show the week they built your water heater.
Bradford White Water Heaters:
A Bradford White water heater has a serial number where the first letter tells which year it was built. The company uses the second letter to indicate the month.
Year:
If they built the water heater in 1984 or 2004, the serial number begins with the letter “A,” while a water heater built in either 1985 or 2005 will have a serial number starting with “B,” and so on for each year. Bradford White uses a 20-year cycle for the letters it uses in serial numbers.
Month:
Bradford White indicates the month of January with the letter “A” as the second character in their serial number. February is indicated with the letter “B,” and so on in this pattern.
Accordingly, if your Bradford White water heater’s serial number starts with “BB, it means they made your unit in February of 1985 or 2005.
If you are not sure how to interpret your Bradford White serial number, contact us to check out the unit. The experts at
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have the skills and experience to quickly determine the age of water heaters for our Florida customers.
Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters:
This company’s water heaters are identified with a serial number using a MMYY format to show the production month and year. So, a serial number with “0622” means that Rheem and Ruud manufactured your unit in June 2022.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Aging
Are you concerned that your water heater is aging? Here are some key identifiers to be aware of:
- Water heater produces strange, loud rumbling noises
- Water is rusty
- Water is leaking from the unit
- Temperature is inconsistent
Have you noticed any of these indicators? Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to set up an appointment to check out your water heater’s status. We’ll determine whether it’s more economical to repair or upgrade the unit.
When to Contact a Professional
We advise you to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you can’t be certain how old your water heater is, or in situations where you hear or see troubling signs of aging.
And if you can’t locate the installation paperwork or a sticker showing the manufacturing date or a serial number, it’s best to reach out to us to schedule an inspection.
You’ll be glad to know that our team offers annual maintenance services to keep our Florida customers’ water heaters working to their full potential.
And when you need to replace your aging water heater, ask us about the latest rebates, which will help you save money on the purchase.
Benefits of Upgrading an Old Water Heater
A chief benefit of upgrading is that your new water heater will come with warranty protection, which covers your investment if repairs are needed.
An upgraded water heater also benefits you because it will operate much more efficiently than the unit it replaced. This results in reduced power bills. For details about the most efficient units currently on the market, consult with us on new technology, including heat pump water heaters and hybrid electric water heaters.
Is Your Water Heater Nearing Its Last Days? Here’s What to Do
It’s a good idea to find out when exactly the manufacturer built your water heater. Look for your installation documents or find the serial number on the side of the tank.
If your unit is nearing its final days, you should contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to set an appointment for proactive maintenance. With ongoing inspections and maintenance, we can keep your aging water heater working longer.
Don’t Get Caught Without Hot Water – Let’s Check Your Heater Today!
You don’t want your family to be deprived of hot water. We’re ready to evaluate your Florida home’s water heater, checking to see how long it can still work. We’ll advise you on when it will need to be upgraded or if repairs will suffice for now.
Contact our experts today to schedule service!
FAQs
Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions from Florida homeowners concerning water heater age and maintenance.
How can I find the serial number on my water heater?
Check for a sticker on the side of the water heater, usually placed near the energy guide and warning labels.
What does it mean if my water heater is making rumbling noises?
These strange sounds happen when dirt, calcium and sediment build up on the bottom of your water heater, as the water starts warming up.
Is rusty water always a sign of a failing water heater?
The appearance of rusty water is a strong indicator that your Florida water heater is affected by rust and corrosion. Call us to inspect the unit so we can check how severe the rust is.
Can I determine the age of my water heater without the serial
number?
Yes. If you don’t see a manufacturer’s label indicating the date they made your unit, and no serial number, look at the documents from the water heater’s installation.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a newer water heater model?
Florida homeowners stand to benefit from lower power bills, which result when you install a new, energy-efficient water heater. The manufacturer’s warranty will benefit you too, providing protection if your water heater needs repairs.
How often should I have my water heater inspected?
Our expert plumbers recommend you schedule an inspection once a year for your Florida water heater. Doing so will help us catch problems with the tank while they’re smaller and easier to deal with, and cheaper to fix!
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