When you’re about to take a shower or do a load of dishes in your Pompano Beach, FL, home, it’s natural to wonder, “How can I tell how old my water heater is?” Responsible homeowners want to determine the age of their water heater so they can plan maintenance or know when it’s time to replace the unit.
You can usually find the manufacturing date in the water heater’s installation paperwork. If that information is unavailable, though, you can check the side of the water heater for a sticker with the unit’s serial number, which you can then decipher to learn when it was built.
Why Knowing Your Water Heater’s Age Matters
Residents of Pompano Beach should be aware of the age of their water heater, since the configuration and type of water heater affect how long it can provide useful service:
- Tankless water heaters last for as many as two decades
- Tank-style units typically operate for 8 to 12 years
But if you are not sure about the manufacturing date and cannot find a serial number, your water heater might already be getting so old that it could be heading toward a malfunction.
Then, you’ll have to arrange for an expert plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to repair it or advise you about upgrading to a new unit.
Of course, there’s always a concern that a water heater will fail prematurely when homeowners forget to schedule annual inspections and maintenance.
Remember that the efficiency of your home’s water heater declines as it becomes older, using more energy to keep water at your preferred temperature. As a result, you pay higher utility bills.
Locating the Manufacturer’s Label
Manufacturers often place a sticker on the side of the water heater showing the date they produced it, or they include a serial number next to the tank’s warning and energy savings stickers. Your next task will be to decode the serial number.
Decoding the Serial Number by Brand
Water heater companies create unique systems for producing serial numbers. Here are some tips for major manufacturers to help you figure out when your unit was built:
A.O. Smith Water Heaters:
Water heaters from A.O. Smith use a serial number whose first two digits indicate the year the company produced them, and a second set of two digits to show the week.
Bradford White Water Heaters:
A Bradford White water heater includes a serial number with the first letter showing what year they built it, and a second letter signifying the month of production.
Year:
For water heaters built in 1984 or 2004, Bradford White uses the letter “A” to start its serial number, or the letter “B” for units produced in 1985 or 2005, etc. You’ll see that the company recycles the cycle of letters every 20 years.
Month:
In the second digit, Bradford White serial numbers use the letter “A” to show they built a unit in January, the letter “B” to show a February date, and so on.
If it’s not clear, for example, whether the company built your water heater in 1985 or 2005, the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are ready to check out your unit and help determine its age.
Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters:
The company creates its serial numbers following a month-year (MMYY) format. This way, a serial number reading “0719” indicates that Rheem and Ruud made your water heater in July 2019.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Aging
Are you concerned that the water heater in your Pompano Beach is growing old? Listen and look for the following signs of an aging unit:
- Temperature is often inconsistent
- You hear strange, rumbling sounds
- Water has a rusty color
- Water is leaking from the tank
If your water heater shows any of these indications, we advise you to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for an inspection. One of our experienced plumbers will evaluate the unit for replacement or repair.
When to Contact a Professional
Are you unsure about the age of your water heater in Pompano Beach because of a lack of paperwork and no serial number? Or have you seen or heard any or all of the above-listed signs of aging? If so, it’s a good idea to connect with us as soon as possible. We’ll inspect your water heater to check its condition.
Our team offers regular inspection services and maintenance to keep water heaters working for as long as possible.
If we determine that it’s more economical for you to upgrade your water heater rather than spending a lot to fix it, we’ll let you know about government and manufacturer rebates to save you money.
Benefits of Upgrading an Old Water Heater
When you upgrade your water heater, a chief benefit is the warranty protection that will cover you for repairs.
Another positive aspect is that a newer, more energy-efficient unit will reduce your utility bills.
For maximum energy savings and even smaller power bills, we’ll advise you on the latest technology innovations. These include heat pump water heaters and hybrid electric heaters.
Is Your Water Heater Nearing Its Last Days? Here’s What to Do
Review the paperwork from the water tank’s installation, if available. Otherwise, look on the side of the tank for the manufacturer’s manufacture date sticker or serial number sticker.
For an aging water heater, the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing advocate that you call us to schedule proactive maintenance. We’re known in the industry for keeping water heaters working at their best.
Don’t Get Caught Without Hot Water – Let’s Check Your Heater Today!
A water heater inspection is your best line of defense against a potential malfunction or breakdown. Our experts have the skills and knowledge to determine how much useful service life your Pompano Beach home’s water heater can provide. If it’s time for replacement, we’ll advise you on your best options.
Get in touch with us today for assistance!
FAQs
We often get inquiries from Pompano Beach homeowners wanting to know about aging water heaters and maintenance:
How can I find the serial number on my water heater?
Find the serial number on the side of the water heater, which is usually affixed next to the warning and energy savings information stickers.
What does it mean if my water heater is making rumbling noises?
These noises happen when there’s a buildup of sediment, calcium and dirt on the bottom of the tank, and the water starts getting hot.
Is rusty water always a sign of a failing water heater?
If you notice rust-colored water, it’s often an indication of corrosion and rust. Give us a call to inspect your water heater, to know for sure.
Can I determine the age of my water heater without the serial
number?
Look for the manufacturer’s production date sticker if there is no serial number, or if you are unable to access the installation documents.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a newer water heater model?
You will start benefiting from lower utility bills, thanks to the new water heater’s better energy efficiency.
The manufacturer’s warranty will give you the peace of mind that your investment is protected in case repairs are required.
How often should I have my water heater inspected?
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing recommends that Pompano Beach homeowners schedule inspections on an annual basis. This will enable us to identify any small problems while they’re still fairly minor, taking less time and money to address.