How old is my water heater?
Check the age of a tank water heater or hot water tank using its rating plate. Bradford White, A.O. Smith, Rheem and other manufacturers use different identification formats; select the brand before interpreting the serial. Some formats need original documents or manufacturer confirmation.
Find the age of a water heater (tank)Water Heater serial number and manufacture date
- Is a water heater’s manufacture date its installation date?
- They are different dates. A tank may have been stored before installation. Record the manufacture date from the label or supported serial and use the installer’s invoice for the installation date.
- What if a water heater serial gives two possible years?
- Repeated year codes need more evidence. Check the full model, original installation documents and manufacturer records rather than choosing the newest year automatically. Bradford White’s guide below explains a twenty-year cycle with a masked example.
Water Heater age guides and articles
These manufacturer-sourced guides explain particular formats and their limits. Check the product-family scope before using an example.
- A.O. Smith water heater age: The numeric year/week water-heater serial format illustrated by A.O. Smith
- Bradford White water heater age: Bradford White tank water heaters using the documented two-letter date code
- Rheem water heater age: Rheem tank-water-heater formats documented in technical bulletin 1207
- How to photograph a model and serial number label
- Typical appliance lifespan and replacement planning
- How to check appliance recall notices
How long does a water heater last?
A water heater (tank) typically lasts 8 to 12 years in normal household use. Once one reaches 8 years, it is worth budgeting for a replacement.
Drain a few litres from the bottom yearly and check the anode rod every few years to slow corrosion.
Lifespan guide for every applianceWhere is the water heater model and serial number?
On the side of the tank, usually near the gas valve or the electrical cover.
Tips for a clear photo of the labelCommon replacement parts
- • Anode rod
- • Heating element
- • Thermostat
- • Temperature and pressure relief valve
- • Thermocouple or flame sensor
- • Drain valve
Check your water heater (tank) on Appliance Age to get parts links for your exact model.
Recalls
Every check compares the brand, model and serial number with official recall notices.
What a recall means and what to doWater heater (tank) age by brand
A.O. Smith water heater (tank)Bradford White water heater (tank)Burnham water heater (tank)GE Appliances water heater (tank)Giant water heater (tank)GSW water heater (tank)John Wood water heater (tank)Lennox water heater (tank)Lochinvar water heater (tank)Midea water heater (tank)Navien water heater (tank)Rheem water heater (tank)Rinnai water heater (tank)Ruud water heater (tank)State (State Water Heaters) water heater (tank)Viessmann water heater (tank)Weil-McLain water heater (tank)
Other appliance types
RefrigeratorRange or ovenDishwasherMicrowaveFreezerClothes washerClothes dryerTankless water heaterFurnaceBoilerAir conditionerHeat pumpHRVERVDehumidifier
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