UNVEILING THE MYSTERY: HOW OLD IS MY WATER HEATER?

Aug 5, 2023 | Age, Cincinnati, Electric, Five Star, Gas, Lifespan, Manufacture Number, Ohio, Product Label, Serial Number, Water Heater

If you’re one of those who struggle to remember specific dates, don’t worry, we totally get it! Dates can be a real challenge to keep track of, especially when you’ve got the weight of homeownership on your shoulders. But here’s something important you should know: the age of your water heater matters. Yep, you read that right! If your water heater has been around for a while, it might be on its last legs. So, picture your water heater deciding to retire out of the blue, and you’re left with no choice but to scramble for a replacement. Being blindsided is never fun; we believe it’s in your best interest to know your unit’s age beforehand so you can prepare accordingly. 

Curious about the age of your water heater? Unveil the mystery of your water heater’s age by trying these tips from your friends at Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing:  

WHAT IS THE NORMAL LIFESPAN OF A WATER HEATER?   

Did you know a well-maintained gas water heater can keep you warm for 8-12 years? While an electric one can last for an average life expectancy of 10-15 years! Of course, the key lies in giving them the care and attention they deserve. 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL THE AGE OF A WATER HEATER?   

Discovering the age of your unit is like uncovering a hidden secret; you need to find the manufacture date! Most water heater models keep this information under wraps, making it a bit of a challenge. You won’t find the words “manufacture date” spelled out for you to spot easily, though. First, you’ll need to locate the serial number unique to each brand and model. 

Step One:   

When it comes to finding the serial number of your water heater, there are a few places you can check: 

  • The Product Label: Take a look at the product label on the water heater. This little gem contains valuable information about the unit, including the coveted serial number. 
  • The User Manual: Try the user manual. If you’ve held onto it (kudos to you!), it might just hold the key to finding that elusive serial number.  
  • The Manufacturer’s Website: If all else fails, try visiting the manufacturer’s website for support.

Step Two:   

  1. Once you’ve tracked down the elusive serial number, you’ll need to use it to decode it to unveil the hidden secrets of its manufacture date. Just be mindful that different manufacturers have unique serial number formats, but most follow a similar pattern. 
  1. Start by checking the manufacturer’s website to see if they’ve graciously provided a magical tool for decoding the manufacture date. If you strike gold, consider yourself lucky! But if not, you can put your online investigative skills to the test. Type in your water heater’s brand, serial number, and add the words “manufacture date” into your favorite search engine. Multiple websites should populate, each offering detailed instructions on how to decode the manufacture date of your particular model.  

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW? 

Congratulations! You’ve done it! Now that you’ve uncovered the age of your water heater, are you starting to suspect that a replacement might be in your near future? When it comes to exploring your replacement options, there are plenty of factors to consider. But don’t worry; we’re here to make things easier for you! We’re ready to answer any questions you may have and can even chat about our flexible financing options. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today, and let’s get started! 

Call Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing today at (513) 204-9944, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here