Home › Water heater age
How old is my water heater?
Photograph the label on the side of the tank. We read the serial number and work out when it was made.
How long they last
Most tank heaters last 8 to 12 years. Warning signs: rusty hot water, rumbling, water at the base.
Reading it yourself
RRheem, Ruud: month then year, after any letters. 0612 = June 2012.
AA.O. Smith, State, American: year then week. 1324 = 2013.
BBradford White: 1st letter is the year, 2nd the month. Letters repeat every 20 years.