When is your water heater’s birthday?
Enter the serial number from your tank’s data plate to find its water heater age and exact manufacture date — free, instant, no sign-up.
1. Choose your brand
Look up by brand
RheemAlso covers Ruud, Richmond, Marathon, and GE-branded water heaters built by Rheem.Decode a Rheem serial →A.O. SmithAlso covers State, Reliance, American, U.S. Craftmaster, and Kenmore units built by A.O. Smith.Decode a A.O. Smith serial →Bradford WhiteDecode the letter-based Bradford White serial format — including its 20-year repeat cycle.Decode a Bradford White serial →
Why water heater age matters
Plan for replacement
Tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years. Knowing the manufacture date tells you whether to budget for a replacement now or later — before a leak forces an emergency purchase.
Avoid water damage
Most tanks fail by leaking or bursting. Replacing an aging unit on your schedule is far cheaper than repairing a flooded garage, closet, or basement.
Check warranty coverage
Warranties run from the manufacture date, not the install date. The serial number is the only reliable way to know when the clock started.
Buying or selling a home
Home inspectors flag water heaters near the end of their life. Decode the serial to negotiate from facts instead of guesses.