Water heaters are important for every home. They give us warm water for showers, dishes, and laundry. One popular brand of water heaters is Bradford White. These water heaters are known for being strong and long-lasting.
But how do you know how old your Bradford White water heater is?
In this article, we will talk about:
- Why it’s important to know the age of your water heater
- How to find out the age of a Bradford White water heater
- Signs your water heater may be getting old
- Tips to make your water heater last longer
Let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Why Knowing the Age of Your Water Heater Matters
- 2 How to Tell the Age of a Bradford White Water Heater
- 3 What If My Water Heater Is Older Than 2003?
- 4 Signs Your Water Heater Is Getting Old
- 5 How Long Do Bradford White Water Heaters Last?
- 6 Tips to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer
- 7 Should I Replace My Old Water Heater?
- 8 Final Thoughts
Why Knowing the Age of Your Water Heater Matters
Just like other home appliances, water heaters do not last forever. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If your water heater is older than that, it may stop working well. It could also leak or break down suddenly.
Here are some reasons why knowing the age is important:
- Safety: Old water heaters can rust or leak, causing water damage or even fires in rare cases.
- Efficiency: Newer water heaters use less energy, which saves money on your power bill.
- Planning: If your water heater is old, you can start planning to replace it before it fails.
- Selling a home: Buyers often ask how old the water heater is.
So how can you find the age of a Bradford White water heater? It’s not written clearly as a date—but don’t worry, we’ll explain how to find it!
How to Tell the Age of a Bradford White Water Heater
Bradford White does not put the full date on the label. Instead, they use a code. You can find this code on the rating plate (the sticker or metal tag on the water heater). It is usually near the top or side of the unit.
Step 1: Find the Serial Number
Look for the serial number on the label. It usually starts with two letters, followed by numbers.
Example: DG12345678
The first two letters in the serial number tell you the month and year the water heater was made.
Step 2: Decode the Serial Number
Bradford White uses a special code for the date:
- The first letter shows the year
- The second letter shows the month
Let’s break it down.
Year Code (First Letter):
Bradford White uses a letter code that changes every 20 years. Here is one cycle (2004 to 2023):
| Letter | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 2004 |
| E | 2005 |
| F | 2006 |
| G | 2007 |
| H | 2008 |
| J | 2009 |
| K | 2010 |
| L | 2011 |
| M | 2012 |
| N | 2013 |
| P | 2014 |
| S | 2015 |
| T | 2016 |
| W | 2017 |
| X | 2018 |
| Y | 2019 |
| A | 2020 |
| B | 2021 |
| C | 2022 |
| D | 2023 |
Note: They skip the letter I, O, Q, R, U, V, and Z to avoid confusion.
So, if the first letter is D, your water heater was made in 2004 or 2023. To figure out which one, think about how your water heater looks. If it looks very new, it’s likely 2023. If it looks old, it’s probably 2004.
Month Code (Second Letter):
| Letter | Month |
|---|---|
| A | January |
| B | February |
| C | March |
| D | April |
| E | May |
| F | June |
| G | July |
| H | August |
| J | September |
| K | October |
| L | November |
| M | December |
So, let’s decode an example serial number: DG12345678
- D = 2004 or 2023 (Year)
- G = July (Month)
So the water heater was made in July 2004 or July 2023.
Use your best guess based on how old it looks. If it’s rusty and noisy, it’s probably from 2004. If it’s shiny and quiet, it’s probably from 2023.
What If My Water Heater Is Older Than 2003?
Before 2004, Bradford White used a different code system, also with letters. The cycle repeats every 20 years, so a “D” could mean 1984, 2004, or 2023.
If your water heater looks very old, and it has a code like “DN,” it could be from the 1980s or 1990s. In that case, it’s definitely time for a new one!
Signs Your Water Heater Is Getting Old
Even if you don’t know the exact age, there are signs your water heater may be getting too old. Here are some things to watch for:
1. Rusty Water
If your hot water is brown or rusty, it could mean the inside of the tank is rusting. That’s a sign the water heater is aging.
2. Strange Noises
Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds usually mean there is a buildup of minerals inside. This makes the heater work harder and shortens its life.
3. Leaks Around the Heater
Any water on the floor near the heater could mean the tank is leaking. Even a small leak can turn into a big problem.
4. Inconsistent Hot Water
If your water turns cold too fast or takes too long to heat up, it could mean your water heater is failing.
5. Age Over 10 Years
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement—even if it’s still working.
How Long Do Bradford White Water Heaters Last?
Bradford White makes good quality heaters, but no water heater lasts forever.
- Gas models: usually last 8–12 years
- Electric models: can last 10–15 years
- Tankless models: might last up to 20 years with good care
Remember, regular maintenance helps your water heater last longer.
Tips to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer
Want to get the most out of your water heater? Here are some easy tips:
1. Drain the Tank Once a Year
Flushing out the tank removes sediment that can build up inside. Sediment makes the heater work harder and uses more energy.
2. Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the tank from rust. It should be checked every 2–3 years and replaced if needed.
3. Set the Right Temperature
Keep the water temperature around 120°F (49°C). This saves energy and prevents scalding.
4. Insulate the Heater
Adding an insulation blanket can help keep the heat in and reduce energy costs.
5. Call a Professional for Maintenance
A plumber can check your water heater each year to make sure everything is working well.
Should I Replace My Old Water Heater?
If your water heater is:
- Over 10 years old
- Leaking
- Making strange noises
- Not heating water well
…it might be time to replace it. Replacing it before it breaks can save you money and stress. A sudden breakdown can cause water damage or leave you without hot water when you need it most.
Final Thoughts
Finding the age of your Bradford White water heater is easy once you know how to read the serial number. Remember:
- The first letter is the year
- The second letter is the month
Check the chart to find out when it was made. If it’s over 10 years old, you should start planning for a new one.
Taking care of your water heater with regular maintenance can help it last longer and save you money.
If you’re still not sure about your water heater’s age or condition, don’t worry. You can always call a licensed plumber or check with Bradford White’s customer service for help.
Would you like help figuring out the age of your specific water heater? You can send me the serial number, and I’ll decode it for you!