Your Water Heater's Age and Size
Three facts drive most water heater decisions: how old it is, how big it is and what fuel it uses. All three are on the label.
Request a plumberFind the label
Look on the side of the tank near the top, or next to the gas control or electrical cover.
Decode the date
Most brands put the manufacture date in the serial number, often a letter or digits for the month and digits for the year. Search the brand with "serial number date" to decode it.
Size
The label lists the capacity in gallons. In a busy household or shared rental, a heater that's too small will run out of hot water every morning.
Fuel
Gas heaters show BTU input and gas type. Electric heaters show voltage and element wattage. Both are needed to match a replacement.
Age and next steps
Many tanks last around eight to twelve years. If yours is in that range and showing signs like rust, rumbling or leaks, plan to replace it.
Get help
Send the label details with your request. See water heaters.
First-hour rating
Many labels also show a first-hour rating: how much hot water the heater can deliver in a busy hour. That number matters more than tank size when several people shower in the same morning, as in many shared rentals.
Look around the tank
While you're reading the label, check the floor around the heater for water, the pipes on top for green or white crust, and the vent pipe on a gas model for rust or gaps. Mention anything you find when you send a request.
More plumbing guides
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