American Water Heater age lookup
How to read an American Water Heater serial number
Type the serial number from the label and the decoder shows when your American Water Heater was made. Below that: every American Water Heater format the decoder knows, and a real label from one of my inspections.
Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This decoder gives an estimate based on how brands have coded serial numbers in the past. Manufacturers change their formats, and a serial can be misread, so the results may be wrong. Use them as a starting point only. Confirm with the date printed on the plate or with the manufacturer.
Reading an American Water Heater serial number
American Water Heater serials start with four digits: the year, then the week. A serial that starts 0332 was made in week 32 of 2003, which falls in August. Newer ones may have a letter after those four digits, or run 13 digits long, and read the same way. U.S. Craftmaster and Whirlpool serials use the same layout.
Older American labels often print a MONTH/YEAR box near the serial, like the 08/2003 above. The company address on these labels is usually Johnson City, TN.
American Water Heater serial number formats
Each format below has a made-up example split into its parts, so you can match it to your own serial.
All digits, 9 or 10 long: year, then week
Example0623123456: Year 06, Week 23, Unit number 123456.
Reads as week 23 of 2006. Used from 1975 to today.
- The first 2 digits are the year and the next 2 are the week.
4 digits for the year and week, then a letter and 6 digits or 9 more digits (about 2008 and later)
Example1714A123456: Year 17, Week 14, Unit number A123456.
Reads as week 14 of 2017. Used from 2005 to today.
- The first 2 digits are the year and the next 2 are the week. Newer serials are 13 digits long and start the same way. A letter in front, if there is one, is skipped.
Where to find the serial number on an American Water Heater
Look for a label marked Serial, Serial No. or S/N. The model number is usually right next to it, so check which one you're reading.
- Gas or electric tank. A rating label on the side of the tank, usually at eye level or above the gas control. If the tank sits in a closet, it may face the wall; a phone camera held at an angle often reaches it.
Brands that use the same formats
These brands share at least one serial number format with American Water Heater, so their serials read the same way.
Buying a home in the Portland area?
A home inspection covers the water heater along with the rest of the house, including its approximate age and visible condition. Serving the Portland metro and Southwest Washington, seven days a week.