Water heaters don’t last forever. If your Bradford White unit is acting up, knowing its age is the first step in deciding between a repair or a replacement.
Fortunately, you don’t need a professional plumber to figure this out. We will show you exactly how to find and decode the serial number to determine the age of your Bradford White water heater in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Locate the rating plate sticker on the side of the water heater tank.
- Find the serial number; the first two letters represent the year and month.
- Use the decoder chart below to match the letters to the manufacture date.
- Most units last 8 to 12 years before needing replacement.
How Old Is My Bradford White Water Heater?
To determine the age of a Bradford White water heater, you only need to look at the serial number on the manufacturer’s label. Every serial number begins with two letters.
These first two letters are the key. The first letter represents the year of manufacture, while the second letter represents the month.
Bradford White Water Heater Age Chart
Bradford White uses a 20-year cycle for their letter codes. This means the letters repeat every two decades. You can usually tell if a heater is from the current cycle or the previous one based on the visual condition of the tank.
Use this decoder table to find your water heater age by serial number:
| Letter | Corresponding Year | Corresponding Month |
| A | 2004 or 2024 | January |
| B | 2005 or 2025 | February |
| C | 2006 | March |
| D | 2007 | April |
| E | 2008 | May |
| F | 2009 | June |
| G | 2010 | July |
| H | 2011 | August |
| J | 2012 | September |
| K | 2013 | October |
| L | 2014 | November |
| M | 2015 | December |
| N | 2016 | – |
| P | 2017 | – |
| S | 2018 | – |
| T | 2019 | – |
| W | 2020 | – |
| X | 2021 | – |
| Y | 2022 | – |
| Z | 2023 | – |
Where Can I Find My Serial Number?
You can find the serial number on the rating plate. This is a white and blue sticker or metal plate located on the side of the hot water tank. It applies to both gas and electric models.
Be careful not to confuse the rating plate with the yellow “Energy Guide” sticker. The rating plate lists the model number and the serial number; the serial number is usually printed directly below the model number.
How Long Will a Bradford White Water Heater Last?
Most Bradford White water heaters have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. If you prioritize routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and checking the anode rod, you might extend the life of the unit beyond 15 years.
However, if your unit is over 10 years old and leaking, it is generally time to replace it rather than repair it.
FAQs
How Often Should You Flush a Bradford White Water Heater?
You should flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup. If you have particularly hard water, you may need to do this every six months. The owner’s manual provides specific instructions on how to drain the tank safely.
Safety Tip
Don’t attempt to drain the heater yourself if you aren’t comfortable working with hot water and pressure valves. Many warranties cover professional service calls, or you can hire a local plumber.
How Can You Check Your Warranty on a Bradford White Water Heater?
You can verify your warranty status by visiting the Bradford White Warranty Center. Simply enter your serial number into the search box labeled “Warranty Check” to see if your tank or parts are still covered.
Why Does Bradford White Skip Certain Letters in Serial Numbers?
Bradford White omits the letters I, O, Q, R, U, and V from their serial number codes. They do this to prevent confusion, as these letters can easily look like numbers (for example, “O” looks like “0” and “I” looks like “1”).
Bottom Line
Knowing the answer to “how old is my Bradford White water heater” helps you plan for future home maintenance expenses. Whether you have a 40-gallon tank or a tankless model, that simple two-letter code on the rating plate tells you everything you need to know.
If your heater is approaching the 10-year mark, keep an eye out for rust or leaks. It is always better to replace an aging unit before it fails and floods your utility room.
