How Old is Your Bradford White Water Heater Age

Are you trying to figure out how old your Bradford White water heater is? Many people get stuck when trying to read the serial number. This can lead to unexpected problems, expensive fixes, and even water damage.

The serial number on your Bradford White water heater tells you when it was made. By learning how to read the code, you can find out when it was produced. This helps you plan for any needed repairs or replacements before they become emergencies.

I’ll show you how to read the serial number on your Bradford White water heater. This way, you can know exactly how old it is. And you’ll be able to make smart choices about its upkeep and future.

Read also: Know Your Rheem Water Heater Warranty

Understanding Bradford White Water Heater Serial Numbers

When you want to find out how old your water heater is, knowing how to read the serial number is key. Bradford White water heaters have special serial numbers. These numbers tell you when and where the heater was made.

To start, you need to find the serial number. It’s usually on a plate on the side or front of the heater.

Serial Number Styles and Formats

Bradford White uses different ways to write serial numbers. Each style has its own code:

• Style 1: Standard numeric format (e.g., DG6322957)
• Style 2: Computer error serial number (e.g., OA8226825)
• Style 3: Tankless unit format (e.g., BL. CA-051306)
• Style 4: Extended tankless serial number (e.g., 8370-855-00015-7735003001)
• Style 5: Alternative tankless format (e.g., 04. 03-102521)

Deciphering the Rating Data Plate

The rating data plate gives you more than just the serial number. It also has:

Knowing how to read these serial numbers is important. It helps you figure out how old your water heater is. Plumbers use this info to give the best advice for maintenance.

Decoding the Manufacturing Date Through Letters

Knowing how to read serial codes is key to figuring out your Bradford White water heater’s age. The company has a special letter system. It makes it easy for homeowners to find out when their unit was made.

Bradford White uses a 20-year cycle of letters to show when it was made. The first two letters of the serial number tell you a lot about your water heater.

• First letter indicates the year of manufacture
• Second letter represents the production month
• Letters rotate through a systematic 20-year cycle

Here’s how to use age verification tips to understand these letters:

The month is shown by letters A through M, skipping I. For example, A is January, and M is December. By knowing this, you can find out your water heater’s age just by looking at its serial number.

Bradford White’s 20-Year Letter Cycle Explained

To figure out when a Bradford White water heater was made, you need to know about their special serial number system. This method makes it easy to find out when a water heater was made.

Bradford White has a clever way to show when a water heater was made. They use a 20-year cycle of letters for the year and month. This helps track water heaters by their serial numbers.

First Letter – Year of Manufacture

The first letter in the Bradford White guide shows the year it was made. Not all letters are used for this. Some letters are left out on purpose:

• I
• O
• Q
• R
• U
• V

Second Letter – Month of Manufacture

The second letter tells you the month it was made. Like the year code, some letters are not used here:

• I is skipped
• N through Z are not used

Computer Error Serial Numbers with “O”

There’s a fun fact about Bradford White’s history. Some water heaters start with “O” because of a computer mistake. These were made in January 1997.

Knowing this letter cycle helps you figure out how old your Bradford White water heater is. This info is useful for deciding when to maintain or replace it.

Age of Bradford White Water Heater: Complete Guide

Knowing how old your Bradford White water heater is key for upkeep and planning for a new one. They usually last 10 to 15 years. So, it’s important to find out how old yours is.

To figure out your heater’s age, you need to learn how to read the serial number. Bradford White has a special coding system. It tells you when your water heater was made.

• Check the rating plate on your water heater
• Find the serial number carefully
• Decode the first two letters of the serial number

The serial number is full of info about your Bradford White water heater. The first letter shows the year it was made. It follows a 20-year cycle.

1. A = 1984 or 2004
2. B = 1985 or 2005
3. L = 1994 or 2014

The second letter tells you the month it was made. ‘A’ is January, and ‘G’ is July. This lets you know exactly when your heater was made.

Pro tip: If your Bradford White water heater is getting close to or has passed 10 years, think about getting a new one. Older heaters can fail and damage your home.

Expert advice: Do an annual check-up by draining your water heater. This removes sediment and can make your heater last longer and work better.

Read also: The Water Heater Settings – Hot, A, B, C, Very Hot Knob

ANSI Standards and Their Role in Age Verification

Knowing the age of your Bradford White water heater is more than just looking at the serial number. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards are key in figuring out when it was made. These standards give important tips for verifying the age of your water heater.

Gas water heaters have an ANSI standard on their rating plate. The year of the standard is often 2 to 4 years before the water heater’s production. So, when checking the age of a Bradford White water heater, you need to dig deeper than the surface information.

Understanding Compliance Dates

The compliance date on a water heater’s data tag is very telling about its age. Bradford White water heaters have a pattern that helps figure out when they were made:

• ANSI standards change every 6-8 years
• The first letter of the serial number often shows the year it was made
• Compliance codes help narrow down the possible manufacturing period

Using Building Codes to Verify Age

Building codes are another way to check a water heater’s age. Always check the ANSI compliance date carefully. For example, a water heater with an ANSI Z21.10.1a-1985 code was likely made 6-8 years after 1985.

Accurate age verification needs a careful look at several factors. If unsure, reach out to Bradford White or a professional plumber. They can help determine your water heater’s exact age.

Bradford White’s Manufacturing History and Evolution

Bradford White has been a leading american manufacturer for over a century. It started in 1881 as the Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company. This marked the beginning of a legacy in american water heater manufacturing.

Throughout its history, Bradford White has focused on quality and innovation. Here are some key moments:

• 1959: Reorganization as Pennsylvania-Bradford Appliance Corporation
• 1968: Merger with White Products to form Bradford-White Corporation
• 1992: Transition to employee ownership under Bob Carnevale’s leadership
• 2003: Introduction of groundbreaking FVIR Defender Safety System® technology

Bob Carnevale was a key leader for Bradford White. In 1992, he bought part of the company, supporting american manufacturing. His idea of “work smart, not hard” shaped the company’s culture.

Bradford White is known for using the best materials and supporting professional installers. Its commitment to quality and american manufacturing has made it a top water heater maker in the US.

White is proud to be american, always innovating and meeting new industry needs. From traditional water heaters to smart and energy-saving tech, Bradford White leads in water heating.

Expected Lifespan and Service Life of Bradford White Heaters

When you buy a water heater, knowing how long it will last is key. Bradford White water heaters are known for their top-notch quality and long life.

Most Bradford White water heaters can give you hot water for 10 to 15 years. Some might even last up to 20 years with the right care.

Factors Affecting Water Heater Longevity

Several things can affect how long your water heater lasts:

• Water quality and mineral content
• Installation environment
• How often you maintain it
• How you use it
• Water pressure

Maintenance Tips for Extended Life

To keep your water heater running well for a long time, follow these tips:

1. Flush the tank every year to clear out sediment
2. Check the pressure relief valve every six months
3. Keep the temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Get a professional to inspect it every two years
5. Look for corrosion or leaks often

By following these steps, you can make your Bradford White water heater last longer. This means you’ll have hot water for your home for years to come.

Tankless Water Heater Age Identification

Finding out how old a tankless water heater is can be tricky. Bradford White has teamed up with many makers to create these units. This makes it hard to figure out how old they are.

Rinnai Corporation and Bosch have worked with Bradford White. They use parts from all over the world to make these heaters. The EverHot® line started in 2004. It was a big step for Bradford White in making tankless heaters.

• Rinnai started making tankless units for Bradford White in 2006
• In 2021, Bradford White bought Keltech, Inc. This helped them more in making commercial electric tankless heaters
• Serial numbers on tankless heaters are different from traditional ones

To find out how old a tankless heater is, use these tips:

1. Find the serial number on the heater
2. Look at the manufacturer’s special coding system
3. Check when it was installed or serviced

Looking at the heater can also give clues about its age. Check for wear, old tech, or damage. Tankless heaters usually last 10-15 years, depending on how well they’re taken care of.

If you’re not sure how old your tankless heater is, call the maker. They can tell you exactly when it was made. They’ll also give you info on its history.

Conclusion

Knowing how old your Bradford White water heater is key to keeping your home’s hot water running smoothly. I’ve shown you how to read the serial number to figure out when it was made. This way, you can easily find out how old your heater is.

Keeping your water heater in good shape is essential. Even though they usually last 8-12 years, with the right care, your Bradford White can last longer. Regular checks and knowing its age can also save you from sudden breakdowns and expensive fixes.

Learning to decode your serial number is more than just a technical task. It’s a skill that lets homeowners make smart choices about their water heating systems. Whether you’re doing maintenance, thinking about getting a new one, or just want to know your heater’s history, knowing its age is very useful.

Read also: How to Adjusting Hot Water Heater

My last tip is to always have your serial number ready and check your heater often. Your Bradford White water heater is a big investment in your home’s comfort. Knowing its age is the first step to having hot water for many years.