Serial Number Age

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GE Water Heater Age by Serial Number

For a GE water heater, ignore the letters at the start: the first two digits are the month and the next two are the year. Type the serial number below for the exact month and year.

Decode a GE serial number

Type it exactly as printed. Spaces and dashes don't matter.

About GE

GE-branded water heaters have been made under licence by Rheem. Ignore the letters at the start of the serial number; the first four digits are the month and year. This page is only for water heaters.

Where to find the serial number

WATER HEATERMODEL NO.SERIAL NO.GENG0601D13586
The serial number is usually labelled "Serial No." Example in the GE format.

Water heater: The rating plate is a sticker on the side of the tank, usually at eye level or just above the gas valve or the upper access panel. Many water heater labels also print the manufacture date, so check for that first.

How to read a GE serial number

For a GE water heater, ignore the letters at the start: the first two digits are the month and the next two are the year.

GE water heaters (made by Rheem)

(LLLL) MM YY …

  1. Ignore any letters at the start, such as GE or GENG.
  2. The first two digits are the month.
  3. The next two digits are the year.

Example: GENG0601D13586

How long does a water heater last?

Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Yearly servicing, the local climate and how hard it works all move it within that range. Past 8 years, it is worth getting a replacement price before the unit fails, so you aren't forced into a rushed decision.

Questions

How do I tell how old my GE water heater is?

Find the serial number on the data plate and read it with the GE code: For a GE water heater, ignore the letters at the start: the first two digits are the month and the next two are the year. Or type it into the decoder on this page.

Is the manufacture date printed on the label?

Often, yes, especially on newer units and water heaters. Look for "Mfg. date", "MFD" or "Date of manufacture". If there is a printed date, it is more reliable than decoding the serial number.

Who makes GE?

GE is made by Rheem (under licence).

How sure are these dates? Based on a single published source. Treat the date as an estimate and check the label for a printed date. How we test the decoder.

Keeping an older water heater going