Richmond Water Heater Age by Serial Number
Newer Rheem, Ruud and Richmond water heater serials give the week then the year after the first letter; older ones start with the month then the year. Type the serial number below for the exact month and year.
About Richmond
Richmond water heaters are made by Rheem, sold mainly at Menards, and use the Rheem water heater code.
Where to find the serial number
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 Richmond serial number
Newer Rheem, Ruud and Richmond water heater serials give the week then the year after the first letter; older ones start with the month then the year.
Newer: a letter, then 4 digits, then numbers
L WW YY #####
- Skip the first letter (sometimes after a 4-letter prefix such as RHUN).
- The next two digits are the week of the year.
- The two after that are the year: 14 means 2014.
Example: A0114123456
Older: month and year after any letters
(LLLL) MM YY …
- Skip any letters at the start (such as RHLN or RHNG).
- The first two digits are the month, the next two are the year: 0804 means August 2004.
Example: RHNG0804P000036
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 Richmond water heater is?
Find the serial number on the data plate and read it with the Richmond code: Newer Rheem, Ruud and Richmond water heater serials give the week then the year after the first letter; older ones start with the month then 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 Richmond?
Richmond is made by Rheem Manufacturing. The same serial code is used by Rheem, Ruud.
How sure are these dates? Checked against official records (recall notices or data plates with printed dates). How we test the decoder.
Keeping an older water heater going
- Water heater anode rod: A new anode rod can add years to a tank that is not leaking yet.
- Water heater leak detector alarm: Cheap insurance for a tank near the end of its life.
- Water heater drain flush kit: Flushing sediment once a year helps an older tank.