1.) Camera The Sewer

Sending a camera down into the storm/sewer system doesn't have a downside. If the sewer system is clear you can rest easy. If the plumber discovers a major problem it's better to know now, before you make a purchase. For more information on sending a camera into the sewer, check out the sewer inspection page.

 

2.) Check Out The Water Heater

Visually inspect the water heater for leaks, rust, and discoloration. Brown rust-colored stains on and around the water heater are signs of corrosion. Turn on the fixtures and check the water temperatures ranges. No hot water is an obvious sign but so is scalding water. If you can't get the temperature to warm, you might have a gas control valve problem or even a thermostat issue. 

 

We would also recommend checking on the age and warranty of your water heater. The manufacturer's label should provide all the information but if not just grab the serial number. 

 

How to Read the Serial Number 

Every manufacturer has it's own serial number format, check the name brand of the water heater to get started. Next, use the information below to decipher the age of the unit. 

 

Rheem and Ruud

MMYY****

MM = Month of manufacture

YY = Year of manufacture

Example: 1209D1234 = December 2009

 

 

American and AO Smith

2008–present:

 

YYWW*******

YY = Year of manufacture

WW = Week of manufacture

 

Example: 16051234567 = 2016, 5th week (early February)

 

 

Pre-2008:

*MYY******

 

M = Month of manufacture

A = January | B = February | C = March | D = April | E = May | F = June | G = July | H = August | J = September | K = October | L = November | M = December

 

YY = Year of manufacture

 

Example: 4D051234567 = April 2005

 

 

Bradford White

Bradford White’s serial numbers are a little less straightforward. The year of manufacture is noted by the first letter of the serial number, and the month is the second letter.

 

YM*******

Y = Year of manufacture

A = 1984 or 2004 | B = 1985 or 2005 | C = 1986 or 2006 | D = 1987 or 2007 | E = 1988 or 2008 | F = 1989 or 2009 | G = 1990 or 2010 | H = 1991 or 2011 | J = 1992 or 2012 | K = 1993 or 2013 | L = 1994 or 2014 | M = 1995 or 2015 | N = 1996 or 2016 | P = 1997 or 2017 | S = 1998 or 2018 | T = 1999 or 2019 | W = 2000 | X = 2001 | Y = 2002 | Z = 2003

 

Note: Bradford White water heaters manufactured 20 years apart will have the same letter designation

 

M = Month of manufacture

A = January | B = February | C = March | D = April | E = May | F = June | G = July | H = August | J = September | K = October | L = November | M = December

Example: KH6511396 = August 2013

 

 

Is your water heater’s brand not listed above?

If your water heater’s brand isn’t listed, check NACHI’s or The Water Heater Hub’s serial decoder to learn more.

 

3.) Water Pressure is Important

Turn on all or most of the fixtures in the house and flush the toilets. Most home inspectors should / will do this but just in case they don't, you can do it easily. The water should flow freely and drains and toilets should dissipate the water quickly without build-up. Next, check the landscaping for soft waterlogged areas, this could indicate a problem with the sewer under it. 

 

4.) Hold the Lead Please

Lead is hazardous to your health, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and children. Construction companies have been using lead for water mains since the 1920s up until 1986 when it was ultimately banned. The pipes are dark and can be identified at the water main or just under your kitchen sink. 

 

Recently the city of Chicago started installing new water mains and it caused a noticeable problem. Residents were experiencing extremely high levels of lead in their water system because the new water mains "stirred up" built-up lead in the pipes. For more information check out this web page. 

 

5.) Smoke the Sewer

Smoking the sewer is an easy and effective way to check for any air leaks in your plumbing. These leaks are how sewer gas makes its way into your home. Running a smoker through the sewer will help the plumber pinpoint any possible leaks. It's an inexpensive way to make sure your family isn't inhaling obnoxious sewer gas.