Richmond Water Heater Age
Richmond is a Rheem-built brand, so the serial number uses Rheem's code. Skip the letters at the start; the next four digits are usually the month and year. Enter the serial below.
Part of the water heater age lookup
Serial number age lookup
Finding the label on a Richmond tank
Richmond labels follow Rheem’s layout: a white label on the side of the tank, above the gas valve on gas models or between the element covers on electric ones. The serial is on its own line, often with a bar code underneath. Richmond model numbers usually start with digits for the warranty term (such as 6, 9 or 12) followed by letters and size codes, which makes them easy to tell from the serial.
How the Richmond date code works
Richmond serials use the same layout as Rheem:
- Leading letters (
R,RC,RHNGand similar): skip them. - Next four digits: month and year.
RC0915C12345is September 2015. - Week-based variant: some serials put a two-digit week before the year instead.
M311612345is week 31 of 2016, which is early August.
- Month
- Year
- Not part of the date
- Month
- Year
- Not part of the date
- Week
- Year
- Not part of the date
Worked examples
| Serial | Built | Format |
|---|---|---|
| RC0915C12345 | September 2015 | Letter prefix + month (2 digits) + year (2 digits) |
| RHNG0303P123456 | March 2003 | Letter prefix + month (2 digits) + year (2 digits) |
| M311612345 | August 2016 (week 31) | Letter prefix + week (2 digits) + year (2 digits) |
| R1209A12345 | December 2009 | Letter prefix + month (2 digits) + year (2 digits) |
Example serials are made up to show the format; they don't belong to real units.
A retail brand with a numbered warranty
Richmond is mostly sold through home-improvement retail, and its model numbers usually start with the tank warranty term: a leading 6, 9 or 12 generally points to a 6, 9 or 12-year tank warranty. That’s handy when you’re deciding whether a failing tank might still be covered.
The longer-warranty versions usually differ from the basic one in anode protection, insulation and sometimes element type rather than in the steel tank itself. So a 12-year Richmond in soft water may well outlast its warranty, while a 6-year model in very hard water may not reach it.
How long Richmond water heaters last
| Type | Typical life |
|---|---|
| Gas tank | 8–12 years |
| Electric tank | 10–15 years |
Warranty check, step by step
- Decode the serial above to get the manufacture date.
- Find the warranty term from the model name or number (6, 9 or 12 years is common).
- If the tank leaks and is still inside the term, contact the retailer or the manufacturer with the model, serial and proof of purchase. Most tank warranties replace the tank but not the labor.
What to do with your result
Under the warranty term: don’t pay for a new tank until you’ve checked coverage.
Past the warranty but under 10 years: maintain and repair it. Elements, thermostats and thermocouples are inexpensive.
Over 10 years: plan a replacement, especially if the heater is indoors over a finished floor. If you’re replacing with the same brand, consider stepping up to a longer-warranty model if your water is hard.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Richmond water heaters?
Rheem. Richmond is one of Rheem's water heater brands and is built in Rheem's plants, so it shares Rheem's serial code and many parts.
How do I read a Richmond serial number?
Ignore the leading letters, then read two digits for the month and two for the year. RC0915C12345 was built in September 2015.
How long does a Richmond water heater last?
About 8 to 12 years for a typical gas or electric tank, the same as other mainstream tanks. Hard water and no maintenance shorten that.
Can I replace the parts on a Richmond myself?
Simple parts such as electric elements, thermostats and drain valves are common DIY repairs if you're comfortable with electrical work. Gas controls, venting and anything involving the gas line should be done by a licensed pro.
Sources and accuracy
The Rheem / Ruud / Richmond water heaters decoder is built from these references and cross-checked between them. Facts are restated in our own words; any mistakes are ours.
- Rheem: how to locate and read your water heating serial numbers
- InspectAPedia: Rheem water heater age decoder
- Building Intelligence Center: Rheem water heater age
Status: being verified against real data plates. Rules last reviewed 2026-10-18; page updated 2026-11-03. Not affiliated with Rheem / Ruud / Richmond water heaters. Report a wrong result.
Part of the water heater age lookup
This page covers one brand. For all water heater brands, go to the water heater age lookup.