How old is the cylinder?

🏡 Why You Should Check the Hot Water Cylinder’s Manufacture Date During an Open Home

When you’re attending open homes, there’s often so much to take in — layout, location, condition, and whether the kitchen has that wow factor. But one thing most buyers overlook is the hot water cylinder. It may not be glamorous, but this behind-the-scenes workhorse could cost you thousands if it's near the end of its life. One simple check can save you from nasty surprises later: check the manufacture date.

💧 Why the Hot Water Cylinder Matters

Your hot water cylinder is responsible for heating water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry — day in, day out. It's one of the most important (and expensive) appliances in the home.

If the cylinder is old, inefficient, or on its last legs, you might find yourself:

Running out of hot water faster than expected

Facing higher power bills

Paying for an urgent replacement — often $2,000 to $4,000+

🕵️ How to Find the Manufacture Date

During the open home, take a few minutes to locate the hot water cylinder — usually found in a cupboard, garage, or laundry area.

Look for a label or data plate on the cylinder. It typically includes:

Manufacturer name

Model number

Serial number

Most importantly — the date of manufacture

If it’s not clearly labeled, you can often find the date embedded in the serial number (Google the brand + "serial number decode" if you’re unsure), or take a photo and ask a plumber later.

💡 Tip: Cylinders over 15 years old are generally approaching the end of their lifespan.

📉 What If It's Old?

An older hot water cylinder isn’t necessarily a deal breaker — but it should be factored into your offer or negotiations. You might:

Ask the vendor for documentation on when it was last serviced or replaced

Budget for a replacement soon after moving in

Request a price adjustment to reflect the expected cost

A qualified plumber can also inspect it during your due diligence period for extra peace of mind.

🔧 Modern Alternatives = More Efficiency

If the cylinder is old, it could be worth upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Modern options, like mains pressure or even heat pump water heaters, are far more efficient and can save you money in the long run.

✅ Final Thoughts

When house hunting, it's easy to get distracted by beautiful finishes and overlook what’s under the hood. But a quick check of the hot water cylinder's manufacture date can give you valuable insight into potential future costs.

At Book a Builder, we’re all about helping Kiwis make smarter property decisions. If you need a pre-purchase inspection or advice from a licensed builder or plumber, book a trusted pro on our platform

— fast, easy, and local.

Tags: #HomeBuyingTips #HotWaterCylinder #OpenHomeChecklist #NZProperty #BookABuilder