As described by Ashi-Certified Inspector Britt B., this discovery is an instance of date discrepancy. The water heater's actual installation date is 12/2020,
which means it was installed in December 2020. However, the manufacturing date
is 9/2021, indicating that the water heater was manufactured in September 2021.
This means that there is a discrepancy between the
installation date and the manufacturing date. It is unusual for a water heater
to be installed before it was manufactured. It's essential to verify the
accuracy of these dates and ensure that the installation was done correctly and
safely, regardless of the manufacturing date. Consulting the installer or a
qualified professional can help clarify any inconsistencies and ensure the
water heater is functioning as intended.