Water Heater?

[mechanicworkman]

Ok I think the time has come I need to replace the old water heater! It looks like its from the 80's.

I am looking for a NG water heater probly a 50 gallon. There are 2 adults and 2 little girls in out house myself included.

I have looked at Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot they all seem to have their store specific brands.

What makers are better than others. Its been a while but seems like a few years back I heard some less than good things about GE water heaters. I did a short seach in the search bar but not comming up with alot of help.

There are alot of talented people on here that have dealt with alot of stuff figured that some of you would have some good insight!

Are there any brands that excel above ?

 

[mayday0017]

Use the "warranty" period as a gauge of the quality of compenents. Stay away from plastic drain valves and look for units with brass. For the price I couldn't beat homedepot, I wasn't in a hurry as mine hadn't went out yet. I watched at lowes and homedepot until I found a scratch and dent unit (they didn't even have it marked as one I just pointed out the box was open and it had been returned) ended up getting 10% off and then used a 10% coupon for an additonal 10% off. There are some brands to avoid and others that are better but for the most part if you use warranty as a guide you will be alright.

OH yeah and with all of that said I believe Bradford White is one of the better brands out there but you won't find them at your local box store. You will need to visit a plumming store most likely

 

[EOC_Jason]

You will probably be better off calling local plumbing supply stores, like Ferguson.

 

[Angelfire]

Here's a site you may wish to peruse and take with a grain of salt (they are selling their stuff):

http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/index.html

The gist of their page, in my mind anyway, is to get magnesium anodes and replace the drain valve. They also recommend finding the heater that has the most insulation around it. They recommend a 6 year warranty heater.

That all being said, Costco sells heaters and offer a 16 year warranty. You do have to pay for the installation through them (ie. you can't buy the unit and install yourself AFAIK). My mother just had hers done and the bill was around $900 for the heater and installation. Seems high to me but with a 16 year warranty, it might be worth it to you.
Cheers.

 

[volvo]

..
Usually the differences between longer warranties over 6-8 years are price only and maybe an additional or better quality sacrificial anode rod. Last water heater I had installed in daughters home the only difference between the 6 to 12 years was only an additional $400 in cost and a different 12y warranty sticker which installer applied just before he left.

 

[G_P]

As for the warranty with HD water heaters the higher the warranty the more insulation around the tank is typical. Also the 9 and 12 yr models have some kind of "swirl motion" water inlet that is supposed to be self cleaning. Either way you still need to clean them occasionally.

 

[Paultergeist]

Slightly off-topic, but I'll just throw in one more variable: tankless?

My small garage (roughly 16 x 16 feet) was/is cramped for space. The previous water heater had a 50-gallon tank, and it occupied -- with platform, drain pan, lines, etc -- about a 2.5' x 3' space in the corner of my garage. I ended up going tankless (I bought a Noritz model 751) which was designed to allow for outdoor installation (on exterior wall, semi-under a roof eave). This process was facilitated by the gas main being near by the installation location, and thus it was easy for me to extend a gas line to the (new) tankless water heater. It option probably isn't for everyone, but I have to say that I am extremely happy with the outcome of this installation, and I am so glad I chose to get the old (tank-style) water heater out of my garage. Just an idea.....

 

[Dale B]

Avoid the Whirlpool loNox W.H. I bought one from Lowes about 4 years ago , , Horrible POS Would not stay lit, even after 2 service calls by authorized dealer . There's a big list of compliants about them on Consumer reports on the net. After a fight , Lowes refunded my money , and I bought a Bradford White for very little more , from Ferguson supply....

 

[GRX]

..
Usually the differences between longer warranties over 6-8 years are price only and maybe an additional or better quality sacrificial anode rod. Last water heater I had installed in daughters home the only difference between the 6 to 12 years was only an additional $400 in cost and a different 12y warranty sticker which installer applied just before he left.

^^ this. Seen it many times. An upgraded Sacrificial Anode is something you can easily change yourself. Definitely a good idea if you have hard water. Did just that with the new water heater which I installed a few months ago.

>edit:<
Here is a page for you.

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/5-types-of-water-heater-anode-rods-explained

 

[CNGsaves]

Local wholesale supply house that sells NG hot water heaters are $330 for 40 gal and $360 for 50 gal with 6 year warranty. These are same units that plumbers are buying for their customers - - brand is Bradford White. Only difference for longer 12 yr warranty is $100 for a sticker.

The wholesale shop will simply replace the HWH anytime within the 6 yrs by bringing in the old HWH.

HWH are DIY project that can save you a lot of money. Worst case scenario, buy the tank yourself and pay plumber for time and material only.

Best way to extend life of HWH is run water out the bottom every year to prevent build-up of sediment in tank.

 

[mayday0017]

You would think with seeing water heater threads every month (or at times several a month) I would remember one weekend that I need to drain mine again, it's been just over a year... Some how it is never on my mind, or I never have "free time" to actually do it...

 

[mds5951]

I've always had good luck with AO smith water heaters... I buy all my stuff from a local, non chain, plumbing supply that knows what they're talking about.

 

[Pat Brady]

I got my last one at Sears. It has lasted a good ten years now. I like their equipment.

 

[Scott r c]

Avoid the home store models. The GE and whirpools are junk. I repair/replace a bunch of those. As stated above the extended warranty models usually have a better anode rod. Look for one with a brass drain down valve. The plastic ones will break off if you use them after a few years. I have installed hundreds of water heaters, mostly AO Smith and Bradford White. FWIW the Bradford White is usually a little cheaper to purchase and last longer from my personal experience. Most have the new Honeywell gas valves which you can rebuild without draining down the water heater.

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

I've had good luck with Bradford White and AO Smith

 

[GRX]

50 gallon State brand water heater is what I installed recently. A couple plumbing friends use them exclusively and swear by them. Most are made in the USA, as mine was labeled (Tennessee), but not all. Far as I know Bradford White are still made in Michigan. Would have installed one of those but my friend got me a great jobber price on the State.

 

[justanengineer]

I bought a Whirlpool last year for $200 on closeout at Lowes. Given the price, a ten year warranty, and considering gas runs it practically for free, I could care less if it craps out on me, but it has done good thus far.

 

[mechanicworkman]

I just checked out the Costco website and doing a search nothing is comming up for water heater. Do I have to visit the local Costco I guess?


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[srode]

RUUD self cleaning

 

[rodm1]

There is tuns of information here.
www.ridgidforum.com/forum

 

[indyokie]

Looking at the info - all good stuff,
- drain yearly and reduce buildup on the bottom
- Consider a Expansion tank or a ball valve with pressure release, this way you won't stress out the tank.
- Ask where your buying it from carries the gas valve - if they don't think about how long your going to want to take cold showers waiting for UPS/FedEx. That's what goes out...aside from leaking.

 

[geaugafletcher]

Bradford White, without a doubt.

 

[Angelfire]

I just checked out the Costco website and doing a search nothing is comming up for water heater. Do I have to visit the local Costco I guess?


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Yeah, nothing on their website but I have the number somewhere. I'll post it when I find it. They quoted me about $1k for a 40 gallon NG heater. Too rich for me! So I'm buying a 6 year warranty heater through a contractor friend and will upgrade the anodes and insulate it. Should get me to a lifespan similar to or better than the Costco warranty.

 

[plumbstupid]

If you are going to get a water heater from a big box store get the GE. The GE water heaters sold by Home Depot are made by Rudd/Rheem.

I work on water heaters every day. The American/Whirlpool and Ao Smith/State family of water heaters will put my kids thru college.

I sell and install Bradford White. They make a great product and if they ever have problems they are generally very minor.

I never work on Rheem,Rudd or GE water heaters. At the present time they have the best FVIR system. The Rheem family and Bradford White both draw combustion air from the side. The others draw it from the bottom. The bottom of a water heater is usually the dustist place in a home. This is wht the Whirpool family and AO Smith water heaters have so many issues.

 

[mechanicworkman]

Anyone have experience with these? ITs a Richmond i think made by Rheem

http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...9-year-tall-water-heater/p-1523226-c-8690.htm

 

[CNGsaves]

Anyone have experience with these? ITs a Richmond i think made by Rheem

http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...9-year-tall-water-heater/p-1523226-c-8690.htm

Holy **** . . . $740 for 50 gal NG hot water heater at Menards !

It ought to come with a plumber for that price, FULLY Installed !! Claims to have 9 yr warranty, but likely no better that Bradford White that I can get from wholesale supply house with 6 yr warranty. HWH can go 15 to 20 years easy if you drain water out of bottom every year to clear out sediment.

Bradford White 50 gal NG for $360 at wholesale supply house:
. . . . . The TAP, 620 S Washington, Wichita, KS

Might be worth the roadtrip for you??

 

[Ed P2]

It's a racket, having to spend so much money on a water heater every 10 to 15 years. If I were going to stay in the house for a while I'd buy a stainless steel one. The only costs then would be for the elements and the pressure/temperature relief valve.

http://www.htproducts.com/water-heating-comparison.html

Ed P2

 

[volvo]

...
You could get a plastic lifetime unit, but once again they are very expensive and you are over paying for the warranty. Only cost effective way shop for the best priced Bradford White unit from a good plumbing supply house and install it your self. The last two I installed, I have all set up just to roll it in place, reconnect up electrical, replace the two flex line o rings, fill & turn it on. So that the current replacement was all preplanned and set up from the last install.

 

[InPrimer]

here's what I went through, 7 yr old Propane , 50 gal dieing, went to HD and Lowes looking for replacement. Checked out $$ ( since we live in a had water area) we figured that it will die in 6-7 yrs anyway so why pay extra for warrenty, now for the sticker shock ,about $200 more for Prop tank versus NG??????? since we built the house we have a 220 plug and gas bib on all major appl , on stove, dryer, and HW tank. My question is, I understand that there is a diff orfice in NG and Prop units. Why the huge price diff?? I got pissed and R/R the prop unit with an elect tank. comments welcomed

 

[plumbstupid]

here's what I went through, 7 yr old Propane , 50 gal dieing, went to HD and Lowes looking for replacement. Checked out $$ ( since we live in a had water area) we figured that it will die in 6-7 yrs anyway so why pay extra for warrenty, now for the sticker shock ,about $200 more for Prop tank versus NG??????? since we built the house we have a 220 plug and gas bib on all major appl , on stove, dryer, and HW tank. My question is, I understand that there is a diff orfice in NG and Prop units. Why the huge price diff?? I got pissed and R/R the prop unit with an elect tank. comments welcomed

Yep the price of propane water heaters are expensive. I'm not sure why, there is not much diffrence. They have a smaller orfice, a cast iron burner and the limit switched are set for a higher temp. One of my guys bought a 30 gallon propane Rheem for a job and my cost was 520.00

I can get a 30 gallon propane Bradford White for about 340.00

 

[rharman]

AO Smith or Bradford White. Go to a plumbing supply.

We were looking at the GE at Home Depot and a plumber walked by and said "don't do it...". Said he replaces the thermocouple in them all the time and it's a hassle.

I was going to go AO Smith originally but thought they'd be too expensive. Turned out the price was better. Of course, they only have a 6-year warranty as opposed to the 10-12 year on the GE.

I don't really worry about the warranty. Our GE (from Home Depot) lasted about 2 months past its 10-year warranty. The AO Smith originally installed on our remodel lasted about 12 years.

One thing... are you sure you need 50 gallon? Be sure you have enough room and clearance.

The AO Smith we bought a couple of months ago came in two options - one had thicker insulation. Same price so I went for that one.

Also, set up a regular schedule of draining off some of the water/sediment - it'll help with the longevity.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I went tankless via home depot 7 years ago...will never use a tank type water heater again.

Gained a new closet / extra storage in the hallway where the 50 gallon tank type used to be as well.