Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

[SeaKaye12]

The 40 gallon gas water heater in my house was installed in 1995; I will need to replace it soon.

What is the straight story on water heaters? I went to Home Depot yesterday and saw what I expected: They have heaters labeled "GOOD" "BETTER" AND "BEST". 6, 9,AND 12 YEAR WARRANTIES. I recall reading somewhere that all water heaters are essentially the same and when you pay more for the 'BETTER" OR "BEST" ones you are essentially buying an extended warranty. The heaters are pretty much the same and the higher price pays for the longer coverage.

So; a couple of questions:

(1) Is the above true?

(2) How many companies actually make water heaters? I would think that even with the myriad of brands on the market there must be only a few manufacturers and some must have better products than others. Is there some way to know who makes the heater you're looking at?

(3) How does one evaluate a water heater?

(4) Any brands to avoid? Any to search out?

I imagine that a lot of people here are going to suggest switching to tankless. I don't really want to consider that at this time. That's a question for another post.

Thanks! Chuck

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

yes...avoid the Whirlpool brand which is sold at Lowes. That is what I have and they have had major problems, class actions and recalls.

My next one is going to be a Rheem from Amazon to replace the ones in my rental houses.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just got a brand spankin' new Rheem installed here about a month ago. $700 installed with a 6 year warranty. I think it's about the same one Home Depot has on their site for $349.

Previously had a State (6 yr warranty) that lasted 13 years so I didn't get hurt there either. The plumber who put mine in is a rheem dealer but he said he would install what I bought if I wanted to save a few bucks. He did warn me to stay away from the Whirlpools at Lowes. He previously handled A O Smith but switched to Rheem because he felt they were better. Both he and my brother said there was very little to gain by going with the high dollar models.

My brother is a home inspector and told me he once inspected a place that had a 40 year old Rheem water heater. Figured it was probably pretty inefficient but was in good shape and still putting out hot water.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Keep it simple, avoid the electronic gimmicks and extended warranties. It is usually cheaper to buy an insulation jacket than buying a high efficiency model....but most important of all is to install an inline expansion tank if your city water has a check valve on the supply line. If you skip this step you will probably be replacing the water heater again in a few years.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

This guy has some opinions

http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/products/

 

[dolluper]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

We have a new Rheem ...reason put in because of available parts ....installers are all using Rheem around here just because of available parts and reliabity....we had a GE before...20 years old still working great till a flood happened {unrelated sewer problem} and took it out making it unoperational

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

The older heaters were good. The newer FVIR requirements is what screwed them up. On my whirlpool, the pilot wouldn't stay lit anymore so a whole new burner/pilot assembly was sent to me free of charge because of the class action.

Rheem supposedly has the best FVIR system. On my Whirlpool, the manufacturer wants you to clean the screen under the heater every 3 months. How likely is someone going to do that?

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

The older heaters were good. The newer FVIR requirements is what screwed them up. On my whirlpool, the pilot wouldn't stay lit anymore so a whole new burner/pilot assembly was sent to me free of charge because of the class action.

Rheem supposedly has the best FVIR system. On my Whirlpool, the manufacturer wants you to clean the screen under the heater every 3 months. How likely is someone going to do that?

Make sure you do this or you`ll be replacing again real soon. Ask me how I know. Grrrrr

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Make sure you do this or you`ll be replacing again real soon. Ask me how I know. Grrrrr

The one that failed wasn't that bad because it is not in an area that picks up a lot of lint. I have another Whirlpool that is in a laundry room of my Tahoe house which I now am going to start cleaning every time I go up there.

 

[Rockmere1]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

I Have An A-O Smith, I Like It.... Puts Out Hot Water! I have seen bradford whites, they I believe have a circuit board in the gas valve for a thermostat, correct me guys if im wrong. but on the insulation, basicly all water heaters are the same, due to government regulations on efficiency. Stay Away From Kenmore Though:facepalm:!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

I would probably stay away from the A-O Smith because of their venting issues.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

The first one I installed I left on short blocks. I didnt know that it had to be cleaned til it stopped putting out hot water and I called a repairman. He came in and put his hand under there and came out with a bunch of lint. yep junk This one is on 8" blocks so I can get the nozzle from the shop vac on it. I clean it every other month now. It probably doesnt need it that often but I`m not going to take a chance.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just go to a ********* plumbing store (Lockes) and get an A.O. Smith or Bradford white and an insulation blanket. If it is in a location where water damage is a possibility a pan should installed. They typically last anywhere from 7 to 20 years, I get around fifteen from my natual gas Bradford Whites (I run two), I paid $289 for my last one in October. Pick up 2- 18" copper flex lines to hook it up with. They manufacter Whirlpool products in Tulsa and I have done alot of plumbing / mechanical work at their plant and would not purchase anything with their name on it.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

The word ******'ed out is *********.?.?.?

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Whole sale

 

[Rockmere1]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just go to a ********* plumbing store (Lockes) and get an A.O. Smith or Bradford white and an insulation blanket. If it is in a location where water damage is a possibility a pan should installed. They typically last anywhere from 7 to 20 years, I get around fifteen from my natual gas Bradford Whites (I run two), I paid $289 for my last one in October. Pick up 2- 18" copper flex lines to hook it up with. They manufacter Whirlpool products in Tulsa and I have done alot of plumbing / mechanical work at their plant and would not purchase anything with their name on it.

LOL Agreed

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just remember to install a small expansion tank somewhere on your water line. I have seen a number of water heaters fail in 3 to 5 years that were installed without them!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just remember to install a small expansion tank somewhere on your water line. I have seen a number of water heaters fail in 3 to 5 years that were installed without them!

Why not just the pressure relief valve? You are worried about pressure spikes?

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Why not just the pressure relief valve? You are worried about pressure spikes?

The problem (on municipal water only) is that as the water heats it expands and has nowhere to go....so all day long your water heater is "breathing" with each heating cycle and after a few years the tank will fail because of metal fatigue. The small and inexpensive expansion tank will give the increased pressure somewhere to go. The relief valve is a limiting device and does not control pressure fluctuations.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

I guess that makes sense. The pressure regulator on the house won't solve that problem I guess because the pressure will build on the house side of the regulator?