Box store vs supply house water heaters

[Hall]

Some years back, when our AC/heat pump unit went out, the installer was more than happy to replace the compressor for us under warranty. Some work is better than none. Maybe not always the case, though.

I understand and it could be a lot of variables. The manufacturer may let the contractor make the determination that it's covered by warranty vs a tech having to go out, diagnose it, submit the details to the company and wait for approval (or denial). They may pay a perfectly acceptable rate. It could be a really simple repair / swap.

 

[Lubener]

Will box stores sell you a gas water heater or do you have to have them install it????

They will sell it to you. Some plumbing outlets may require a license because of the gas involved.

 

[doitmyself]

Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places, but most "pro" brands come with a 6 year warranty, and the better "box store" brands have 9/10. Why?

I made this exact same observation the last time I did my front brake rotors/pads. The excellent EBC brand I chose had the shortest warranty, as does Akebono (30 to 90 days, depending on info source).

Here's my opinion. I think the long warranties are just a sales gimmick. You either pay more for that warranty and/or the manufacturers feel that the increased sales offsets the few long warranties they have to honor. The very long warranties on things like Chinese water pumps is to increase sales of shoddy products. They are not an indication of quality as many of us first think. The high quality manufacturers rely on the reputation of their product.

It takes a bit of adjustment to accept that the best products have the shortest warranties. The lifetime warranty on shoddy products is so enticing. But, there are also some very high quality products that have outstanding warranties, so buyer beware.

 

[Hall]

Here's my opinion. I think the long warranties are just a sales gimmick.

Absolutely is the case. Look at Autozone and the parts they offer lifetime warranties on - they are typically the lower-priced options on parts they sell. They count on people forgetting they are warranted for life and they'll just buy a new part when it fails.

 

[walterjay]

The reason why plumbing supply houses tend to stock mostly 6 year warranty heaters is simple. The plumbing business at least in my area is highly competitive and plumbers what to offer a lower price to get the job.

 

[User_19876]

The reason why plumbing supply houses tend to stock mostly 6 year warranty heaters is simple. The plumbing business at least in my area is highly competitive and plumbers what to offer a lower price to get the job.

Maybe, but the units at the supply house are much more expensive. I could’ve gotten a 12 year warranty at Lowes for about $1500. I paid $1900 for a 6 year warranty at the supply house because two different plumbers told me they were higher quality.

 

[Lubener]

Maybe, but the units at the supply house are much more expensive. I could’ve gotten a 12 year warranty at Lowes for about $1500. I paid $1900 for a 6 year warranty at the supply house because two different plumbers told me they were higher quality.

I would have taken the 12 year for $1500 over a 6 year warranted tank for $1900 any day of the week.

 

[User_19876]

I would have taken the 12 year for $1500 over a 6 year warranted tank for $1900 any day of the week.

I certainly considered it. We'll see if my decision was a mistake.