Gas Water Heater Replacement

[The Critic]

I plan to replace the 50 gal gas water heater at my house and at my parents' house for reliability reasons. Both are over 10 years old.

The intention is to replace like for like.

This is my first water heater replacement, but I will be working with someone experienced. After doing some initial research, I am looking for guidance on the following items:

1) I am considering the Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White brands. Since both water heaters are currently Bradford Whites and this brand is generally well-regarded, my top choice is a Bradford White URG250T6N-394 w/6-yr warranty for $780 from a local plumbing wholesaler. Rheem and A.O. Smith have options with longer warranties - should I be looking at those instead?

2) Neither water heater is currently equipped with an expansion tank. Is there any reason to install one?

3) Both water heaters appear to work adequately. Is there any reason to pay extra for a "high input" model?

Thanks.

 

[Rand]

Disclaimer: not a pro.
1) crapshoot
2)possibly
3) doubtful

For the answer to 2
are they on well or city water, if city is there a backflow preventer on the water supply.
If I remember my math correctly 50gal of water going from room temp to hot can expand by well over a gallon..
if there is no issues now.. its likely not needed.. but might be wanted for code or other reasons.

The price on the bradford white seems decent.

 

[The Critic]

For the answer to 2
are they on well or city water, if city is there a backflow preventer on the water supply.

Both houses are on city water.

 

[CKN]

I plan to replace the 50 gal gas water heater at my house and at my parents' house for reliability reasons. Both are over 10 years old.

The intention is to replace like for like.

This is my first water heater replacement, but I will be working with someone experienced. After doing some initial research, I am looking for guidance on the following items:

1) I am considering the Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White brands. Since both water heaters are currently Bradford Whites and this brand is generally well-regarded, my top choice is a Bradford White URG250T6N-394 w/6-yr warranty for $780 from a local plumbing wholesaler. Rheem and A.O. Smith have options with longer warranties - should I be looking at those instead?

2) Neither water heater is currently equipped with an expansion tank. Is there any reason to install one?

3) Both water heaters appear to work adequately. Is there any reason to pay extra for a "high input" model?

Thanks.

After my research recently I did not want a Bradford White. I opted instead for the Rheem/with an expansion tank. I relaced my existing water heater at the 7 year mark-looking at the average for water life expectancy in my area. Good to be proactive.

 

[benjamming]

Do you plan on replacing anode rods periodically? I will say that Bradford White makes it difficult to replace. I bought a Bradford White that lasted 15 years (water softener entire time). Anode rod never changed & was gone when replaced due to leak. I replaced with another Bradford White.

I do not have an expansion tank. No issues here, but probably will install one next time & sorta wish I had this time. I find it hard to believe that it's not code there...

High input models are those that produce a higher first hour rating due to increased BTUs. If you match them from previous model, & not expected changes in the future requiring more hot water demand, then carry on. But that comparison if pretty important.

 

[I<3oil]

We're on our 2nd AO Smith gas heater (we replaced old one in last house and the newer house we bought has one already) and like them. I flushed the current one last one (installed in 2020 and probably never flushed) and there really wasn't a whole lot of stuff in it. It's one of the ones with teh Dynaclean/hydrojets inside to help reduce sediment buildup.

 

[doitmyself]

I installed our Bradford White 40 gallon gas water heater in 2017 and it is doing fine. I bought is solely to support a Made in Michigan company. The one thing I dislike about Bradford Whites is that the anode rod is combined in the hot water outlet pipe vs. other brands where the anode rod is installed in its own port.. A non-issue if you do not service your anode rod.

At my favorite plumbing site (Terry Love Forum) the pros and diyers don't even discuss "best brand" anymore. This tells me that they are commodities that are more or less equal in quality, often using similar parts (gas valve, etc.). I would be inclined to research their warranties, customer service, parts availability, etc. to see if one possibly outshines the others. A metal drain valve would be a nice feature to have. Tough to figure out if better warranty = better product. Some pros think that you are just paying more for the warranty. Others claim the longer warranty models have better anode rods. Who really knows? Not me, mister OCD researcher of purchasing the best value product, but growing weary of that endeavor in old age.

No need for expansion tank if you don't have some sort of valve that prevents expanding water to move backwards towards the supply side.

I've never had a high output model, so can't comment. I'm a KISS type of guy.

All three are good brands. Good luck.

 

[Irishman]

A. O. Smith for me. 25 years on the first one and I'm now at 15 years on the current one. Both sold by Sears.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Rheem products have lasted us far beyond expectations. From HVAC equipment to gas water heaters.

 

[Lubener]

A. O. Smith for me. 25 years on the first one and I'm now at 15 years on the current one. Both sold by Sears.

Same here. First one was replaced at 16 years old which still worked fine at the time. My current one is working fine at 17 years old. I always did the P.M. myself on a regular basis. Can't get a Sears anymore but will get another AO Smith when the time comes.

I would install an expansion tank as most plumbing codes require them.

If your old tank has worked for you, no need for a high input model.

 

[Carmudgeon]

You have the luxury of 1) not doing it under duress with a household screaming for hot water, and 2) DIY, which allows for understanding the local code and what is required.

Much better than an emergency call to a plumber or specialist who can take advantage of the situation and try to sell things that aren't really needed, like expansion tanks, or things like protection posts, if they're installed in the garage.

FWIW, last time I had one replaced, one BW with another BW, I was willing to pay for something above the basic line (6-yr), with a better warranty, however the installer said it was my option, but in their experience it didn't really make any difference in durability. And, like a prorated battery warranty, would a longer warranty actually be worthwhile? Have to check the fine print.

The old products that would typically last 15-20 years or longer with a good quality water supply? I don't think the make those any longer, at any price.

 

[Lubener]

I have stated before, there is no difference in durabilty with the actual internal tank between a 6,9 or 12 year warranted HWT. The key differences with the "good, better or best" tanks are additional warranty time, added insulation, a bigger anode rod and in the case of 12 year tanks, two anode rods instead of one.

 

[97prizm]

I plan to replace the 50 gal gas water heater at my house and at my parents' house for reliability reasons. Both are over 10 years old.

The intention is to replace like for like.

This is my first water heater replacement, but I will be working with someone experienced. After doing some initial research, I am looking for guidance on the following items:

1) I am considering the Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White brands. Since both water heaters are currently Bradford Whites and this brand is generally well-regarded, my top choice is a Bradford White URG250T6N-394 w/6-yr warranty for $780 from a local plumbing wholesaler. Rheem and A.O. Smith have options with longer warranties - should I be looking at those instead?

2) Neither water heater is currently equipped with an expansion tank. Is there any reason to install one?

3) Both water heaters appear to work adequately. Is there any reason to pay extra for a "high input" model?

Thanks.

Skip Rheem. I was told by many installers that they're the only company that uses reverse threads making parts incompatible with others.While I worked maintenance and Whirlpool and AO Smith were replaced the least. While working apartment maintenance and asking my boss who worked apartment maintenance for twenty years, Bradford White, and Whirlpool have a self cleaning model that I'd go with. Whirlpool, and A.O. Smith lasted the longest. Depending on building code you may or may not need an overflow tank. Check the annode rod every so often.

 

[GI_GRIFF]

I plan to replace the 50 gal gas water heater at my house and at my parents' house for reliability reasons. Both are over 10 years old.

The intention is to replace like for like.

This is my first water heater replacement, but I will be working with someone experienced. After doing some initial research, I am looking for guidance on the following items:

1) I am considering the Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White brands. Since both water heaters are currently Bradford Whites and this brand is generally well-regarded, my top choice is a Bradford White URG250T6N-394 w/6-yr warranty for $780 from a local plumbing wholesaler. Rheem and A.O. Smith have options with longer warranties - should I be looking at those instead?

2) Neither water heater is currently equipped with an expansion tank. Is there any reason to install one?

3) Both water heaters appear to work adequately. Is there any reason to pay extra for a "high input" model?

Thanks.

I would buy the "fast recovery" model over the "standard" models every time because if you have a family member taking a shower right after you, that reduces the likelihood of the second shower taker running out of hot water. Get the longest warranty water heater they sell, they won't warranty longer than they will last, you will generally get a couple years or more out of a water heater than the warranty period. Buy from a reputable local dealer-plumber-installer and keep all your paperwork and receipts. Be sure to get online and register your water heater, no matter what brand you buy. Also, I would go with the A.O. Smith brand. I have used A.O. Smith water heaters in my homes for years without much trouble, the only trouble was to be expected, like rusting out and starting to leak once they got really old. Now you have my .05 cents of opinion.

 

[RaymondP]

I have stated before, there is no difference in durabilty with the actual internal tank between a 6,9 or 12 year warranted HWT. The key differences with the "good, better or best" tanks are additional warranty time, added insulation, a bigger anode rod and in the case of 12 year tanks, two anode rods instead of one.

....and maybe a brass drain tap instead of the cheap nylon versions.

 

[sw99]

I would add a full port drain valve at the same time.

 

[billt460]

I have never had an expansion tank on a water heater, and never installed one in all of the homes that I have lived in. (5 total). I've had plumbers tell me that most of the one's they've come across, have filled up completely with water, and become useless after that.

I figure there must be something to that, or you would see them on every house. I don't think there is much difference in brand. Go for the best, (longest), warranty, at the best price.

If you're working with gas, be sure to use the yellow teflon tape. Not the white used for most other plumbing jobs. And be sure to test for leaks with soapy water after you've completed the piping.

It's not a hard job.... Unless you have difficulty draining the tank. Removing them full of water is no joy. (Ask me how I know).

 

[burbguy82]

I plan to replace the 50 gal gas water heater at my house and at my parents' house for reliability reasons. Both are over 10 years old.

The intention is to replace like for like.

This is my first water heater replacement, but I will be working with someone experienced. After doing some initial research, I am looking for guidance on the following items:

1) I am considering the Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White brands. Since both water heaters are currently Bradford Whites and this brand is generally well-regarded, my top choice is a Bradford White URG250T6N-394 w/6-yr warranty for $780 from a local plumbing wholesaler. Rheem and A.O. Smith have options with longer warranties - should I be looking at those instead?

2) Neither water heater is currently equipped with an expansion tank. Is there any reason to install one?

3) Both water heaters appear to work adequately. Is there any reason to pay extra for a "high input" model?

Thanks.

1.) Dealing with warranty on the unit is a nightmare, especially when doing it yourself, and this should not be a consideration in your quest
2.)no typical water heater has a built in expansion tank, it is a separate thing. there are things called, "expansion valves" that can be used also.
3.)no, not in residential applications..........tank capacity is nothing compared to BTU and first hour rating. The higher the btu the higher the cost. If you run out of hot now, consider a higher btu rating, but not so much higher that your gas line is too small. This is unlikely, but a consideration. 50-60k btu should do good.

 

[dbias]

A. O. Smith for me. 25 years on the first one and I'm now at 15 years on the current one. Both sold by Sears.

I’m in the garage near my 25 yo AO Smith gas water heater. I’ve replaced the anode three times and the down pipe once and drain the tank every spring to remove sediment. I am on very good city water and will definitely replace it with another one.

 

[Hermann]

My original Bradford White is 28* years old. Have not done anything to it. It works flawlessly. Makes the same noises it did when new. It sounds a lot like the noises the Maverick's hybrid makes after you shut it down but not as loud.