Good hot water heater brand?
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Originally Posted By: Rand
I missed power vent in the org. post.
Many of the new gas ones are junk. Tread carefully.
Even the 12 year warranty ones just seem to be cheap junk that has a longer warranty
vs being built better compared to the 6 year warranty.
The real difference is basically the anode rod, the 6 year ones typically just have one, the 9 year ones have a longer one or thicker one or maybe like the 12 year ones, they have 2. You can get replacement anode rods for around $10-$15 on line plus shipping. I usually get one that's .9 inches in diameter, not sure what OEMs use but they could be as thin as .5 in diameter.
The problem with a power venter is that you have limited choices, best to change out the anode rod every 3-4 years.
https://www.comfortgurus.com/859-water-heater-parts#/item_description-anode_rods
I missed power vent in the org. post.
Many of the new gas ones are junk. Tread carefully.
Even the 12 year warranty ones just seem to be cheap junk that has a longer warranty
vs being built better compared to the 6 year warranty.
The real difference is basically the anode rod, the 6 year ones typically just have one, the 9 year ones have a longer one or thicker one or maybe like the 12 year ones, they have 2. You can get replacement anode rods for around $10-$15 on line plus shipping. I usually get one that's .9 inches in diameter, not sure what OEMs use but they could be as thin as .5 in diameter.
The problem with a power venter is that you have limited choices, best to change out the anode rod every 3-4 years.
https://www.comfortgurus.com/859-water-heater-parts#/item_description-anode_rods
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
You need to change the anode rod periodically to prevent rust.
This is the key.
Anode replacement may be every 5-7 years and draining it every year to flush.
I had a no brand WH installed when the house was built in 1994.
I changed the Anode once I know I had to do it which was may be at 15 years old.
The anode rod was gone, too long.
Then I changed another one 2 years ago (5 years anode) but it was ok but I changed it anyway.
There are 2 types, Aluminum and Magnesium with different cross section diameter.
I bought it Amazon or local specialties plumbing shop.
I am not sure if HD or Lowes have them.
The key like a car is maintenance. But who does that.
From what I have read, the longer warranty WH have 2 Anode rods instead of 1 but I can be wrong.
You need to change the anode rod periodically to prevent rust.
This is the key.
Anode replacement may be every 5-7 years and draining it every year to flush.
I had a no brand WH installed when the house was built in 1994.
I changed the Anode once I know I had to do it which was may be at 15 years old.
The anode rod was gone, too long.
Then I changed another one 2 years ago (5 years anode) but it was ok but I changed it anyway.
There are 2 types, Aluminum and Magnesium with different cross section diameter.
I bought it Amazon or local specialties plumbing shop.
I am not sure if HD or Lowes have them.
The key like a car is maintenance. But who does that.
From what I have read, the longer warranty WH have 2 Anode rods instead of 1 but I can be wrong.
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Another vote for AO Smith.
Kenmore water heaters are made by State Industries, a subsidiary of AO Smith, according to a recent internet article that I read. My 1st Kenmore water heater lasted from 1985 to 2010 when I replaced it with another Kenmore water heater. When I got my current Kenmore I was told it was made by AO Smith.
Originally Posted By: Irishman
Kenmore water heaters are made by State Industries, a subsidiary of AO Smith, according to a recent internet article that I read. My 1st Kenmore water heater lasted from 1985 to 2010 when I replaced it with another Kenmore water heater. When I got my current Kenmore I was told it was made by AO Smith.
I'd be concerned that Sears is contracting with AO Smith to build a big box quality item for them, like what they do with Husqvarna for their Craftsman OPE.
Having AO Smith build a water heater for Kenmore is different from buying from an AO Smith dealer. Without good data to show that the big box heaters that AO Smith makes are the same as the ones at the individual dealers, I'd stick with one of their regular models from a trusted local plumber or supply warehouse.
Kenmore water heaters are made by State Industries, a subsidiary of AO Smith, according to a recent internet article that I read. My 1st Kenmore water heater lasted from 1985 to 2010 when I replaced it with another Kenmore water heater. When I got my current Kenmore I was told it was made by AO Smith.
I'd be concerned that Sears is contracting with AO Smith to build a big box quality item for them, like what they do with Husqvarna for their Craftsman OPE.
Having AO Smith build a water heater for Kenmore is different from buying from an AO Smith dealer. Without good data to show that the big box heaters that AO Smith makes are the same as the ones at the individual dealers, I'd stick with one of their regular models from a trusted local plumber or supply warehouse.
Likely going to go with State(AO Smith), about 1050 locally, for the powervent. Beats some online places with freight. Supplier said contractors buy them all day and double the price to their customers to install. Another very reputable contractor said AO or State.
Home depot is close to 1300 for the same type (Rheem).
The reviews are pretty scary for all brands, but I guess you could say the same about cars too.
Home depot is close to 1300 for the same type (Rheem).
The reviews are pretty scary for all brands, but I guess you could say the same about cars too.
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4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I changed my last Kenmore at 17 years only to change sizes ... I have 4 Kenmore major appliances a dozen years old and never touched by a repairman ... I realize they don't manufacture - but that makes them customers too ...
Have a State (AO Smith) 50 gal natural gas put in when my house was built in 2004. Changed the anode several times and I drain somewhat regularly without issue. I believe that AO Smith makes the Reliance brand as well. They sell Reliance at our local Farm and Fleet and they seem to be identical to the Kenmore ones at a much lower price. Wondering if there is an internal difference that justifies the higher price of the Kenmore or AO Smith over the Reliance?
Am running the same electric heater I installed in 1984. I'm on my second heater element and second thermostat module. If you keep on top of the sacrificial anode replacement, they last forever. If you don't, they don't. I replace mine every three years ... you're supposed to do it every two. Most people never replace them, and the heater doesn't last.
Originally Posted By: rshaw125
Whenever I have replaced one it was because the tank rusted through and began to leak. So are there any manufacturers that use better or different materials for the tank itself?
We bought a Marathon with a non-metallic tank for our condo, where it sits in the closet of the guest bedroom and would really mess things up if a leak were to occur. It's been good for about 8 years now.
Whenever I have replaced one it was because the tank rusted through and began to leak. So are there any manufacturers that use better or different materials for the tank itself?
We bought a Marathon with a non-metallic tank for our condo, where it sits in the closet of the guest bedroom and would really mess things up if a leak were to occur. It's been good for about 8 years now.
Would making the tanks out of a high quality stainless steel make any difference other than price?
Originally Posted By: Rat407
Would making the tanks out of a high quality stainless steel make any difference other than price?
Of course it would - they wouldn't rust out as fast, but the manufacturers aren't interesting in making them last longer.
I spent some time on this a few months back and switched from a Bradford White to a Rheem "Professional". At his point I believe I made a good choice. BW was using the Chinese made Honeywell control valve that seems to be having problems in longer term reliability. (However it has cool LED lights
)
It seems all of them aren't as reliable as units from 20 years ago. My old BW was 25 years old so I was originally planning to get another one before I started researching it.
Would making the tanks out of a high quality stainless steel make any difference other than price?
Of course it would - they wouldn't rust out as fast, but the manufacturers aren't interesting in making them last longer.
I spent some time on this a few months back and switched from a Bradford White to a Rheem "Professional". At his point I believe I made a good choice. BW was using the Chinese made Honeywell control valve that seems to be having problems in longer term reliability. (However it has cool LED lights
It seems all of them aren't as reliable as units from 20 years ago. My old BW was 25 years old so I was originally planning to get another one before I started researching it.
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have a 13 year old AO Smith gas heater here.
Changed the anode rod last year, it was covered in limestone.
Crackles and pops but still running and not ready to leak, I looked it over with an inspection mirror.
Changed the anode rod last year, it was covered in limestone.
Crackles and pops but still running and not ready to leak, I looked it over with an inspection mirror.
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