Who makes the best water heater?

The question is open ended , my friend, But I will share what I feel is worth looking into, First of all are we talking about a Gas heater? or Electric?

Gas are pretty much all the same, due to State and federal regulations, From what I have found out checking on them.

Electric on the other hand are like any other electric appliance, some are more cost effective to operate than others. Just like the A/c unit on your home.

A/c and the Hot water heater are two appliances that use most of the power your paying for at the end of every month, so it pays to shop for the better power use rating.

We do allot of bathroom remodels and the 1 question that always comes up is , how can I get hot water to my shower faster?, or more pressure, the answer to both of these questions is simple, Install a pump that will help to move the water from the heater to its needed location. They sell for about 195.00 or less and are some what easy to install.

I asked a 30 yr journymen plumber the same question , whats better a $600 hot water heater or a $400 one? he laughed and said they are both the same!!! your just buying the extended warranty for 200 bucks,

That being said, I own several rental homes,

When I need a hot water heater, [about every 4 years out here] I buy it from Home depot, Know why?

Because they offer A LIFE TIME warranty on it, as long as its the same home.and owner

sure you pay for it, they carry GE out here/12 year free replacment,just change it out before the 12 yrs is up…most wont last that long not these days any way, 20years ago perhaps

but I have only had to pay one time for each house, the rest of the time they are exchanged for free. If you pay them to install the fist one, other wise they just trade out the unit for a new one,no questions asked! Had 2 changed out last year, cost me only new supply lines is all, $43.00 for each unit.

Check with the customer sevice desk, You may have to ask a few people untill you get some one who knows the drill, But the deal is out there, just not too many know about it.

A blanket and a timer [for electric] are also items to look into for getting the most performance for less money.

James Hood

CAdillac Tile LLC

Phoenix Arizona

I am a licensed plumber and I’ll tell you that not all water heaters perform the same. I made the mistake of buying a HD water heater years ago. First tank failed after 12 months and the second tank just doesn’t perfrom well. Usually only puts out “hot” water for about 10 minutes and it’s only 2 years old.

The Home Depot’s are all independantly ran and will have different programs. But I don’t believe that they have a liftime wwarranty.

Also, my question was WHO makes the best water heater. I was referring to the brand or manufacturer but thanks for the advice.

I’ve had the best results using Bradford White water heaters. This is based on the number of issues I’ve run into with water heaters I’ve installed, or have been called to repair. I used to use another American water heater until they came up with the brilliant idea to use a thermocouple with reverse threads that ended up in “recall” status. Also, Bradford White are or were rated top water heater by J.D. Powers & Associates.

Our company puts our name only on Bradford White water heaters. These are the best in the industry. They have a rigorous inspection process and solid warranty. We can confidently say we have never removed a properly installed Bradford White water heater prior to 7 years of use. That’s a good track record!

Python Plumbing LLC in St. Louis, Missouri only puts its name on State Water Heaters. And as far as Home Depot water heaters… They’re junk. They’ll never recover like a water heater from the supply house. And there IS NO such warranty. Silly just silly. Sidenote, locally there is a BIG time issue with the contractors who install for HD and Lowes where they are not following thru on their responsibility and having their work INSPECTED!!! This is a BIG safety issue. Some of these permits have been open for 5 years! So if you cant trust the installer of an appliance which can kill an entire family, can you really trust the people who are sending them?

rinnai tankless is more efficent than a tank type gas fired water heater

Please state what type of water heater you need or in question, electrical or gas, also your location in the states will help you get the best answer, as suppliers do not cary the same brands, east cost vs west cost, true for north of US vs south borders. Suppliers cary different brand names and offer different warantees, some life time for electrical hot water heaters.

Bradford White water heater hands down. Level of service from them able to get all repair parts fast. We are alway able to reach a rep. each time we call for warranties.

From experience AO smith water heaters are the best. they last the longest and if they break during warranty the replacement process is not much of a headache.

In our line of work, we need the best tanks possible. We rely on Rinnai because they are high-quality, reliable and efficient tanks. Also, if there is ever an issue with this tank, it is easier to contact customer service, and get the help you need.

My plumber, Bertoli Plumbing and Heating always installs Bradford White. I’ve never had a call back

I always use either American or Bradford White Water Heaters. I can Always relate to a problem with these two brands, have been using them and servicing them for over 10 years. No matter the Size of the Unit old or New we definitely get the job done.

I also am a journeyman Plumber. I also endorse Bradford White water heaters. It is so rare to get called to a issue with a Bradford White water heater. They are also made in the USA.