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While many issues can signal the end of an aging water heater’s life, if your unit is only a few years old, the problem could be repairable and under warranty. It may be worth calling the manufacturer or a plumber to check the appliance before you invest in a new model. Fixing an older unit will also provide you more time to select its eventual replacement.More than just maintaining your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s important to regularly check the performance of a hot water heater to make sure it’s performing optimally. Even though all appliances have an average lifespan that’s based on typical use, it’s a good idea to start shopping for a replacement if you notice any of the following signs.Hot water heaters have become essential parts of the modern home, but not actively considered until something goes wrong. Like other functional elements—roof, windows, electricity, and stairs—in a home, it’s important to periodically check on their performance to avoid a potential problem. Knowing the important warning signs that indicate that a hot water heater may need to be replaced soon and what to consider when replacing a hot water heater, can save time, stress, and money.Waiting until it’s an emergency or extremely inconvenient can make the process of replacing a water heater more difficult and expensive. If the current water heater is showing signs of aging, start researching the options and talk with a professional about scheduling time for assessment and possible replacement. While it can take just a few days to receive a standard water heater and just a few hours for a professional to replace it, having a plan in place before it breaks will be valuable.

Also, scheduling time with a professional plumber to make the switch when it isn’t an emergency can save on extra installation fees. Most important, knowing the exact hot water heater that’s desired before the current one is at the end of its life can make the process go much more smoothly. A. As long as it’s still heating water sufficiently, without leaks or strange noises, you might get a few more years of service from it. A water heater’s useful life varies, depending on the type of water heater, the quality of the unit, and how well it’s been maintained. A policy from one of the best home warranty companies for plumbing (like American Home Shield) can help pay to repair or replace aging water heaters that break down due to normal wear and tear. Replacing a hot water heater is not an unusual project, but it does require some essential planning. Depending on whether it’s a standard tank or a specialized electric tankless water heater, lead times for ordering a replacement can vary.This site does not support Internet Explorer 6 or lower. Please consider updating your browser to the latest version of Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. Yes, it is possible to repair some water heater leaks. If the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve or drain valve, there could be a simple cause like buildup of minerals from the water. Fixing it may be as simple as tightening a connection or changing a washer, but it can also be a more complicated fix that is best handled by a professional. It depends on the length of the showers. A 50-gallon water heater can supply about 35 gallons of hot water in an hour. On average, a typical shower uses about 2 gallons per minute and a total of about 17 gallons of water.Consider the standard water heater life expectancy for the current model. When a tank-style water heater approaches 8 to 10 years of age, or a tankless water heater approaches 15 to 18 years of age, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. Not only will this help avoid the annoyance of breakage and the inconvenience of having no hot water, but it also minimizes excess energy consumption.

Also called “on-demand” water heaters, these appliances do not work continuously to maintain a supply of hot water—and, as a result, they last longer than their tank-style counterparts. Eventually, though, tankless water heaters (which do not use anode rods) may also suffer from corrosion and require replacement.

After several years of use, either type of water heater is subject to mineral deposits and sediment buildup that can cause it to require more power to heat water, reducing the appliance’s overall efficiency. Install a replacement, though, and the combination of a decade’s worth of technological advances and the new model’s clean interior mean that your utility bill is sure to drop in the months to follow.It is unusual for used water heaters to last 30 years. Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.

There are many factors that affect a water hexater’s life expectancy. In addition to its age and whether it receives regular maintenance, the quality of the water and the levels of regular usage also affect the water heater lifespan. While a water heater may be able to outlast average estimates, there are expectations for how long a water heater will last based on type.Even if you can’t track down the documentation for your current appliance, you can examine the serial number, which consists of a letter followed by a series of numbers, located on the upper portion of the water heater to determine when it was manufactured.

Inside the tank, an anode rod protects the interior lining by attracting all corrosive particles to itself through a process called electrolysis. When the rod has corroded to such an extent that it can no longer do its job, those particles settle at the bottom of the water tank, where they may eventually destroy the lining. Once corrosion starts inside the tank, the water heater has entered into its final stage of life.If you’re wondering, “How long do water heaters last?” keep reading to find out the signs of aging and what to consider when planning to update an old water heater.Rheem’s market share of the central air conditioner market had been as high as 16% in the 1980s and dropped to about 11% by 2000. By 2008, a report by the United States Department of Energy ranked the firm as fifth in the US in the central air conditioner and heat pump market with a 12% market share (behind UTC/Carrier with 27%, both Goodman/Amana and American Standard/Trane with 14% and Lennox with 12%), while in the residential gas furnace market as of 2008, the company was also ranked fifth with a 12% market share (behind Carrier with 32%, Goodman with 15%, and both Lennox and Trane with 13%).In North America, Rheem and Ruud both manufacture and sell a full line of heating and cooling products for residential and commercial applications, including up to 98.7% annual fuel use efficiency gas furnaces, oil-fired furnaces, up to 20 SEER air conditioners, heat pumps, thermostats, air handlers, package units, and indoor air quality products such as media filters, UV lamps, and humidifiers. In many additional countries around the world, the companies sell numerous types of water heating equipment, including gas fired tank storage and tankless water heaters, high-efficiency condensing water heaters, hybrid heat pump water heaters, and solar water heaters under the Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, Paloma, Solahart, Splendid, and GE brands. Swimming pool-related products include gas-fired and heat pump heaters sold under the Rheem and Raypak brands. Protech replacement parts for HVAC systems are sold through the PROSTOCK retail program.

Rheem Manufacturing Company is an American privately held manufacturer that produces residential and commercial water heaters and boilers, as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. The company also produces and sells products under the Ruud brand name. It is an independent subsidiary of Paloma Industries.What became Rheem started in 1925 as a supplier of packaging to the petroleum industry, and is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of both water heating and HVAC equipment in the United States, and also produces and markets products in Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, China, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Iraq, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Perú, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and Ukraine.Ruud was founded by Edwin Ruud (1854–1932), a Norwegian immigrant who lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He developed the first automatic storage tank gas-fired water heater, which went into production in 1889. Ruud worked for George Westinghouse (1846–1914), but eventually bought the rights to produce the product he invented and formed his own company in 1897. In 1913, Ruud merged and absorbed the Humphrey Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan which also manufactured water heaters. The Humphrey Company had a large manufacturing operation in Kalamazoo, which Ruud continued to operate and expand. In 1954, Ruud moved all operations from Pittsburgh to Kalamazoo where they were headquartered until the purchase by Rheem in 1960.

In 1941, the company became the largest manufacturer of automatic water heaters in the United States. During World War II, much of the company’s efforts went towards wartime production, including building ships and aircraft parts. In 1954, Rheem brought the introduction of “glass-lining”, which coated the interior of a water heater tank with porcelain to extend the life of the tank. One of the most significant events came in 1956 with the introduction of “Rheemaire” central air conditioning and heater systems for homes. This eventually became one of the company’s primary business areas. In 1959, Rheem purchased the Ruud Manufacturing Company.In 1968 a plant was opened in Bergum (Burgum in Frisian) in the Netherlands by (among others) Mr. P. Toonstra. The plant was successful but had to close its doors by the end of 1983.

Since 2007, Rheem has sponsored Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Xfinity Series through their Rheem, RUUD, and Richmond Water Heaters brands. They previously sponsored Kevin Harvick and Harvick’s racing team Kevin Harvick Incorporated (KHI), along with Ron Hornaday Jr., Cale Gale and other former RCR & KHI drivers in the Cup, Xfinity, and Camping World Truck Series. They formerly sponsored James Buescher in the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. Brandon Jones, the son of former Rheem CEO J.R. Jones, currently competes in the Xfinity Series.In December 2013, Rheem acquired Scottsboro, Alabama-based Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG). HTPG, a standalone company, produces the Russell, Witt, ColdZone and Kramer commercial refrigeration brands.

Rheem was the first residential HVAC company to begin using scroll compressors throughout their lineup in 1994, and all air conditioners and heat pumps continue to use Copeland Scroll Compressors. The company was also first to introduce a 14 SEER remote condensing unit in 1997. In 1998, the company began supplying the Home Depot with a line of GE branded water heaters. In 2009, Rheem and Ruud were the first to sell a Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, which was more than twice as efficient as similar electric water heaters. Also in the same year, Rheem and Ruud central air conditioners were reported to have the fewest percentage of units requiring repair among all major HVAC brands according to Consumer Reports.In 2018 Rheem moved to Joe Gibbs Racing with Ryan Preece & Christopher Bell driving the Machine for 36 races. Rheem also was put on the rear quarter panel of the No. 18 Cup car driven by Kyle Busch as an assosicate sponsor to the No. 18. It was announced In September 2019 that Rheem would sponsor Christopher Bell for an unknown number of races in the No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota Camry in the Cup Series in 2020.The company is named for its founders, brothers Richard “R. S.” Rheem and Donald “D. L.” Rheem. They were the sons of William S. Rheem (1862–1919), former Standard Oil Company of California president who led the construction of a major oil refinery for the company in Richmond, California. The brothers initially began manufacturing galvanized steel drums in 1925 as a co-partnership with Pacific Galvanizing Company in Emeryville, California. A third brother, William “W.K.” Rheem, helped finance the company at its start. The Rheem Manufacturing Company was subsequently organized on January 22, 1930, buying out Pacific Galvanizing. Rheem also acquired the Republic Steel package company, which also had a plant in Richmond. Republic Steel made boilers and tanks, which allowed Rheem to enter the business of water heating. The company acquired the John Wood Manufacturing Company of California, which produced automatic gas storage water heaters, in 1931. The company expanded overseas to Australia in 1936, building a plant in Sydney. The Australian operation began making steel shipping containers, including drums, in 1937 and water heaters in 1939.Beginning in August 1970, Rheem began producing Heat pumps and HVAC units for residential applications, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 1983, Rheem introduced the Richmond Water Heaters brand, aimed at hardware stores and home-improvement centers. In 1984, Rheem was acquired by Pace Industries, Inc. The company discontinued containers in 1985, ending 60 years making steel drums and other containers. In the same year, the company acquired Raypak, Inc., which expanded the business into swimming pool heaters as well as commercial boilers. In 1988 Rheem was acquired by Paloma Industries, Ltd., a privately held Japanese company with headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, which wished to expand globally.

Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary. For details, see our Terms of Use and Legal Notices on the Lifestory Research website.

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The Lifestory Research 2022 America’s Most Trusted® Water Heater ratings include the most recognized brands in this product segment. Brands in the study included Rheem, Bosch, GE, Kenmore, AO Smith, Ruud, Bradford White, and Rinnai. You can find a complete list of the 2022 Brands in this year’s study.Brands that understand how people view them are consistently found to win the battle for market share and capture the enduring condition of trust. America’s Most Trusted® is a consumer-based research program based on thousands of people’s opinions actively shopping for products. To identify America’s Most Trusted®, Lifestory Research conducts an ongoing annual survey in which people anonymously assess the trust they have in brands they encounter during their active search for specific products. Lifestory Research surveys people with well-established social science research practices that seek to adhere to the highest quality standards of consumer insight.

Lifestory Research is a consulting firm which combined data mining, data brokerage, and data analysis with strategic communication for persuasive results in marketing and communications.

People taking the survey provide opinions on brands they have considered when making purchase considerations. For example, if people have the knowledge and an opinion of a water heater brand, they are asked questions that range from water heater trust to water heater brand reputation to water heater quality.Lifestory Research studies, products, and services are available for purchase. If you’re interested in subscribing to a Lifestory Research study or becoming a client, please contact us , and we’ll be in touch.The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® Water Heater Study explores water heater shopper reviews and summarizes net promoter, quality reviews, purchase intent, as well as a variety of other metrics.This year, in the Lifestory Research 2022 America’s Most Trusted® Water Heater Study, we discovered Rheem as the most trusted brand. Rheem received the best reviews and trust ratings among the most popular water heater brands as judged by shoppers. As America’s Most Trusted water heater, Rheem earns the 5 Star Trust Rating among people actively shopping for water heater for their home with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 110.7.

Light-duty residential gas water heaters provide hot water for low-volume applications where hot water demand is relatively consistent. These water heaters have smaller tank capacities for additional energy savings. Smaller footprint allows installation where space is limited.For example, a 20-year-old water heater is nearing the end of its service life and will need to be replaced even if repairs are possible. If you notice damage, you should be asking yourself, “should I replace my 20-year-old water heater?”

If your water heater is failing, you may notice dirty water. For example, it may contain sandy or rusty debris. Once your water is contaminated, you’ll likely soon need replacement.

The perfect water heater for you depends on your home, so when you notice signs of failure or if your unit is aging, start researching your options. You’ll give yourself the time necessary to select the right water heater for your home based on your efficiency and performance demands. Visible rust or cracks can mean it’s time for water heater repairs or replacement. A professional can sometimes repair these issues, but if your water heater is older, you’ll need replacement. Tankless water heaters are a more modern option. These produce hot water almost instantly by heating it on-demand. Tankless water heaters use a gas burner or electric coils to generate the hot water.

There are a lot of things you may notice when your water heater heads towards failure. You are more likely to experience failure if your unit is older, but there are many other signs.

Water heaters typically come in two varieties. Traditional water heaters feature a large tank of standing water. This water is heated throughout the day so people can have hot water when they need it.Having to replace your water heater without proper research and on an emergency timetable can be stressful. You may also have to pay more for emergency installation.

Water leaks generally mean the entire unit is failing, and repairs aren’t an option. If your water leaks go unchecked, this can spell disaster. Your tank could burst, leading to flooding in your home.Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.If you already have leaks in your water heater, it’s time for a new system. A buildup of pressure inside the tank often causes leaks. This symptom could mean the relief valve is malfunctioning, or maybe the pressure or temperature is too high. Regardless, if you notice leaks, this is a sign you need immediate replacement.

If you need to replace your water heater, don’t waste time searching online for “water heater replacement near me.” Instead, reach out to the trusted professionals at Jennings Heating, Cooling, and Electric.Replacing your water heater before it fails can save you money in a few ways. For one thing, it’s likely to be more efficient. Specifically, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts, so switching to a tankless model may be something to consider.

You might not know what you’re looking for, and waiting until the last minute means you’ll have to get something quickly with little time to research your options. You can choose between traditional or tankless water heaters, and there are different variables to consider for both varieties.

Should you replace a water heater before it breaks? Maybe you’re wondering why you can’t just opt for repair. There are many reasons to replace water heaters before they fail.You can prevent a sediment buildup by having a professional plumber drain your tank at least once a year. However, if the sediment has already hardened, you’ll need to look at replacement before cracks and leaks ensue.

If you’re noticing unfamiliar noises coming from your water heater, it could mean it’s headed for failure. For example, popping or cracking noises can mean there’s sediment at the bottom of your tank that has hardened. When this happens, your heater has to work harder to produce the same amount of hot water, and this can inflate your bills.Tankless options boast a longer service life than their traditional counterparts and generally require less maintenance. A 15-year-old water heater may need replacement if it has a tank, but a tankless one should function well for several more years.

Another reason to replace your water heater before it fails is that you’ll prevent further damage to your home. A small leak may not seem like a cause for concern, but it can lead to flooding if your water heater is leaking.

You’ll also save money on repairs by upgrading to a new water heater. As your unit ages, it’ll have an increased need for maintenance and repairs. These costs can add up over time, and replacing your unit may be more cost-effective in the long run.When researching water heaters, you may have questions like “How long should a 50-gallon water heater last?” But in truth, lifespan is more about the type of water heater you have than the size.

From old age to a buildup of sediment, there are many reasons either of these water heaters may fail. However, waiting until this happens could spell disaster for your home, which is why you should consider a preemptive replacement.Let’s decode the above rating plate: This is water heater model number 21V50-2, serial number 1291A39968, manufactured in December of 1991, 50 gallons, 36000 BTU’s per hour, and is set to work with natural gas only. The other info you see relates more to service technicians, and shouldn’t be needed by the average homeowner.

On older models, you can determine the age of your unit by decoding the water heater serial number. Some manufacturers, including Rheem, made it easy by incorporating the month and year built into the first 4 digits of the serial number. For instance, the picture below shows that this Rheem water heater was manufactured in December of 1991 (1291). Other manufacturers use different formats, but in a similar fashion.Sometimes, finding your water heater model number can be tricky. But, all water heaters have a Rating Plate that lists important data such as the model and serial numbers, manufacturing company’s name, length of warranty, wattage of elements installed (on electric models), gallon capacity, input BTU rating (gas models), and more.

Above is a close up of the Bradford White rating plate. This is a 40 gallon electric water heater, model number MI40L6DS13, manufactured in June of 2002. It comes equipped with 4000 watt elements. Note the “Maximum Watts” at 4000, this means the tank was built to operate in the “non-simultaneous” mode, meaning only one element will energize at a time (standard for residential water heaters). It is designed to operate with a maximum of 150 PSI water pressure, but was tested to 300 PSI at the factory for your safety.The picture below shows the entire Rheem rating plate. This 50 gallon electric tank was built in August of 1984, and came equipped with 4000 watt elements

AO Smith puts the year first (1991), and the month second (07, or JULY). It’s a little harder to find the info on the AO Smith plate, but it’s all there! Get the professional answers you deserve. Our digital help center is here to help you navigate Home Depot Pro’s one-source solutions and get the job done right. The Rheem Classic Atmospheric 50 Gal. Natural Gas Tall Water Heater comes with a 38,000 BTU/hour environmentally friendly low NOx burner that provides ample hot water for households with 3 to 5 people. The push button ignition system ensures safe and easy startup. Its maintenance free combustion air intake system means there are no filters to clean and replace. The self-diagnostic gas control valve monitors system performance. A premium grade anode rod provides long lasting tank protection. Factory installed temperature and pressure relief valve and 3/4 in. water connections are included with the water heater for easy installation.Accelerate your business’s options and take it the next level when you open a credit line with Home Depot Pro. Download our credit application to apply.

One-source solutions are available to existing Home Depot Pro customers. Call 1-866-412-6726 or email us to set your web login up for your existing account.Gas Water Heater, Capacity: 50 gal, Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Style: Tall, Sub Brand: Professional Classic Plus, Type: Atmospheric, Commercial/Residential: Residential, Voltage Rating: 120VAC, Input: 38000, Vent Size: 3 or 4 inch, First Hour Delivery GPH: 90 gph, Energy Factor: 0.60, Ignition: Direct Spark-To-Pilot, Dimensions: 58-3/8 inch H x 20-1/2 inch D, Temperature Range: 100 to 180 Deg F, Pressure Rating: 150 psi, Material: Stainless Steel, Water Connection Location: Top, Water Connection: 3/4 inch NPT, Energy Star Certified: No, Warranty: 6 yr. Limited For Tank And Parts, Includes: Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, Standards/Approvals: ANSI Certified, Low-Lead Compliant, Standard 40 ng/J Nox,