When the time comes to replace or even install a brand new 40 or 50 gallon water heater there will be many water heater companies to choose from. All water heaters or as some people like to call them “hot water heaters” basically work in the same way. The water heaters job is to take cold water and to heat it up to the temperature that you desire by simply setting or adjusting the thermostat on the unit.
However, there are many other factors to consider when buying a new water heater or if you are looking to replace your current one. Depending on the location of the water heater will depend on what type of water heater you can install. Let’s say you only had a area that was 50″ inches high. If this measurement was true a standard water heater would be to tall because the vent is at the top. Some models of water heaters come in both gas fired and oil fired and some are just made for one.
When deciding on what type of water heater you will buy you should try to keep some of those things in mind before making your purchase. Hiring a licensed plumber to help you with water heater sizing is not a bad idea as well if you feel you are not up to doing this all alone.
There are a few “top brands” of water heaters on the market that come in the 50 gallon and 40 gallon models. These same models offer a quick hot water recovery rate, as well as being a high efficiency water heater at the same time. So instead of you having to search the web for 50 gallon water heater reviews, just to find out that most of the information out there is in multiple places and hard to read, this could be the same if you were looking for 40 gallon water heater reviews as well. So instead of you spending time looking any further, we have decided to do the water heater reviews for you. Let’s take a look at these most popular water heaters.
Rheem Imperial Gas Water Heater
One of the more popular and well know water heaters made by the Rheem water heater company is the “imperial water heater”. The Imperial comes in both the 40 gallon and the 50 gallon size. This water heater is also rated as a low NOx water heater which will produce less emissions compared to many older models of water heaters. All of the Imperial units come factory installed with Rheem’s high efficiency Guardian System. Rheem water heaters have one of the highest ratings in the plumbing and heating industry and is also a preferred choice by many contractors, plumbers as well as plumbing supply houses. If you live in a high altitude climate then you do not have to worry as well as this unit is also high altitude compliant. Rheem also makes sure that everyone of these units meets the requirements of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. There is also no need to worry about wiring the unit as each unit is factory tested and wired before being shipped out.
AO Smith Pro Max Direct Vent Water Heater
Another popular and well crafted product today in the water heater market is the AO Smith Max Direct Vent water heater. The Pro Max Direct is designed with a single pipe two channel closed combustion system. AO Smith offers the promax heater in 4 different models including the 40 and 50 gallon model. When the time comes to light the heater you will be thrilled to hear that that this water heater comes equipped with a push button piezo igniter to take the hassle of firing up the unit. The AO Smith Promax is coated with something special developed by AO Smith called Permaglas. This coating provides extra protection against corrosion and that will help extend the life of the water heater. A Dynaclean diffuser tip is also include by AO Smith and this tip helps prevent the build of of sediment. The 40 gallon models require the heater vent pipe to be at least 68 inches. The 50 gallon AO Smith Promax water heater requires the event pipe to be at a height of at least 76 inches.
Bradford White Aero Series Water Heaters
The Bradford White water heater company is well know for there quality 40 and 50 gallon water heaters. The Aero series is a compact system that can be installed in such places like basements or other small areas were a traditional tall water heater would not fit. The Bradford Aero Series has a unique control system with a dual immersion aquastat and that is included with the burner on this model. The model of water heater is highly rated and is considered to be a high efficiency water heater with 1″ non-CFC foam insulation. The fittings come in standard 3/4″ npt and of course there are dielectric fittings. The Beckett burner that is included as part of the standard build is considered to be considered a green friendly or ECO-friendly water heater because it can work with up to 5% bio fuel. If you choose you can also order the Aero Series with a Carlin or Riello burner. There is also a 6-year limited warranty on the water heater tank with a 2-year limited warranty on the parts and burner.
Joseph,
Not quite 6 years ago I installed a Bradford White 50 gal water heater model number MI5036EN10. The heater now has a small leak about a half cup a day. Should a heater fail in 6 years? What is the average life. Since it looks like I will have to replace it, should I give an serious consideration to a tankless water heater? I and my wife live in Indianapolis in a 2 1/2 bath home. Thanks for any comments. Paul
I bought a direct vent gas water heater 50 gallon from STATE and it starting leaking right after the 6 yr warranty and I contacted STATE and they basically said TS nothing they make them to last 6yrs and that is it. I have read to get 9-12 yr warranty on such items and they usually last longer. It is a shame they do not back their product no better than that. Even FORD paid 1/2 when the transmission went out after 100 miles past warranty.
I bought a DR HORTON home in October 2007 which had a Bradford White 50 gal. gas water heater model# MI5036FBN which was installed by United Plumbing brand new on March 27 2007. February 2009 the high pressure/temperature valve on the top started leaking a lot of water and when I called United Plumbing, now SBS, they said the part is under warranty but the labor to replace it would cost $85.00.
That seems pretty high to me but I did not know who else to turn to. I called a company I found in the yellow pages, Butter Plumbing (702)655-5214, but they said they could not give me an estimate, $65.00 service charge to come out plus whatever additional charges were incurred, but no clue as to what the charges for the new valve would be. At least the $85.00 quote was a sure thing.
I had an AO SMith Pro Max 50gal Electric professionally installed in 2002. In 2006 the tank was leaking and had it professionally replaced under warranty. Now in 2009 the replacement is also leaking. My installer’s AO Smith rep refuses to make good on it, saying that the 6-year warranty has expired. True, from a purely legal satndpoint.
On the other hand, I paid for a working water heater with the expectation it would last longer than the warranty, and recieved in return two water heaters neither of which lasted 6-years minimum, for which I paid two installation charges, and will now have to pay for 3rd plus the cost for another new water heater, again.
I’m here because I’m searching for a better product. I will not buy another AO Smith product, ever. I’ve also read elsewhere that AO Smith is recalling some of their gas water heaters, and they make the “State” brand (mentioned above) as well as Kenmore, American, and possibly Maytag.
I bought a Bradfor-white 40 gal waterheater after my A.O.Smith started leaking after 18 1/2 years . Now 6 years and 4 months later my top of the line Bradford Smith is leaking .
Called the factory and they said to bad, so sad, in so many words.
Now, I will not by that product again , and with young adult chidren I will be sure to advise them of their poor quaity .
I now am looking at the Rheem marathon with a life time warranty againts leaking. Parts may fail, but it seems like metal tanks are mostly the problem in this area ( Minnesota).
Sears refused to deliver a water heater using their typical delivery service. They warned me about how to load and unload a water heater to keep from cracking the glass lining, For example, when unloading, don’t slide the tank horizontally across a tailgate leaving half sticking out.
From what I am reading on the Internet (I have recently read hundreds of complaints about every manufacturer), I suspect that many water heater leaks are caused by whoever provides delivery, e.g., the plumber, trucking company, etc., and not the manufacturer. If the manufacturer does not have big hard to miss directions on the shipping boxes, then they could probably reduce the leaks substantially, saving them and the customers warranty, shipping, and installation $, as well as improving customer satisfaction. Since the installers get a lot more work from the manufacturers and customers, if they subtly crack the lining, it is up to the manufacturer to put some mechanism in the packaging. That mechanism should ideally show such delivery mishandling, especially to the customer, upon initial receipt. That would put the blame where it belongs.
I picked up a 50 gal rheem in 1986 ,I have drain heater every 3 or 4 years and changed out the anode rod twice ,it is as good as new ,cross my fingers ,the anode is the life of the heater ,change it out and you may never need to replace it JMHO
I am concidering going to a natural gas tankless heater and was wondering how long will they last? I have been in my home for 28 years, and have had to replace my 40 gallon twice so far and know I’ll be needing a new one soon.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
So here I sit at 1 AM. Taking a rest and checking out my options. My 16 year old Aero RF-50 sprank a leak. After that amount of time, and only burner tune ups being done to it, I must say I am pleased with it’s proformance. Will replace it with the same unit or maybe a tankless model. I really can’t say ANYTHING bad about this product, loved it.