Residential Bradford White Water Heater Problem Repair And Reviews

Question: What is the difference between rheem and bradford white water heaters?

(Posted by: Jon BD Bob on 2009-10-10 11:51:55)

My contractor quoted me on a Bradford White hot water heater 50 gallon install for $1100 (which I think is high) but he installed a Rheem 50 gallon. I understand that Bradford White is top of the line in water heaters, but I don't know how Rheem compares to Bradford White. The Rheem he installed doesn't qualify for a rebate where I live, but the Bradford White he quoted did qualify for the $375 rebate. I am thinking that I should ask him to install the hot water heater that he quoted, because I got the short end of the stick- getting an inferior water heater and no rebate. Thoughts?

Posted by: zee on 2009-10-11, 10:08:37

Bradford White water heaters are according to my research top of the line heaters, available only through the contractors (you cannot find them in the retail shops), to prevent improper installation. Rheem is probably more familiar to you since they are available through large Home Depot ... stores. Difference... other guys are telling you their experience... do your own research and see what other users are saying or find the site that is particularly dealing with water heaters. Good luck.

Posted by: Keith S on 2009-10-10, 12:23:40

One, you could have been snookered. The plumber could have intentionally installed the wrong water heater to get the rebate himself (Have seen this done before). Two, it was an honest mistake and the order got mixed up. Three, if you had to have a new water heater, he could have installed what he had until what you wanted arrives. According to rheem.com/ Products/ federal_tax_credit/ you may be entitled to a rebate with the Rheem.

Posted by: Corky R on 2009-10-10, 13:30:38

That's amazing, I've been installing and repairing water heaters for over 35 years, and I've never heard that Bradford-White was any better than Rheem in quality. I know they're about the most expensive units on the market, but that's about it. I've repaired about as many of the B/ W as I have of the Rheem's and they don't seem to be lasting any longer or doing any better of a job of heating water. Personally, I sort of like the new GE's, they have a self cleaning feature that works quite well, the old State's Industries units did also. It kept the sediment from building up in the bottom of the tank by extending the fill tube down to the bottom of the tank and then curving it about half way around. That way when the new water was introduced into the tank, it stirred up whatever was on the bottom and got it up into solution with the rest of the water and flushed it out of the fixture that was opened. I'd think you should be eligible for the rebate with either unit. Oh, and BTW, unless the water heater was a power vented unit, the $1100 install was WAY over priced. Should have been closer to $600.

Posted by: Teri on 2009-10-10, 14:36:18

Rheems are top of the line according to my Hubby. He replaces Bradford Whites all the time that are under 10yrs old ( we have had a lot of local construction the last 5+ yrs) they seemed to have used the BW ~ lucky for us :) **Corky ... I believe the 'BW's' are from Canada