When a water heater breaks and a replacement is needed, most people grab the first one they see on sale. Considering how often we rely on water heaters and the consequences of having one fail unexpectedly, the need for additional research becomes obvious.
Rheem is one of the top water heater brands. With numerous 4 to 5-star ratings on Amazon and Home Depot, and for almost every water heater model they manufacture. After inspecting thousands of Rheem water heaters, we’ve found owners pleased with Rheem products, with many lasting years beyond the warranty expiration. Rheem is no doubt one of the industry’s best water heater brands.
You can buy them at any Home Depot or through a network of independent Rheem pros. Those contractors are well-versed in Rheem and all its capabilities.
Having a quality hot water heater in your home or place of business provides you with more than hot water. It provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your choice of gas or electric water heater will work for you for many years to come.
Is Rheem Water Heater a Good Brand?
Rheem provides good quality, energy-efficient water heaters at an affordable price. They are especially suited for home use, offering reliable and durable hot water solutions that rank at the top of their class. Options include electric, tankless, gas, and others.
There are also numerous models available to cover any need or price range. A top-tier Rheem water heater for residential use includes the 80-gallon hybrid water heater, an Energy Star high-efficiency ‘smart tank.’ It is suitable for large families in homes where continuous hot water is necessary. The price point for a high-end Rheem water heater is around $2,200.
There are still quality water heaters available on the low end from Rheem. For example, a Rheem 40-gallon performance water heater provides plenty of hot water for smaller homes and apartments. The price is affordable considering the quality of the product and the name behind it. The price for a lower-end Rheem water heater is around $380.
A Brief History of Rheem Water Heaters
You would have to look back to 1925 to see the start of Rheem Manufacturing. As is the case with many businesses, they had a humble beginning when founded by the Rheem brothers, Richard and Donald.
They got their start with a partner in Emeryville, California. That company, Pacific Galvanizing, was eventually purchased by the brothers. By 1930, The Rheem Manufacturing Company was in business.
Rheem Manufacturing continued to acquire other companies over the next few years and became an international company when it opened a plant in Sydney, Australia, in 1936. At first, they were building steel shipping containers, but they added water heaters to their line of products in 1939.
During WWII, Rheem focused much of its efforts on manufacturing aircraft parts and building ships. After the war, they again went back to manufacturing water tanks, including making a glass lining for their water heater tank in 1954.
During the next few decades, they continued to expand their business and product line. Today, they are the largest manufacturers in North America. They also continue making many other products, including spa and pool heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration units.
- Argentina
- Australia
- Chile
- Iraq
- New Zealand
- Saudi Arabia
- Ukraine
- Armenia
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Kuwait
- Perú Oman
- Singapore
- Australia
- China
- Canada
- Mexico
- Qatar
- UAE
How Reliable are Rheem Water Heaters?
Although we may look at many factors when choosing a water heater, reliability is one of the first things to consider. Rheem water heaters are well known for their performance and reliability. They also stand up to scrutiny when compared with efficient units.
One way to determine the reliability of any product is to look at reviews from verified customers. There are a few ways to find those reviews for Rheem water heaters. One option is to look at the specific model you plan on purchasing on the Home Depot website. They offer a 5-star rating system and comments from customers. You can find additional comments on the Consumeraffairs.com website.
As with any reviews posted online, you are more likely to see a negative review than a positive review. Customers tend to be motivated to leave a review when they have a negative experience. Looking at all of the reviews gives you a better top-down view of what to expect.
Another way to verify the reliability of a Rheem water heater is to speak with a local contractor. There is a network of qualified contractors to recommend and install water heaters from Rheem. They have the experience to give you a good overview of what to expect when you have a Rheem water heater installed in your home.
How Long Will a Rheem Water Heater Last?
You can expect your Rheem water heater to last anywhere from 8 to 15 years, depending on your water heater. Longer if the water heater gets routine maintenance and there aren’t any extenuating circumstances. A well-maintained Rheem water heater can last 20 years, and I’ve seen many over 30 years old still in use.
The lifespan of any water heater will vary depending on multiple factors.
Some people also choose to replace their water heater early. If the unit reaches the end of its lifespan, you can be left taking cold showers until you get a new water heater. The water heater could develop a leak, leading to further damage or perhaps a buildup of mold in some cases.
As you will see, there is a limited warranty available on all Rheem water heaters, so you may want to consider replacing the unit when it has expired. At the very least, speak to a contractor to see when the water heater needs to be replaced. They can watch for deals that may help you save money on that necessary work.
Where are Rheem Water Heaters Manufactured?
Rheem Manufacturing has its headquarters in Atlanta, GA, but its water heating products division is in Montgomery, AL. Rheem is an international organization that offers many products, from commercial refrigeration to water heaters.
You will find other Rheem Manufacturing locations elsewhere in the United States. They are also located internationally in New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, South America, and the Middle East.
Some of the locations specific to the manufacturing of Rheem water heaters include Western Australia, China, Mexico, and Montgomery, Alabama.
Rheem Water Heaters
The heat pump water heater also falls under this category as they have a storage tank. Heat pump water heaters range from 50 gallons to 85 gallons and are powered by electric heat pump technology.
Rheem Tankless Water Heaters
Rheem also offers electric and gas tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters have been growing in popularity because they take up less space, and they can be more energy-efficient than traditional storage-tank water heaters.
They are not for everyone, as the upfront cost may be prohibitive for some people, but if you are looking for a long-lasting, energy-efficient water heater, then a Rheem tankless water heater may be a perfect choice.
Rheem offers a wide variety of tankless water heaters to choose from. You can find a model that will fit your needs and your budget.
Cost of Top Rheem Water Heaters Models
There are many Rheem water heaters available. Therefore, consider your needs and the needs of your household before choosing the one you will use. When you look at the top water heater models, you see clearly what they make available.
1. Performance 40-Gallon 36,000 BTU Natural Gas Tank Water Heater
It is currently being sold for $489 at Home Depot, although, as is the case with most Rheem water heaters, there are bulk prices available.
2. Performance 40-Gallon 4500 W Element Model
Perhaps you want an electric tank water heater instead of using natural gas. The Performance 40 gallon 4500 W electric model is the most popular unit available. It costs $379 at Home Depot.
3. Rheem Performance Platinum 9.5 GPM Natural Gas Water Heater
The Rheem Performance Platinum 9.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM) natural gas water heater is their top-selling tankless water heater. It is a high-efficiency unit that heats water on demand and can provide continuous hot water for up to four showers at one time. The natural gas model is $1349.
4. Performance 36 kW Self-Modulating Model
The Performance 36 kW self-modulating model is a bestseller if you prefer an electric tankless water heater. It costs $560 and is capable of producing 7 gallons per minute.
5. Performance Platinum 50-Gallon Model
Hybrid water heaters are the newest technology in water heating technology. It combines the energy efficiency of heat pumps into an electric hot water tank. Heat pump water heaters cost more than traditional storage-tank water heaters, but your savings on energy costs can be offset in as little as three years.
A hybrid high-efficiency electric water heater, life the Performance Platinum 50 Gallon hybrid water heater is the most popular unit sells for about $1500. It includes Smart technology, which allows you to connect to your mobile device and monitor/control the water heater while you are away.
Rheem Water Heater Warranty
Rheem water heaters offer a warranty on their products, similar to what other brands offer. In most cases, the warranty covers parts for one year up to 12 years. Often, a limited amount of time covers labor costs for repairs.
How does a Rheem Water Heater Warranty Work?
When you have a warranty issue with your Rheem water heater, you will need to contact the company. You can do this by phone or online. They will then work with you to get the product repaired or replaced.
It is important to keep your original receipt and any documentation that came with your water heater in case you need to file a warranty claim.
The water heater warranty will often be enough to protect the water heater for up to 6 years. Some water heaters have longer warranties up to 12 years. The Marathon line of water heaters has a limited lifetime warranty.
Once the warranty expires, you will have to cover the cost of parts and repair for any issues. It is a good idea to verify the warranty before making your purchase. Be sure to register the product to validate the warranty.
How does Rheem Compare to Similar Brands?
Water heaters fall under many different brand names. Seeing a side-by-side comparison of some of your choices is an excellent way to see how Rheem water heaters stack up against the competition. Although this is not an exhaustive list, it does show you some of the popular choices of gas or electric units.
| 40 Gallon Electric | Rheem | A.O. Smith | GE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model # | XE40T10H45U0 | E6-40R45DV | GE40T10BAM |
| Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Size | 40 Gallon | 40 Gallon | 40 Gallon |
| Watt | 4500 | 4500 | 5500 |
| Price | $429 | $389 | $549 |
| 40 Gallon Gas | Rheem | A.O. Smith | Sure Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model # | XG40T06EC36U1 | G6-T4035NVR | SCG40T03ST34U1 |
| Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Size | 40 Gallon | 40 Gallon | 40 Gallon |
| BTU | 36000 | 35000 | 34000 |
| Price | $489 | $509 | $459 |
| Tankless Gas | Rheem | A.O. Smith | Rinnai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model # | Gas | #GT15-310C-I | #V75IP |
| Type | 8.4 GPM | 8 GPM | 7.5 GPM |
| BTU | 180000 | 190000 | 180000 |
| Price | $924 | $819 | $872 |
See our full detailed brand reviews below:
Known Recalls for Rheem
A few voluntary recalls exist for Rheem water heaters. These include both electric and indoor tankless water heaters.
- Rheem Branded Performance Platinum: These electric water heaters were found exclusively at Home Depot between January 2014 and April 2016. A voluntary recall on 40, 50, and 80-gallon tanks is due to a possible fire risk.
- 199,900 BTU Indoor Tankless Water Heaters: Indoor power vent units (199,900 BTU) are also voluntarily recalled in cooperation with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This recall applies to units manufactured from May 2004 through December 2006.
What are the Common Problems with Rheem Water Heaters
Most of the common problems with Rheem water heaters are found in other brands. These issues can often be overcome or avoided by selecting a unit adequate for the job and routine maintenance.
Here are some common water heater problems:
- Gas Leak
- Pilot Light Going Out
- Leaking Tank
- Condensation
- Water Leaks
- Build-up of Sediment
- Anode Rod Failure
- Warm Water Output
- Rotten Egg Odor
See our post for Rheem tankless water heater error codes: Troubleshooting Tankless Water Heater Error Codes: Rheem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Rheem Water Heater Last?
The expected lifespan for a typical gas tank water heater is 8 to 12 years, and electric models last 10 to 15 years on average. With routine maintenance, they can last longer. Rheem gas water heaters should last at least that long, provided you maintain the unit properly. Tankless models can last 15 to 20 years.
Who Makes Rheem Water Heaters?
Rheem water heaters are made by Rheem Manufacturing and are one of the largest manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters worldwide.
Is Rheem Made in the USA?
Rheem is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. Paloma, a Japanese water heater producer, based in Nagoya, Japan, owns the business. Rheem Manufacturing is a large water heating and HVAC equipment supplier in North America.
How Old is My Rheem Water Heater?
The best method to determine your Rheem water heater age is to obtain the serial number from the data plate. Use the chart from Building-Center.org to compare the serial number to the chart. The age will often be the first four numbers in the serial number, with the first and second numbers being the Week or Month and the third and fourth numbers the Year. Newer models have the date printed on the label as you see below.
Why is My Rheem Tankless Water Heater Beeping?
A Rheem water heater that is beeping usually means an error occurs. Often turning the water heater off, waiting five minutes, then turning it back on will clear the error. If the beeping continues, it usually means that flushing service or mechanical failure has occurred. It’s best to contact a licensed plumber for inspection and repair.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Storage tank water heaters should have a flushing service performed annually to remove sediment inside the tank. Tankless water heaters require flushing to clean the chambers every 3 to 5 years, depending on use.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the type of water heater you need is an important consideration. A new Energy Star water heater can be installed when your current water heater has failed or if it no longer provides the hot water you need.
Rheem water heaters are well known for their quality and dependability. They also have the backing of being a Home Depot brand and are available through a network of contractors. Rheem offers a wide range of quality products for commercial and residential water heaters, with many options available.
When choosing a water heater for your home and family, Rheem steps up to the plate and offers the options you need. Many people have been living with and enjoying their Rheem water heater for years. If you make the right choices or consult with a contractor before installing the water heater, you will have hot water in abundance for many years.
