Bradford White, Rheem, or Ruud natural gas water heaters: any difference?

[mshan]

I've read on these forums that Bradford White makes the best water heaters, and that they also manufacture the Rheem and Ruud brands.

In terms of quality of build, quality control out of factory (e. g. less likely to get a lemon fresh from factory), and reliability (want at least 10 - 12 years of life without leaking before having to replace again), is Bradford White still better than other brands it manufacturers, and vs. other companies brands?


I currently have a State Select natural gas water heater (13 years old) that I've been happy with, but I think it might be losing it's ability to heat water as effectively as it used to (dip stick leak? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnQEIx-anI) and am starting to research replacing it. It's 40 gallons and 52,500 input btu.

 

[who?]

Marathon water heaters have a good reputation if you want electric.

 

[who?]

Is there lime build up in the bottom of it?

 

[mshan]

I haven't flushed it and I read that because I haven't been doing that yearly that it might not be best to start now (?)

 

[kage69]

Yeah the 40gal size just doesn't cut it in my opinion, even if it's an oil or gas burner, not for a family anyway.

The difference will likely come down to features and warranty. I've seen some current Rheem propane units that looked really nice and could really crank. I know Bock makes great oil burning heaters.

Have you thought about going tankless?

 

[mshan]

Not really. Comments I've read on these forums seem to indicate they are not worth the money.

I have hydro-air heating, so water heater also heats up air handler in winter.