Advice needed, buying a water heater privately.


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Old 12-18-18, 07:39 PM
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Advice needed, buying a water heater privately.

I want to buy a rheem performance plus 40 gallon gas water heater privately.

It has never been installed, but was built in april 2014.

I gave rheem the serial number and they say they will honor the 9 year warranty from the installation date.

I wanted to buy it, but im wondering if its wise to buy a water heater that has been sitting, unused for almost 5 years.

I know with my gas fireplace, i had to dismantle the gas valve when it wasnt used for a while as spiders got into the valve.

what do you think..... is it ok to buy an unused water heater built 5 years ago. Or should I pass on it?
 
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Old 12-19-18, 04:09 AM
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If it's still sealed in the box and the price is right, you're fine. Just how great is the price? A typical 40 gal heater goes far about $500 to $700. If you're getting it for $300 or less then it's a good risk. And as far as warranty goes, if in fact it's a manufacturer defect, most likely it will be covered. But proving that is a tough. Installation is everything.
Really all your questions were answered in your first post. If you're looking for that push from one of us to go for it, then you got it from me.
 
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Old 12-19-18, 07:25 AM
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New cost with tax is about $800. I can buy this one for $425 and rheems SAYS they will provide full 9 year warranty.

contractor will install it.

guess I will take the risk.......fingers crossed.
 
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Old 12-19-18, 07:35 AM
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I don't think there's any risk. You should be fine.
 
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Old 12-19-18, 08:06 AM
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Thanks.

variable could also be how it was moved by previous owner, ie laid on its side.

but will buy it tomorrow.
 
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Old 12-19-18, 06:30 PM
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I can buy this one for $425 and rheems SAYS they will provide full 9 year warranty.

I can buy the same unit today for around $500 new at HD.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-Pe...40U0/204698000


It's your decision.
 
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Old 12-19-18, 07:47 PM
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I personally would not buy rheem anything!!!

Bradford white all the way.... or AO smith #2..

Id buy nothing else..
 
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Old 12-20-18, 03:41 AM
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I personally would not buy rheem anything!!!

Bradford white all the way.... or AO smith #2..
And yet they make other brands.
American Water Heater and Aquasana

And they have had a major recall!

Bradford White... The company is among the largest American manufacturers of water heaters, competing with companies such as Rheem and A. O. Smith. Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters, Bradford White – Canada, Laars Heating Systems, and Niles Steel Tank.

People also ask

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands On The Market
  • Rheem Water Heater.
  • A.O.Smith Water Heater.
  • Bradford White Water Heater.
  • Rinnai Water Heater.
  • Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater.
  • GE GeoSpring Water Heater.
  • Stiebel Eltron Water Heater.
  • Bosch Water Heater.
It all depends on who you like and what ones personal experience has been.
My first HW tank was Rheem. Lasted nearly 20 years. My current HW tank is a Kenmore over 18 years old. No idea who made it.
I will never buy another GMC brand car ever.
 
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Old 12-24-18, 06:04 AM
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Casual Joe. Im in toronto. The cost here for that tank is $716.00 plus 13% tax, =$809.
 
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Old 12-24-18, 08:51 AM
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Casual Joe. Im in toronto. The cost here for that tank is $716.00 plus 13% tax, =$809.

I'd guess there is a sizeable tariff on a water heater imported to Canada from the US. Maybe if that new NAFTA deal gets finalized your price will go down. The 13% tax, is that just a sales tax?? Wowowow!!!
 
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Old 12-24-18, 08:58 AM
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Bradford white all the way.... or AO smith #2..

Lawrosa, I thought you were a solid AO Smith guy! I agree with Bradford-White though, have had few problems with any of them. I believe Rheem used to be a very reliable brand, but things do change. Just like American Water Heater made a solid unit at one time too. Seems that everything changed when the FVIR requirements went into effect.
 
 

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