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What water heater should I buy? - Pro Grade vs. Box Store 

Smedley Plumbing
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In this video, we delve into the age-old debate: Are water heaters from box stores truly the same as those from professional plumbing supply stores? To find out, we conducted a comprehensive comparison. We purchased an AO Smith water heater from a professional plumbing supply store and another from a box store, and then we meticulously examined each component, weighing them, and noting any differences.
Our journey began in Kansas City, where we obtained the AO Smith Pro Grade Heater from a plumbing supply store and enjoyed some famous barbecue. Next, we headed to Lowe's Home Improvement Store for the box store version, encountering some filming challenges due to store policies.
As we dissected the units, we discovered significant disparities. Despite claims that they are identical, our analysis revealed distinct variations in materials and construction. For instance, the pro-grade unit consistently weighed more, indicating potentially stronger materials. We observed differences in drain valves, control covers, burner assemblies, and more.
One notable finding was the presence of a metal cap on the back of the control valve in the box store unit, a feature previously absent and associated with frequent failures in older models. This change suggests manufacturers have made improvements, likely due to previous issues with box store units.
We examine the control valves, noting a slight difference in weight that indicates potential variations in internal components. Despite looking similar, these small differences can impact performance and longevity. We then move on to the anode rod, a crucial component for protecting the tank from corrosion. The pro-grade unit features a wider anode rod with a weld spot, indicating a magnesium material, known for better corrosion is protection compared to the aluminum rod in the box store unit.
Next, we weigh the empty tanks, revealing a substantial nine-pound difference between the two. While this might seem insignificant, it represents a significant percentage of the total weight and hints at the sturdier construction of the pro-grade unit.
To put their durability to the test, we pressurize both tanks until one fails. Despite exceeding their rated pressure, the pro-grade unit fails first, but in a controlled manner, with a weld seam cracking. On the other hand, the box store unit swells and eventually pops, indicating a potentially more dangerous failure mode due to the compromised glass lining.
Overall, this experiment highlights the importance of choosing a quality water heater, as the differences in construction can significantly impact performance and longevity. While box store units may offer cost savings upfront, the potential for early failure and safety concerns make professional-grade units a more reliable choice for long-term use.
If you're interested in learning more about the differences between these water heaters, including a detailed examination of their components and failure modes, watch the full video for a comprehensive analysis.
As always, thanks for watching! We aim to bring you plumbing videos in a way you’ve never seen before.
‪@lowes‬ ‪@HomeDepot‬ ‪@menards‬

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4 апр 2024

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Комментарии : 801   
@jamesladeroute6127
@jamesladeroute6127 2 месяца назад
The hole on the burner is to prevent condensation from accumulating on top the burner and snuffing out the flame when the burner is on in a cold tank. It also prevents rust on the burner.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Best explanation I've heard so far!
@alanlofts1653
@alanlofts1653 Месяц назад
This a great video from a retired plumber thanks for doing it safe travels
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Glad you enjoyed it
@andrewclarke6802
@andrewclarke6802 Месяц назад
I experienced a box store vs. buying from a local shop when buying my lawn tractor. I bought a Husqvarna lawn tractor from Home Depot. It has had nothing but issues, and it only has 17 hours on it. I took it in for service to a Husqvarna dealer, and he was showing me major differences between his that he sold and the one I bought from Home Depot. Same models. So I sold the one I bought from Home Depot and paid the additional 280 dollar differences, and I'm telling you there are no comparisons between the 2 Lawn tractors..
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yep!
@dubmob151
@dubmob151 Месяц назад
How major were the differences ?
@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq
@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq Месяц назад
Agreed, but if you know anything about small engines, stick to Scag/Kubota/Exmark, etc. You rarely see landscapers use any of the junk Craftsman, Husqvarna, even Toro, they all use the same low quality parts and transmission.
@--harry_
@--harry_ 15 дней назад
The John Deere mowers from home Depot are crap. 2 years the transmission failed 5 years the motor failed. The John Deere store said the home Depot ones are crap.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 15 дней назад
@@--harry_ yep!
@Lewisvandervalk
@Lewisvandervalk 2 месяца назад
I didn't think an hour long video on plumbing would be as informative as this turned out to be. Great work guys. This is going to save a lot of people money and time if they pay attention. Tldr: dont buy box store water heaters.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Thank you!
@johnlandacre767
@johnlandacre767 8 дней назад
Good info. But for the life of me, I can’t understand why every maker of RU-vid videos feels we must have mindless, repetitive “music” overtop of the narration. It serves no purpose, and gets to be very annoying after a few minutes. I guess everyone thinks it sounds more “professional.” At a minimum, it shouldn’t be as loud, imo.
@andygulick6085
@andygulick6085 21 день назад
My supply house sent us to the AO Smith / State water heater manufacturing facility outside of Nashville. Which is massive. AO Smith / State owns the company that makes ALL the components for their water heaters. I asked this very question " what is the difference between pro and box store?" answer; The box store units are made in a different facility, in a different state with out sourced parts. They also have a different glass liners. Drop the Mic!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 21 день назад
Yep!
@JimDean002
@JimDean002 20 дней назад
A hardware store here has a display. They've got two Weber grills side by side. One they went and bought at Walmart, The other is the grade they sell. They've done the same thing you did. The first thing is how different the thickness of the sheet metal is. The one they sell weighs around 7 lb more if I remember correctly. Thicker steel on the side sticker burner heavier frame the works.
@FPSG
@FPSG 2 дня назад
​@@SmedleyPlumbing great video. What is the warranty on the pro model? At the box store I can get a 6y 9y 12y or a lifetime warranty. Is it possible that the pro model is the same as the box store 9y or 12y?
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 дня назад
@@FPSG pro models only have a 6 year warranty. But they're likely to make it there too.
@FPSG
@FPSG 2 дня назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing thanks. That was all I wasn't clear on. The tank on my 30 year old Montgomery ward 300 started leaking 2 weeks ago. They used to last forever.
@number1pappy
@number1pappy 14 дней назад
Thanks for this video. I myself have had debates with people over the difference in quality between box stores and supply houses. However, the biggest issue for the home owner is not the couple of hundred dollar difference between the two. It's the 100 % markup in price that a plumber charges the homeowner. This doubles the price to the homeowner.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 14 дней назад
Good work isn't cheap. Cheap work isn't good.
@TheOriginalLugnuts
@TheOriginalLugnuts 14 дней назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing just because someone is a “professional” doesn’t mean they do good work. My old water heater was installed by a “professional” (tag on the unit) and it was a hack job. I’m nervous about working on gas lines so when I remodeled my kitchen I had a plumber move my gas line and saw all my plumbing work under the sink and said my work was great and moving the gas line was easier then what I had done and I could have done it just fine.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 13 дней назад
@@TheOriginalLugnuts some people are definitely more capable than others that's for sure.
@jayabraham4377
@jayabraham4377 3 дня назад
A homeowner can certainly go to your local plumbing store and buy a pro grade unit and install it yourself.
@Rossm812
@Rossm812 12 часов назад
​@jayabraham4377 maybe. Some of them are trade only. Around home for me, they all are.
@louisstennes3
@louisstennes3 13 дней назад
I needed a new 50gal tank and my plumber said he uses the pro grade A.O.Smith but if I wanted I could go to Lowes and buy one of there (Rheem, store brand , etc.) units and he would charge me the labor. I opted for the pro grade because if something went wrong under warranty I would have to handle it with Lowes but if it went wrong with the unit he put in, he would take care of it. Made it a very easy decision, Excellent installation.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 13 дней назад
Love it!
@h2oquality2010
@h2oquality2010 2 месяца назад
Very detailed and informative! I appreciate your effort. Probably explains why my Proline Plus Nautilus by American Water Heaters installed in 1992 is still working!!!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Exactly!
@weing
@weing Месяц назад
Good to hear. The proline plus Nautilus installed when I bought my house in '93 crapped out all over my laundry room floor after seven years.
@h2oquality2010
@h2oquality2010 Месяц назад
@@weing :( I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe I just got lucky with this. Not sure.
@pville5548
@pville5548 11 дней назад
Your video showed up on my feed and was of interest to me as I just had a 5 year old Rheem water heater spring a leak. Damn plastic drain valve gave up the ghost. When it's time to replace, I will only go with a pro grade replacement. Your video taught me the difference between the two as I leaned toward made on the same line with different stickers. Thank you so much. Oh, and paying my plumber for his expertise saved me more as I would have replaced the drain valve with another plastic valve, and he instead put in a brass ball valve. Home owners don't know what they don't know. Smiles.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 10 дней назад
Thanks!
@MaMa-qh4dy
@MaMa-qh4dy 2 месяца назад
FANTASTIC job. That took a lot of hard work. Thank you.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Thank you very much!
@user-mk8qr3lg1c
@user-mk8qr3lg1c Месяц назад
One of the best educational videos on RU-vid. Earned a sub. Look forward to learning more.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 29 дней назад
Welcome aboard!
@charitykennedy4020
@charitykennedy4020 26 дней назад
Agreed!
@ProGodLifeGun
@ProGodLifeGun 2 месяца назад
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Now I have a strong selling point for pro grade tanks.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Love to hear it!
@dustmaker1000
@dustmaker1000 Месяц назад
Great timing. I’m a home handyman and planning on replacing my 10 years old 50 gal tank. Thanks for the info
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Glad to help!
@danielbones7250
@danielbones7250 6 дней назад
Great video. I’m a 71 year old retired plumber and would only suggest a little more personal protection when pumping up those lines at high pressure. When I was starting as a teen with my dad, construction plumbers were still using flares for sealing gas leaks in newly finished buildings. Very dangerous as there were plumbers that were injured doing so.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 6 дней назад
Hydro testing is actually very safe as long as steam is not involved.
@joehrlein847
@joehrlein847 Месяц назад
Rheem has two lines of gas tank water heaters, Performance which can be purchased at HD and like the one we have, a Professional model that was installed by a HVAC/Plumbing company. Also in the USA (not the world) there are other water heater manufactures like Haier who makes GE, Bosch, Rinnai (Japanese brand) plant in Georgia. Thanks for the comparison. You learn something everyday.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yes we might do the Rheem line next!
@GraingerProductions
@GraingerProductions 13 дней назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing I’d like to see the Rheem line. After watching your video, I researched the box store 50 gallon Rheem electric I bought at Home Depot. It does have a brass drain valve and magnesium anode rod, but I’m guessing they’ve cut some corners somewhere, and I’d like to know where. I’m just a homeowner and didn’t realize the quality would be different based on where I bought until watching your video. I hope this one lasts, but now I know for the future.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 13 дней назад
@@GraingerProductions we considered that. But Rheem changes the name of their pro line to Ruud. So people works likely think they are two different heaters. That's why we did the AO vs. AO.
@Splungers
@Splungers 6 дней назад
As a 69 year old retired Plumbing contractor, it was great to see the things I learned about box store crap -tested and explained. Faucets, fixtures ,everything at the box stores is made to a price point. Back in the day I could dismantle 2 identical Delta 100 kitchen faucets-same part number, same packaging, and the internal components would differ a lot. Plastic control ball/valve vs stainless steel, stainless liners vs none where the packing/seals traveled, rubber composition of those seals different,etc. It's deceptive at best. Like you ,I did not wish to waste time replacing inferior parts. You get what you pay for.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 6 дней назад
Yes you do!
@dushooter
@dushooter Месяц назад
Excellent video. Learned so much and now know what to look for on quality.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Glad it was helpful!
@Sleepyplumbr
@Sleepyplumbr 2 месяца назад
Great video! I am stoked to bring some light to my customers about our units vs box store units 🤙
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
That is awesome!
@Lewisvandervalk
@Lewisvandervalk 2 месяца назад
You guys put awesome effort into this. Love it
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Glad you enjoyed it!
@johnhaller5851
@johnhaller5851 12 дней назад
The expansion tank is only really needed if the supply has a backflow preventer. If one is turning off the water supply, a faucet hot water valve can be opened to prevent positive or negative pressure in the water tank. Commercial properties are more likely to have a backflow preventer on the building supply, but irrigation water generally needs a backflow preventer valve. More jurisdictions are adding requirements for backflow preventers for residential properties, and they definitely need an expansion tank. But, not everyone needs one.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 12 дней назад
Code requires them on all applications now since the presence of a backflow preventer is more likely than not.
@homesteadhaven2010
@homesteadhaven2010 День назад
​@SmedleyPlumbing not true at all. Not all codes are the same. I'm on a well and don't need one. And I would fire any plumber that tried to sell me one.
@johnhaller5851
@johnhaller5851 День назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing Code only requires it on closed systems. The EPA has required water systems protect from backflow contamination. My city only requires backflow prevention on commercial/industrial buildings, and residential irrigation systems, not on the residential supply. Hose bibs must have anti siphon devices. To assume all water systems are closed is just putting additional expenses to avoid the need to determine if it is a closed system. Perhaps the AHJs in areas you serve require that expansion tank everywhere, maybe they plan to require new backflow preventers, but those would be an expense which the homeowners would need to pay. In northern climates, it would make more sense to put the backflow preventer indoors for easy servicing. In areas with no frost line, they can be put slightly underground in an irrigation box. In either case, it's relatively easy to determine if one exists.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing День назад
@@homesteadhaven2010 It is true. The code requires a thermal expansion tank when the conditions for thermal expansion are present. With you being on a well then you are not required to have a thermal expansion tank because your well bladder tank serves as a thermal expansion tank as well.
@AaronV.-bi7jo
@AaronV.-bi7jo 2 месяца назад
Good stuff! Great job 👍 They have a different tank lining also.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Yes they do
@charitykennedy4020
@charitykennedy4020 26 дней назад
This video is really excellent. It is the video I was looking for with a detailed comparison. I’m a quality engineer married to a general contractor and evaluating our cost of materials. I wanted to understand if we are really getting better quality components at plumbing supply stores. Thanks so much!! Subscribing!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 26 дней назад
Thanks!
@robertthomas5906
@robertthomas5906 Месяц назад
Thanks! I have a bunch of rentals that have gas water heaters. Coming up on 60 year old houses. I thought it was just Lowes. I bought a Kenmore heater and it's still in service. Not a moment's trouble. I bought a Lowes and I almost knew the repairman by his first name. Lots of trouble with the gas burner, control, and pressure valve. I bought a Home Depot unit for another house and it's also still in service. While it has never had a service call, it's tough to get it to fire up. I'll have to look up how long they've been in service. One I think is at 15 years. Probably time. I have a supply house near me. Great guys.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Thanks!
@alberthartl8885
@alberthartl8885 Месяц назад
I have been a general contractor for 33 years. I have only installed 3 tank water heaters in the last 20 years on my projects. Have installed over 100 Noritz tankless units. We had one heat exchanger leak in that time period. We had a replacement part from Noritz in 48 hours. (Was still under warranty)
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Installed properly, and tankless units are pretty awesome.
@giovannicampos7462
@giovannicampos7462 Месяц назад
Having a tank water heater in your home gives you access to 50 gallons or more of potable water in case of an emergency. Unless you're short on space, most plumbers I know prefer a tank unit.
@psdaengr911
@psdaengr911 21 день назад
@@giovannicampos7462 If you need an emergency water supply it's less expensive to install a"tempering" tank and a smaller high efficiency demand heater. Cheaper still is a supply of 1 gallon water jugs. Plumbers get paid by the hour. They make more money from servicing and replacing tank units than from less frequent work on higher quality, more expensive and durable demand units. Auto mechanics and dealers have similar attitudes about preferring ICE cars that have more mechanical maintenance needs ta BEVs. The newer tech has different support needs.
@67daltonknox
@67daltonknox 6 дней назад
I live in a hard water area. A tankless heater requires servicing annually to prevent lime blockage. The cost of this removes any financial advantage in using tankless.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 6 дней назад
@@67daltonknox Yeah we never pushed tankless for a financial advantage. Yeah they save a little bit of energy but they're added initial upfront cost in their added maintenance costs offset any energy savings. So literally the only reason we ever push tankless is for people that need endless hot water.
@ironqqq
@ironqqq 11 дней назад
I have a lot issue with comments that they are not from the same assembly line. I think those people are not familiar woth factory operations. Both water heaters are likely from the same assembly line but are assembled using different components. It would not make a lot of sense to have an extra assembly line to build a mere identical water heater unless you needed a sexond or third line to meet capacity. Very likely no difference in tooling would be needed building both 40 gal water heaters. Using the same assembly line they could possibly build 40, 50, 60 gal water heaters on the same line, needing only various different tooling. The video proves that different components are utilized in pro vs box store water heaters, but this hardly proves they are using different assembly lines. As a analogy if you buy a car.. call its a Chevy Cruise, GM would not have different assembly lines for each trim level. Rather the components to be assembled would vary depending on which particular trim, car, color they would be building at a time. If one looks at videos online, a car manufacturer may build a $20k base model and next on the the might be $40k top of the line trim. All the same assembly line, but just various models or trims. I expect AO Smith to be doing exactly the same.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 10 дней назад
You're exactly right. Problem is that most people don't understand that the same assembly line will produce different heaters.
@tinscarecrow21
@tinscarecrow21 2 дня назад
​@@SmedleyPlumbingA.O. Smith owns a few water heater factories. You can look up where each is made on the paperwork (sometimes the stickers will say, too).
@ehRalph
@ehRalph Месяц назад
As a DIYer you have me looking for an upgrade kit for my box store water heater - so far I’ve sourced a better brass release valve and anode rod and I’ll probably just strap a bunch of hose clamps around the tank to keep it from puffing out. 😮😊
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Ha! Or just buy a pro grade tank from a professional plumbing supplier.
@ScottMcFarlane-xn5oj
@ScottMcFarlane-xn5oj 2 месяца назад
What an awesome video! What product comparison box vs. pro grade is next? Thanks so much for your support of the Spirit of Opportunity and your local supply house at Kansas City Winnelson!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Who knows what we'll test next!
@shopart1488
@shopart1488 Месяц назад
My box store heater had a control box fail so I called the 800 number and got the run around for 1-3/4 hours. Finley I hung up and called the manufacturer and ask for the COO with in 5 minutes I was told I would have my part with in 24 hours delivered next day air.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
We hear that all the time.
@jcaleca60
@jcaleca60 27 дней назад
What is coo 🤔
@wisdomrules8474
@wisdomrules8474 19 дней назад
​@@jcaleca60 Maybe "Chief Operating Officer"?
@jackblack9830
@jackblack9830 Месяц назад
Finally someone proving what I have been saying I only buy from supply houses Its a big investment an extra 100 150 10 yrs or 20 years Aggravation and cost every 10 or 20 I'll take a little more for a lot more years EVERY TIME Thanks for this video
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Good stuff!
@Dadoffourplusone
@Dadoffourplusone 5 дней назад
Great video. Thanks for being so thorough.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 5 дней назад
Thanks!
@Chris_In_Texas
@Chris_In_Texas Месяц назад
31:08 Great video, but I do have to give you a little bit of a hard time. The reason the socket got stuck was because it was a non impact rated socket and a 12 point. 🤠👍 Oh yeah, Texas BBQ.... 💯 😁
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yeah I like to break things. Lol. Texas BBQ isn't bad either!
@Duganoz
@Duganoz Месяц назад
Great job. Definitely a difference with the tank quality.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
I think so too!
@leonardpearce4512
@leonardpearce4512 20 дней назад
Great video, very informative. Thank you for sharing.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 20 дней назад
Glad it was helpful!
@mnmn1665
@mnmn1665 19 дней назад
Excellent. Thanks. The same rule of thumb goes for fixtures.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 19 дней назад
Yes it does!
@williamreaves7486
@williamreaves7486 4 дня назад
years ago I used to be a Lowe's plumber contractor and their only selling point was their credit card and you could finance it
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 4 дня назад
Yep!
@robertburns236
@robertburns236 2 месяца назад
dude this video totally helped the plumbing community
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
That's why we do it!
@robertburns236
@robertburns236 2 месяца назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing yeah dude that’s so awesome. I know it was probably expensive to make the video. Totally respect you guys. i watched a few commercials on purpose so hopefully it helps recoup some of your funds. I’ve recently started listening to The Void podcast as well. You guys have great advice, very entertaining, and it’s definitely helped me as an employee of a company producing more sales.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
@@robertburns236 thanks man!
@mikelipp8188
@mikelipp8188 2 месяца назад
Excellent video, as always. Confirmed alot of what I suspected. Tell Austin he did a good job on the editing as well.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Thanks! Will do!
@Majeskty
@Majeskty Месяц назад
Realized after watching a video on Anode Rod’s and the need to replace them 3-5 years. I had never replaced my water heater rod and so did some more research and ended up going with an electric protection anode rod. I have replaced it already however what is your take on these type of anode rod replacements? Even one plumber store talked to using this type of anode rode if they did the project. I did replace the anode rod myself and from various video’s, I used a 1/2 inch impact socket and impact wrench. Purchased a Ryobi 1/2 inch impact wrench and sockets on sale and it worked like a charm. The anode rod was on very tight over the 10+ years not replaced. Took a few attempts with the impact wrench but it broke it loose and I had may be 6-8 inches left (wish I could attach a photo), it did its job for sacrificing but was due for replacement. Now I used the impact wrench so I didn’t mess up the water lines or twist the water tank by using a breaker bar, definitely the impact wrench was a good choice. Nice video produced!!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Thanks!
@onepiston5956
@onepiston5956 5 дней назад
Great video. 3 factors to consider. First, cost. DIY box store water heater $850ish. Plumber install, (in my area) $1,700. (Coupled with the fact that you can’t buy a pro-grade without a plumbers license (in my area). Second, your water heater should NEVER see 400+ psi. Ever. Is the box store unit better built? Yes it is. Does that mean that a box store grade isn’t adequate for its intended purpose? Absolutely not. A stock Ferrari Testerosa engine will hold up better on a race track than a stock Chevrolet Silverado’s. But that doesn’t mean the Chevy engine is inadequate for its intended purpose. You shouldn’t be racing your stock Silverado, and you shouldn’t be putting 400+ psi in ur box store water heater. Def an interesting video though. Thanks for doing this. TLDR: change ur water heater every 10 yrs or at signs of failure, do the factory recommended maintenance, and don’t put 400+ psi pressure in ANY water heater. 😂
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 5 дней назад
Cost Comparisons from a diy install versus a pro install are apples to oranges. Using your own analogy, that would be like comparing an engine built from a machine shop with top line parts versus an engine built in a home garage with eBay and Amazon parts. This test was heater construction and quality only. No other outside factors.
@onepiston5956
@onepiston5956 4 дня назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing I understand your point. But as a homeowner, this is the same same as comparing Chevy versus Ferrari. Ferrari is going to win every time. The cost factor was just an observation. Maybe more of me thinking out loud. Additionally, I don’t know any plumbers that are buying “big box” water heaters to install on a professional installation. So one has to wonder why the comparison was made to begin with.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 4 дня назад
@@onepiston5956 people cheap out with box store units all the time.
@onepiston5956
@onepiston5956 4 дня назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing it’s like a $50-$100 difference? I don’t understand.
@neuralglitch9063
@neuralglitch9063 Месяц назад
Bought a GE 30 gal electric from Home Depot 20 years ago, and the thermostat just failed this week. I figure 20 years was great service and it's time to retire the entire unit. I can do the job in an hour, milking it. Sadly, Home Depot no longer carries GE, so I'm gonna go with the AO Smith from Lowes this time. I was worried about the quality, but your video just convinced me that it would do the job just fine. Nothing personal, and I know everybody's gotta eat, but a licensed plumber would want $1500+ to do that job for me. Great video, and I thank you, even if it probably had the opposite effect you were hoping for. $900 per hour is more than anyone "needs" to make.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Gotta do what you gotta do!
@joeyyc8515
@joeyyc8515 Месяц назад
I usually charge pretty high, but $1,500 isn't bad for a 30 gal
@neuralglitch9063
@neuralglitch9063 Месяц назад
@@joeyyc8515, Hey I get it...but I can do the work myself so paying anything seems silly to me. Others aren't as fortunate and for them, I would recommend a good plumber for many reasons. So glad I didn't toss the old GE after all that though.....turns out the circuit breaker had an intermittent failure and once I replaced it......nice hot water. 😁 Tank looks good enough to go another 10 years easy and now I have an extra thermo. It may outlive me 🤣
@frederickneal4781
@frederickneal4781 24 дня назад
I've got a 20 year old GE WATER Heater that I bought from Home Depot in 2004. It's electric and is still working just fine without any problems. It was made by Rheem.
@NurseAcrobat
@NurseAcrobat 19 дней назад
If you keep the anode in good enough shape to prevent too much corrosion, either by adding a powered anode or replacing the disposable one every few years, a tank can go almost indefinitely aside from an occasional cheap element or thermostat replacement. You could likely replace the thermostat yourself for under $100. I replaced one of the elements and the anode on my now 25 year old water heater last year and plan on replacing the drain valve next time I flush it.
@jonathanstephens543
@jonathanstephens543 2 месяца назад
Great and insightful video!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Glad you enjoyed it!
@defaultuserid1559
@defaultuserid1559 6 дней назад
Had a Woods that lasted 20+ years heating our iron-rich water. Replaced it with a Rheem from Home Depot that leaked after 2 years. Got a free replacement that lasted 3 years when it failed near the top of the tank which caused water to short out the thermostats which filled the house with smoke. I got another free replacement that's 2 years old now. I'm money ahead but I'll never buy another box store heater and probably will get something other than Rheem.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 6 дней назад
Yep!
@raybradley4939
@raybradley4939 Месяц назад
Fixin to buy one thanks for the info outstanding job
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Glad to help!
@Clmkxoxo
@Clmkxoxo 2 дня назад
This was amazing !! Thank you so much for sharing !!!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 дня назад
You are so welcome!
@markmonroe7330
@markmonroe7330 Месяц назад
Excellent presentation. Thank you. Love these types of comparisons. That said, they both look like nice units. It is nice to see that if you spend more for the Pro-Grade unit that you do get some upgrades. The Box Store units can be much more affordable especially if you have a veterans discount at the Box Store not to mention the savings if you install it yourself. This reminds me of comparing Toyota and Lexus - are they both the same basic vehicle made by the same company - yes, absolutely. Are they both a quality product - yes, absolutely. Is the Lexus "nicer" with some enhanced features if you have the extra money to spend - yes. Will the Toyota work and be a quality product if that is what your budget allows - certainly. Does a serviceman selling and installing equipment always want to maximize the sale and reduce service calls over the lifetime of a project - certainly.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Great points!
@shaner.5
@shaner.5 Месяц назад
I think you should have weighed the tanks at the end without any insulation on them. Just to give an example of the thickness of the metal or how many pounds of that difference was the actual tank/glass thickness. Overall great video. Lots of good information. Get the camera, man a gimbal.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Thanks for the tip
@kqschwarz
@kqschwarz Месяц назад
Fabulous video, but I can not believe that you ran the pressure test with the tanks right next to the pickup truck. I understand they had water in them, but still you were using a gas to pressurize them. One of the reasons the pro one might have failed first is if there was some leak in the box store version. Even though they were fed by the same pipe, resistance in the pipe might have resulted in a lower effective pressure in the box store tank, especially with all the distortion in the pipes you observed.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yeah one swelled while the other cracked a weld. I would much rather a tank crack a weld than swell and burst.
@walterbordett2023
@walterbordett2023 21 день назад
On Thursday evening I was talking to a buddy that works for FW Webb and asked if they would sell me a heater, as I have a thirteen-year-old Bradford White 12 year warranty heater. Sunday morning, I have no hot water. Pilot is out and there is water leaking out of the bottom of the heater onto the basement floor. the plumbing distributers are all CLOSED on the weekend so off to the box store I go and buy the best grade 40 gallon natural gas direct vent heater that they have in stock because I don't want cold showers for at least a day. At the box store they help me get the heater into my compact car for the short ride home. My buddy helps me get it out of the car and down to the basement without damage to the heater or injury to us. Old guys rock! I was able to plumb up the copper, reassemble the gas pipe and install the flue tubing. The new heater was taller than the old one so that made the job easy. On the following Tuesday we scrapped the dud heater and bought a six pack with the proceeds and celebrated our work.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 21 день назад
Congrats! Now you'll know how to do all that again in 5-6 years when the box store heater fails.
@user-yc6qh1mt6j
@user-yc6qh1mt6j Месяц назад
Thank you. Very informative 👍
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
You are welcome!
@mitchellbarnow1709
@mitchellbarnow1709 15 дней назад
I worked for plumbing wholesale distributors and residential water heaters were always sold below cost because huge rebates were a big part of of the game. It’s like the franchised auto/truck dealership showing you their “invoice” and claiming that they are losing money, but they are definitely making some money.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 15 дней назад
Yep!
@kraftzion
@kraftzion Месяц назад
Good comparison. I will say the difference in the steel cover could be that one is shorter than the other. Takes a longer piece to follow the water heater than the gentle curve of the box store one.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yes. But they are indeed different.
@joeglenn1480
@joeglenn1480 Месяц назад
Had a home owner change out a gas water heater because it had water coming out of the bottom, it was in an open garage and it was just condensation not running water or leaking anywhere.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Condensation can happen on the first burn or if the water heater is run completely out of hot water.
@Luv2camp316
@Luv2camp316 12 дней назад
Great video. It put to bed a lot of myths about what you get. The sad part is the DIYer who did one water heater in his life will tell you they are still the same. Just like the sales person at the box store. Keep making the videos but we know some folks will still deny the facts to hold to their errant opinion. A certain comedian hit it on the head when he said “you can’t fix stupid”
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 12 дней назад
Very true!
@fortunatedad7695
@fortunatedad7695 2 месяца назад
Thanks for doing this test! Kinda worries me that the T and P valve didn't release the pressure as thats it only reason for existence lol
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
We plugged the T&P port on both to focus the test on the tank only.
@fortunatedad7695
@fortunatedad7695 2 месяца назад
@SmedleyPlumbing ohh ok. Sorry I must have fast forwarded that part. You like to live dangerously haha
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
@@fortunatedad7695 there's an element of safety that comes with compressed water versus compressed air.
@keovongvilaykeo4799
@keovongvilaykeo4799 Месяц назад
Wow great thank you now I know where to purchase my water heater 😊
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Exactly!
@LatitudeSky
@LatitudeSky Месяц назад
The trick is that supply houses often won't sell to consumers. Buddy of mine needed a furnace relay and Winnelson would not sell him one because he wasn't a contractor. He was a trained tech in a related field working in million-dollar machines that have their own HVAC systems. But they wouldn't sell him the part. He had to get one off ebay or something. Supply houses can be very strict.
@jcaleca60
@jcaleca60 27 дней назад
They put a lot of money and time in to this video great job guys 😊
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 27 дней назад
Thanks!
@flyer617
@flyer617 Месяц назад
I would be curious about the thickness of the steel of the tanks. I expect that is where the weight difference is. The thinner steel would expand more under pressure, which is why you saw the differences in failure mode. So the box store model, with thinner lighter steel, expands and contracts more under pressure changes, breaking the glass lining. Once the glass is compromised the thickness of the steel doesn't matter much because corrosion of the steel is relatively fast.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
We left with the same thoughts.
@Splungers
@Splungers 6 дней назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing Hole saw and dial caliper....
@noworriesmate5903
@noworriesmate5903 Месяц назад
There are differences as you have shown. With that said, I have a 32 year old water heater from Lowe's. Water quality and maintenance have more to do with long-term use.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
You probably have lower water pressure as well.
@tonyh8007
@tonyh8007 18 дней назад
How did it take so long for someone to finally come out with a clear and detailed comparison video?!? Thank you so much for taking the time and making the $ investment to review these products side by side. Fortunately I'm not in the market for a hot water heater, but now I see why pro grade is better. With that part settled... I'd be curious to see whats the difference between pro grade models. What makes a Bradford White so special?
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 18 дней назад
The biggest thing that makes Bradford so special is they don't distribute through box stores. Only professional plumbing supply stores for Bradford.
@tonyplumbob
@tonyplumbob 23 дня назад
Great video well done,i learn a lot that i didn't know.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 23 дня назад
Glad it was helpful!
@Chevytech1977
@Chevytech1977 Месяц назад
There are more than three companies that make tank hot water heaters. GSW is a big name in Canada. Located in Fergus, Ontario. Been in business for 150 years
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Residential units?
@JK-qe6qq
@JK-qe6qq Месяц назад
GE and American Standard makes water heaters
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@JK-qe6qq Rheem makes both GE heaters and American Standard heaters.
@chrisnapolski1181
@chrisnapolski1181 5 дней назад
Awesome video, thank you.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 5 дней назад
Our pleasure!
@charitykennedy4020
@charitykennedy4020 26 дней назад
Please consider doing more comprehensive comparison videos of box store vs plumbing supply store for faucets, toilets, and shower trim using units from the same brand.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 26 дней назад
We totally will!
@robertschumacher472
@robertschumacher472 13 дней назад
Really enjoyed your video thanks for all of the good information . I like all the wonderful information on the comments about all of the differences.. that being said though I think the main thing that we have to look at and not go in the Weeds about is that when you pay more money you expect more for it and even though you pay more for it it isn't necessarily better. In general it used to be that the higher dollar item you bought it was a better product for more money. Today I would dispute that because it's not always the case and I think the buyer should be where and look around before they make any purchase and understand that the big box stores have to make money in some fashion and they make it by buying it in quantity and getting a contract for the cheapest possible one. When you're poor you got to buy the cheap one because that's all there's there that you can afford at best . Was very glad of you touching on the anode rod . I fit that exactly we just replaced a water heater and we are on a well and there must be some amount of sulfur and the magnesium rod in it is making the water stink like rotten eggs . And the same thing about it causing your warranty to be voided if you take the rod out so you're forced to live with the stinking water? That sucks as far as the Box Store is not letting people know about that. Thank you for everything
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 13 дней назад
Yeah when you don't have the funds, you gotta do what you need to to make it happen. But when you have the funds, it's always better to go with the pro grade.
@JLLG2
@JLLG2 Месяц назад
Thank you for the video! Any opinions on electric anode rods? I am in Michigan, have city water, have a softner, on my 5th water tank in 20 years. I have come to conclusion that my anode rod needs servicing more often but no contractor locally has ever suggested this as a preventative maintenance step. I had had 2 ao smith, ge and bradford white. Only the ge was "box store".
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
On theory, electric anode rods work well. I haven't seen a correlation between electrin anodes and longer tank life though.
@JLLG2
@JLLG2 Месяц назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing any direct experience with the corro protect? My mom had well water with the really bad sulfur bacteria smell, the corro protect solve that in 24 hours. I just wish I could find evidence to see if Corro protect does well in the long run. And works well with softened water.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@JLLG2 honestly never heard of it
@georgedoolittle7574
@georgedoolittle7574 Месяц назад
​@@JLLG2sulfer smell at high temp that goes away is a bad sacrificial(zinc?) anode hence the term "sacrificial." Might have an inferior anode product tho so maybe a "pro grade" anode tho.
@michaelbinder8208
@michaelbinder8208 Месяц назад
Wonderful video!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Thank you very much!
@williampankey6143
@williampankey6143 5 дней назад
The box stores in my area - Lowes in my case - will deliver a 50gal hot water heater for $35. I just had an A.O. Smith 100 delivered for $35. I cut the old one in two and put the halves in my garbage can for regular pick up. It's hard to compete with that kind of cost & convenience.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 5 дней назад
Delivery is only one part of the equation. Skilled and safe installs are the main goal.
@jimpie231
@jimpie231 25 дней назад
Many things were same, the drain valve was a big difference, this is about $20 more. This test showed me that the metal of the body of the tank is where your 9 lbs. difference in weight was. However the top, bottom and tube seemed to be thinner, and were the same for both. I have been in a water heater manufacturing plant, everything uses automatic welding machines. I was surprised on how many tanks were pulled off with leaks and had to be hand welded and retested. Testing was with air and then using a water line to spot leaks. The leaks were usually at a weld seam, like where the failure was. I have a builder grade water heater in my home, it’s a State Select 50 gallon, natural gas, that was new with the tract home I had built in 2003, makes the water heater, 20 years old. The only thing that’s different in my water than most others is my water temperature setting, it’s making water about 120 degrees hot. Most people have their tanks set too hot, and this causes the heater to fail a lot sooner. When you’re taking a shower you don’t use hot water that’s 150 degrees, you only need it to be a little hotter than your body temperature of 98 degrees, say 102-3 degrees. The more people you have the higher the temperature needed. Washers today don’t use a lot of hot water, so it’s not needed there either. PS: Info…..I live in a Chicago suburb, I do have Lake Michigan water (7.5 gains hardness). I was in this industry for 36 years and am currently retired. AO Smith bought State Stove, years ago.😅
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 24 дня назад
Your builders grade is still better than the box store grade.
@timcoughlin4998
@timcoughlin4998 Месяц назад
It's just like tires. The same exact model at WM has less plys than at a tire shop. If you look close, long number for the model is different but the big text is the same.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yep
@thewaterheaterfactory
@thewaterheaterfactory Месяц назад
Fun Video ! Try a Hydrostatic Pressure Test next time , I use that method to test tanks for leaks!! Its cheap and easy !
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
I'm listening....
@AnAZPatriot
@AnAZPatriot 3 дня назад
Lesson is change out the plastic drain to brass if you have that style, and change your sacrificial anode every 5 years, and you'll be fine. In my 40 years of home ownership, 18 years in one house, and 22 years in this one, buying 2 new houses with new water heaters, ive never changed out a water heater. Flush them every year, and change the anode every 5 years, and you should never have a problem.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 дня назад
We should add that the homes you are mentioning have pro grade heaters and not box store units
@AnAZPatriot
@AnAZPatriot 2 дня назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing oddly enough, this house has the "Do Not Return to the Store" stickers on it. But it also has a brass drain...so...
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 дня назад
@@AnAZPatriot some box store units have a brass drain. But if it has that sticker, it's for sure a box store unit.
@Lewisvandervalk
@Lewisvandervalk 2 месяца назад
Mitch getting shocked deserves a like and subscribe for sure
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Little booger caught me by surprise! Lol
@VillaRoundabout
@VillaRoundabout 2 месяца назад
If you wanted to mount a pressure gauge on your heater where would you put it? On the hot outlet nipple?
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Cold inlet. It will last longer.
@MyNewUserName47
@MyNewUserName47 Месяц назад
i have a 40 gallon Rheem electric. it came from a box store, Lowes or Home Depot. the yellow energy sticker has the year of 1994 printed on it. im not sure but i think it was bought in 1995 or 1996. i've replaced bottom heating element twice, the top one 3 or 4 times. i know its getting time to replace it as it has some signs of corrosion around where the upper element screws in. i've not been looking forward to buying a new heater, but after watching you vid, when i do i'll get it from a supply house. i guess pushing 30 years with only 5~6 elements its been a good heater. i hope the next one is at least 2/3 as good. i use to flush it every couple of years, its probably been 10~12 years since the last flush. i never got much sediment out of it. edit; i forgot to mention, i adjusted both of the thermostats, running only the hot in my bath tub the temp is at 145 after about 5 minutes.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
They very well may have been the same heaters back then. Not today though.
@alleffler609
@alleffler609 5 дней назад
Never heard of a 45 gallon heater.They are usually either a thirty or Forty or fifty gallon gallons
@MyNewUserName47
@MyNewUserName47 3 дня назад
@@alleffler609 your're right, i corrected it.
@dogdooley4495
@dogdooley4495 Месяц назад
Sure, the pro grade should be better, but as long as your relief valve is working properly, it'll never see that kind of pressure. I also notice Lowe's sells different AO Smith 40 gal tanks with 6, 9, or 12 year warranties. I wonder if the 12 year Lowe's heater is the same as the pro grade.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Relief valves fail closed all the time. It's a very common issue we see. Also, the thinner metal shows wear and stress much sooner. That's why we see so many box store tanks fail within a few years.
@davidconnors8830
@davidconnors8830 Месяц назад
Around 1990 the company I worked for asked Bradford White the difference between water heaters with different warranty lengths, their answer was the price difference represented the increased cost of the longer warranty. No difference in construction. This was done to answer a customer question.
@harveypaxton1232
@harveypaxton1232 Месяц назад
Pro grade is simply advertising logo for the wholesale house.
@waynenocton
@waynenocton Месяц назад
Didn’t get to watch closely and didn’t see the mythbusters episode, but if you use all air pressure things get a whole lot more exciting and dangerous with all air(gas). I assumed you used air to pressurize the water which is a ton safer. Also loved the video for what I did get to watch and hear(working) and seems super unbiased from my view.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
That was the goal!
@waynenocton
@waynenocton Месяц назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing I was trying to cover all my bases, sometimes people beat up commenters pretty bad if something isn’t clear lol.
@joewger
@joewger 20 часов назад
I've had good luck with the Bradford White hydrojets my plummer installed.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 16 часов назад
Bradford White makes a good heater.
@chiplangowski3298
@chiplangowski3298 3 дня назад
The consumer grade water heater that was in my house when I bought it lasted 24 years. That is plenty good enough for me.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 3 дня назад
Lucky!
@billytolliver
@billytolliver 2 месяца назад
That was awesome!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
Glad you liked it!
@markanderson350
@markanderson350 Месяц назад
I bought a Rheem water heater from Menards, i had 3 gas valves fail. The manufacturer did ship each time and knew when the problem was fixed for good. Only thing is, i work for free, a plumber would have cost hundreds in labor. I use an expansion tank too. I fixed a friends water heater needed a gas valve, cost 160 on Amazon. Plumbers quoted 600 to 2000 to fix. One said her pipes were 1/2 inch and needed replaced. Its still working a year later. The next failure was her furnace, was just the flame sense rod connection.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yeah professional repairs cost but it's worth it to have it done properly with warranty and to not worry about box store problems.
@markanderson350
@markanderson350 Месяц назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing i guess so. I can do myself, its easy but now i know i get inferior supplies. I bought galvanized nipples at menards for commercial toilets in my building. The lowes ones i bought last many years, the menards ones rusted in 2 years. I understand its electrolysis and I am going brass but they look identical and from same company. Its all China though. Floods get expensive.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@markanderson350 yeah we see box store fittings and valves fail pretty fast faulty often.
@markanderson350
@markanderson350 Месяц назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing yes so maybe i will shop at plumbing supply companies but maybe they wont sell to me. We have a problem with plumbers selling out to big out of state companies using the family name but now being very expensive.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@markanderson350 a few have for sure. And good for them for building a sellable business. That's the goal from some. Build it big and sell it so they can retire.
@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq
@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq Месяц назад
Applies to mowers as well, quality is on a different level. Especially for items being used daily. Spend the extra money for a commercial grade.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Exactly!
@bigredgreg1
@bigredgreg1 6 дней назад
My State gas water heater was installed in ‘98 and I bought it from a plumbing supply company. A year ago I found the booklet that came with it along with my notation of the installation date. I shudder to think of the condition of the anode rod, if it still exists.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 6 дней назад
At that age, who cares. Lol. Just be thankful it's lasted this long and don't be surprised if it fails eventually. You've had a great run.
@raijin2774
@raijin2774 2 месяца назад
Energy guide are way different between the two Box store $227 and Pro $ 320. But box store saving you more money per year. Why?
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
The energy guide ratings are wildly inaccurate.
@notsure1872
@notsure1872 Месяц назад
That energy guide is the government lying to you.
@RCMServices
@RCMServices Месяц назад
The tank by itself are the same. The weight difference between the two stripped is the sheet metal outer case. The difference between the two is the quality of the components. The internal tank is the same across the line. A box store AO Smith comes in 3 models, 100, 300, 500. The tanks are all the same. What you are paying extra for is the warranty.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
I would have to disagree with you on that one. I think our video proves that as well.
@TOOLMAN4hvac
@TOOLMAN4hvac Месяц назад
Yep, if it's made by AO SMITH, all the tanks are identical! I went through AO SMITH’s three-day school (5 years ago) and the factory in Tennessee. I can personally verify that if it's different, it's in the controls, drain valve, and stickers. You should see how those tanks are handled after coming out of the “glass lining process”. It is amazing how much rough handling they take. I questioned the engineer about it, he said you can bounce the tank and still not crack that lining it's that tough. I never worried about dropping one off the tailgate again. Oh yeah, change the anode rod every year!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@TOOLMAN4hvac our findings would indicate differently. Significant weight differences and performance differences.
@ElmwoodAl
@ElmwoodAl Месяц назад
​@@SmedleyPlumbingnot significant weight difference.
@ElmwoodAl
@ElmwoodAl Месяц назад
Aluminum is a superior anode. It lasts longer.
@RuossFamilyAdventures
@RuossFamilyAdventures Месяц назад
Also, I noticed that the energy efficient is different from one heater to the other one was 300 and another one was 200. I noticed that right off the bat when you talk about the heaters.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yeah those numbers are very inaccurate. They guess at your energy rates and your usage. We never trust those.
@SparkyRF
@SparkyRF Месяц назад
@@SmedleyPlumbing I thought those numbers were "normalized" ??? Otherwise, they would be useless? I agree with the OP that those look like subtly different water heaters! I would be curious to see a close-up of both stickers?
@user-jm5gk5wc5q
@user-jm5gk5wc5q Месяц назад
I really would love to know about tankless water heaters.Who's the best just like you did this test
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
We can do that one in the future!
@bobbing4snapples
@bobbing4snapples 20 дней назад
14:22 those holes higher up on the dip tube are for preventing siphoning. otherwise there's the possibility of someone's water heater running dry unintentionally and that will pretty much ruin it as I'm sure you know
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 20 дней назад
This is true
@russrockino-rr0864
@russrockino-rr0864 13 дней назад
I have a Sears Kenmore Electric Water Heater with Roto-Swirl feature. Original Warranty was 9 years. I installed it 24 years ago and it is still in service. I have not had to replace a thermostat or an element. I really miss Sears!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 13 дней назад
24 year ago, the box store units very well may have been the same heaters. Not today though.
@michelemarch8270
@michelemarch8270 Месяц назад
Thank You!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
You're welcome!
@OneManParade
@OneManParade Месяц назад
As long as its installed and properly maintained it will last a long time. My Westlake Reliance 40 gallon gas water heater is 27 years old and going strong.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
It's highly possible that 27 years ago they were indeed the same units.
@keithadair1846
@keithadair1846 Месяц назад
Love the shirt. Same goes with the faucets. Box stores use inferior materials.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Thanks!
@snowpaw360
@snowpaw360 16 дней назад
Interesting to see, I have been using Titan tankless water heaters for almost two decades now since they are so cheap, even if it didn't last that long they are worth it I think. Sucks when the power goes out I guess lol.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 16 дней назад
Yep!
@alanwagen
@alanwagen 3 дня назад
I have a Bradford White for over 11 years. Hopefully I can get some more out of it. What you think of Bradford White? Also I saw this outfit called HTP which make stainless steel water heaters. Are they any good?
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 3 дня назад
Bradford is good! They only make a pro grade.
@markcollins457
@markcollins457 Месяц назад
About 15 yrs ago a good friend needed a water heater and purchased "brand X" from the blue box store and after one day of operation the pilot failed and as per the the manufacturer they recommend to replace the thermocouple and found out that the blue box store had proprietary parts "LEFT HAND" thermocouple threads I never herd of this well it's true after 3 days finding the proprietary t-couple to fit the Proprietary Honeywell gas valve we Uninstalled this mess and returned it. I purchased one from a local wholesale supply house and parts can be had readily. The blue box store no longer sells unique to them water heaters but I still won't buy from them.😊
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yep. That was the first major indicator that the box store units are not the same.
@RockoRocko-rz7kx
@RockoRocko-rz7kx Месяц назад
John wood used a left hand thermocouple too back in the day
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
@@RockoRocko-rz7kx thank goodness those days are gone.
@greekmaster1001
@greekmaster1001 Месяц назад
My guess the hole on the burner is for condensation when you first start up a unit in the water is very cold
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
Yeah that's what somebody else suggested and it makes perfect sense
@TractorWrangler01
@TractorWrangler01 2 месяца назад
I wanted to see the inside of the tank and see what the steel gauge was.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
We talked about why we didn't do that towards the end.
@TractorWrangler01
@TractorWrangler01 2 месяца назад
Still wanted to see it. I wanted to see the internal build too. ​@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 2 месяца назад
@@TractorWrangler01 gives us something to do in a future video!
@user-ft5ut1pc2n
@user-ft5ut1pc2n День назад
Live in the Midwest. I’ve always had a plumber from a pro shop install my heaters. I’ve had some last 5 years & some last maybe 7-8. They like to blame our hard water on the failures. Mine usually leak out of the bottom. It’s really sad when it’s around $1200 a pop. Warranties suck now & heaters just don’t seem to last like they used to. Had 1 fail just before the warranty went out. New heater but still $400 bucks in labor. Sheeesh 😢
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 23 часа назад
It happens. And water quality makes a difference. Also proper water pressure makes all the difference as well.
@Harold-si7eh
@Harold-si7eh 12 дней назад
After being a truckdriver gor over 40 years and being in many factories in U.S and I have hauled REEM which came out of Mexico,All companies have a cheaper Grade,Tires,Auto parts,Clothes,Even food, WALMART got Caught putting 12o/o SawDust in their GV Grated Parmesan Cheese when they Legally are only allowed 7o/o!!! As young man I Worked in a Tomato canning Factory we bottle ketchup,I will not tell you what makes into the cheaper brand!!!
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 12 дней назад
Yep. They all do it.
@robertlong7723
@robertlong7723 Месяц назад
Your experiment compared one example of each heater which is a very small sample size. Is it possible that the installed heater components could depend upon what was available on the day of manufacture? Would a manufacture or manufacture rep would be willing to provide any insight to the difference in the product lines? (Especially if they saw your video.) It would be informative to know any differences in order to make an informed purchase decision. The Energy Guide labels are designed to be comparable and list assumptions such as cost of gas on the label and list the therms used annually. Differences between the labels need to be explained and not glossed over.
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing Месяц назад
I look forward to your comparison video where you navigate these topics as well as ones you haven't thought of yet.
@johnalexander4780
@johnalexander4780 26 дней назад
The big box stores will typically have a good better and best option for those water heaters, which of those three did the AO Smith from The Big Box store fall under? Not saying that there isn't a difference just wondering if you got the middle option or the highest option from The Big Box store if the comparisons wouldn't have been more similar
@SmedleyPlumbing
@SmedleyPlumbing 26 дней назад
We compared two 6-year warranty units. The box stores typically have 9 and 12 year warranty options but we wanted to compare the most similar units as possible.
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