Rheem 50 Gallon Water Heater UPDATED Review

[@truebluepatriot2739]

Thanx for putting this video out there so that others don't have to go thru the head ache of a malfunctioning water heater.

[@bkavadias]

Glad Rheem stood behind their product. I had a problem with an AO Smith Unit and they were not so kind. I will never buy another one of their units.

[@harrydoherty8299]

i just bought the the wifi version that you had. it’s the 4500 wattt version and 50 gallon . i have a baum relief valve on my cold water feed side . hope it works out for us. had a 25 year old oil fired water tank . no leaks, just very old and heavy even empty.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Keep us posted on how the new one works out. 🤞🤞

[@diylumberjack]

Thanks boss for this! Though in my case it's too late. We had a brief power surge and it blew the control board completely. I have to deal with home Depot no too as it is a few years old. Keep track of your receipt and do the registration y'all! I forgot to because Rheem's site is mess up. I grew up plumbing with my dad using there product, but I'll go elsewhere now. Thanks again boss!

[@allamericandiy1310]

Your welcome! Sorry you had to go through what you went through…..these units are brutal

[@everythinghomerepair1747]

That is so typical of electronics nowadays. However that is truly above and beyond the service that Rheem provided. That’s something not many companies would do.

[@donacianoc.sandoval2587]

you just saved me. I was about to order the gladiator for a client. switchin over to the basic haha thanks so much!

[@timtaylor9339]

Year and a half old 40 gallon now throwing A104 and A105 codes. Thanks for the heads up.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Ughhh sorry you have to go through it too

[@TheWilferch]

Your expansion tank is mounted and located exactly as the pro plumber who did my original 50 gal PRO series Rheem heater in my new home. When it came time to replace the anode.....did the normal checks...yep....no issue....I have enough vertical pull-up length allowance to my ceiling....so went ahead and ordered a full length ( 40" long), new anode from Rheem. When I tried to replace the unit......argghhh..... the expansion tank WIDTH was JUST enough TOO Wide ( by about 1-2")....above the anode pull-out port. Had to resort buying the "Sausage-link" anode design, that instead has those segmented 12" lengths all connected together. Yeah.....pro install.....thanks for thinking this through..... :(

[@fallonjessee3147]

Thank you for the information. I'm in the market for a new water heater and was deciding between this and a couple others including the Proterra Hybrid. Unfortunately, I live in WA state which has a requirement that all new water heaters be demand response ready, which limits my options for water heaters.

[@allamericandiy1310]

If you have another option besides Rheem’s Gladiator…go with that one. My basic Rheem has been working perfectly since I replaced the gladiator with it

[@RVail623]

There's a water heater electric timer "Little Gray Box" that might be of interest. Once installed, can be programmed to only turn on the heating element during set times of the day. Also: some GE branded water heaters are just re-branded Rheem water heaters. If a replacement anode is needed, those can be ordered direct from Rheem in N. Carolina, instead of from GE.

[@pierre0227]

I just bought mine waiting to have it installed. Wish me luck. If it fails i hope Home Depot can pick it up as I paid for the delivery.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Good luck! Hope you have a better experience than I did.

[@pierre0227]

so far so good. Had it for two weeks now. Love the app that tells you how much water there is. @@allamericandiy1310

[@bludika]

They won’t…

[@tonybyrd5129]

I'm having them same problem with one I purchased today. Awaiting technician. Thanks

[@kenfett7070]

I can't thank you enough for both of your videos regarding this water heater. You the man but please don't use bobbers when you fish. Lol. Happy New Year ! You got yourself a new subscriber.

[@allamericandiy1310]

lol, those poles are super old and don't get used anymore...in Florida, you can catch bass out of a lake or canal using a piece of hot dog on a single cast!

[@shawnalexander8009]

one thing I would have done differently if I was the plumber doing. I would put the flexible lines on the hot water heater. So that way next time you could replace it yourself Because what the plumber did is absolutely a pain in the butt. In order to get the fittings off the hot water and cold Water Connection. You have to cut the copper tubing

[@circlek5729]

Heck, wish I'd seen this before we went ahead and got the WiFi version. But, went that route due to longer warranty span. Already issue getting the wifi to sync after start up. And, the leak alarm is super sensitive and we thought had cleaned up all drip off the overflow prior to power up, nope. Now I wait to see if it stops working or resets in 24hrs after silencing.

[@allamericandiy1310]

I think it’s just like any other appliance that these companies add “smart” features to. Just another thing to break or fail on the unit and leave the consumer hanging out to dry. The wifi feature of this water heater worked great. The issue I had was the circuit board. Once that failed, the unit wouldn’t activate the bottom element. So the top element just stayed on all the time and made my water temp just to over 150 degrees.

[@aileen4408]

Hi, may I ask what’s the small tank on the top? Thanks

[@allamericandiy1310]

An expansion tank. It prevents excessive water pressure from building up and potentially causing damage.

[@wread6836]

Have had mine for 8 years no board issues.

[@chiefordnance]

Shouldve went 55 gal

[@jamessanders4000]

Appreciate the information, more electronics sometimes equal more issues, Good choice and thank you. Curious why you choose a 50 vs. 40 gallon,

[@allamericandiy1310]

My original water heater was also a 50g so I just did an exact swap in terms of size. I also have three full bathrooms that get used daily.

[@Gest-wg2yb]

Great info, thank you

[@tumbleweedking5668]

I've had 4 of theses Reams in 10 yrs due to tank leaks which are behind a water softner.. I can change one in 45 minutes .Good luck.

[@jeffmotes2129]

Thanks. Just the info I needed.

[@SEADOG369]

The only reason the plumber used "fixed copper pipe" was to make sure the homeowner in the future would have to call a plumber to replace the water heater. This is one of the simplest things a homeowner can do and for this reason it should be installed using Shark Bite Braided Stainless Steel flexible fittings, they even make a set for this purpose with a built-in gate valve. Shark Bite is a proven product that has been in service for decades without any failure issues, plumbers will contradict that for the aforementioned reason. It's unfortunate that this homeowner fell for it. BTW sweated "copper" pipe can fail due to corrosion.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Didn’t fall for anything….if you watch the first video, that’s exactly how I installed the new unit. Shark Bite stainless flexible fittings. The problem was that the unit failed. Only way rheem would cover a new one under warranty was to have a “professional” come out, diagnose the problem, and install a new one. The plumber they sent me installed it however he wanted to do it. I assure you, I will not be calling a plumber to come out and replace anything for me if and when this new one needs to be replaced lol. Pretty easy fix.

[@brianhassell7102]

Just bought a gladiator, wish I would have seen this before I bought it. Would have bought a different one.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Keep a close eye on that circuit board….if you start getting an alert, call rheem immediately.

[@rhoodj]

Which one you would buy? Please help. I about to replace my 20 years old AO Smith 55 gal.

[@brianhassell7102]

@@rhoodj I have the Gladiator for three months. No problems yet works well.

[@michaelott310]

I prefer using the flexible hose connection instead of the soldered pipe. When you have to replace it again, the next water heater connections might not line up with the pipes.

[@markrev117]

guess ill be prepared to keep an eye on rheem heater in a couple months. i just installed one today.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Good luck brother. Did you install a basic rheem or the gladiator wifi rheem?

[@pmlm1571]

Good info, thanks mate!

[@DarkendSun]

Had my Rheem gladiator for 2 days and the service light came on...Rheem sent out the new board and a contractor out and fixed in 3 days....makes you wonder what is setting the service light off in the first place?

[@allamericandiy1310]

Good to hear you got a new board at least. They had been out of stock for quite a while….. I would love to see the statistics on how many gladiator units get replaced in the first year of ownership. I bet the numbers would be shocking.

[@DarkendSun]

@@allamericandiy1310 I agree.....maybe they had a recall on them...I read somewhere that they did..

[@TheKellisunshyne]

How is it holding up? I keep hearing reem and a.o smith are bad and the Bradford white can only be bought and installed by a certified plumber or it voids the warranty.

[@allamericandiy1310]

It’s been holding up just fine. No issues. Just stay away from the “smart” water heaters. Get the basic one.

[@kalliefornya6173]

Dumb question… but how did you know your faucets were putting out extra hot water? How can we stay on top of how the water heater is performing? We ordered the wifi unit accidentally and it’ll be here shortly. Hubby wants to use it and keep an eye on it. There were slim pickings on water heaters in-store. We went through a Home Depot. Thank you!

[@allamericandiy1310]

For me, I got an alert via the rheem econet app (download and set up after you install the heater) that there was a failure on the system. First thing I did was try the reset button that's on the circuit board. That did not solve anything. Because the circuit board failed, it would not cycle between the upper and lower elements. In other words, the upper element remained on while the lower element remained off. This caused the the upper element to constantly heat the water closest to the top (which is what comes through the faucet line first). When I turned on a faucet, I literally had to cool the water down by turning on the cold side in addition to the hot. I checked the temp of the water by filling up a bowl with just hot water and checked it with a meat thermometer. It was close to 160 degrees. No bueno. You'll know if there's a problem if your water is beyond scolding hot. If the unit is working properly, the circuit board will turn on/off each element to keep your water temp at 120 or 125 (whatever you set it at). Hopefully you guys have better luck!!

[@anthonymartinez6120]

I just installed mine. The wife is not working and now I'm getting a leak detection alarm or shutoff valve issue. Not even one day and I have a headache

[@sarawright6781]

Going on vacation. If I want to turn off my tank, do I just close that top valve? And then turn off my water main?

[@allamericandiy1310]

If you’re wanting to shut the tank off, you could just turn off the breaker. That means you won’t have hot water when you get home until you turn the breaker back on and wait for the water to heat back up though. I guess it depends on how long you’re going on vacation. I leave mine on so the water stays hot. That will prevent me from waiting until the tank heats the 50 gallons of water in it. I wouldn’t turn off the valves though….

[@sarawright6781]

@@allamericandiy1310 thank you. I'll be gone for about a week. Is the breaker located inside one of those panels on the front of the tank?

[@allamericandiy1310]

No…those panels on the front of the tank are where the heating elements are. Definitely don’t touch those. Your breaker would be located inside your home’s circuit breaker box. But if you’re only going away for a week, there’s no need to turn it off…

[@johnsmith-iq6lz]

Did the plumber disconnect it and bring it back

[@allamericandiy1310]

Yes, rheem sent out a plumber who disconnected the unit, went to Home Depot with me so I could return the old one, and then installed the new one.

[@nelsondonastorg8212]

I bought one these, I have to remove one buy simple one. To complicate to keep on the alert for leack

[@mcmickey3344]

thanks so much. is performance plus much better than performance (the 6 year warranty version)? And did you think the performance platinum was worth it (12 year warranty version)? Seems 12 year version has brass drainage spout vs. plastic on the performance and performance plus. Not sure if other big differences

[@allamericandiy1310]

When I was researching them, I read that the performance plus offered better quality and performance in terms of better copper construction for its duel heating. The warranty was also longer on the plus. The plus also does have the brass drain valve while the performance does not and the plus uses a higher quality anode rod that’s supposed to be better for self cleaning to help combat sediment build up. Both I think are good options for a single family home. Now, the performance plus platinum is where I had a terrible experience. This is their gladiator model whit the econet smart wifi circuit board built in. Although it has great features, it failed in less than a year. I’d stay away from that one.

[@mcmickey3344]

@@allamericandiy1310 Thanks for response. Just a clarification on the current performance plus models, it does not appear that a brass drain valve is offered on this model. Brass drain valve is only offered on the performance platinum.

[@resistthenorm6747]

@@mcmickey3344they’re all brass now

[@Sean-Aviation]

I'm looking at replacing my water system with the Rheem performance 50 or the A.O. Smith Signature 100. is the Rheem a better brand/unit?

[@allamericandiy1310]

My negative experience with rheem was with the rheem gladiator performance 50 gallon unit. With the econet smart technology. Don’t get that one. My replacement is the basic rheem 50 gallon which has been working just fine.

[@Sean-Aviation]

@@allamericandiy1310 Thanks. yes my plan is to go with the Performance 50 one. simple. did you end up installing an expansion tank? i didn't have one on my old tank but wonder if its needed now. also what size....

[@allamericandiy1310]

@@Sean-Aviation yes, I did install an expansion tank. I didn’t need one by code because I have a relief valve already installed on my main water line. However, my water heater is on the other side of my house so for added protection, I installed the expansion tank.

[@Nickrambo17]

My Gladiator 50 gal wifi unit circuit board just went out after 8 months. 1 day service all under warranty . Still a pain tho

[@allamericandiy1310]

They should recall all these units….. garbage

[@jeremywatts2768]

Thats 5500w right? What size breaker and wire are you using?

[@allamericandiy1310]

That unit was 5500w. I had two 30amp breakers with the standard 240 wire gauge…I think it’s 10 gauge wire but I haven’t measured it. The builder installed it to code when house was built.

[@jeremywatts2768]

@@allamericandiy1310 Two single breakers instead of one double pole 30? Everything I read says you want a 40 or 50 amp service on 8ga for 5500w but I've always seen only 30dp on a 4500w standard HWH. Does the extra KW improve heating times but use more electric or is it more efficient because it reaches temp faster? I wanted to use the Econet capable HWH because I have the Rheem RP20 HP/AH setup that can control it....but I'm hesitant to overcomplicate something as dull as heating water. I'll prolly go the practical route. My first inclination was to go electic tankless and run the dual 40a pairs for the 18kw but I cant find anyone around here that doesnt have a gas unit (which are great).

[@allamericandiy1310]

30dp. I should’ve clarified that, sorry. All the 5500 watt unit does is heat the water faster. It’s definitely not necessary. My standard residential set up easily supported it, however, the control board on these things are useless. As was explained to me by the contracted rheem plumbing company that came out to fix it when it failed. If you’re in a situation where you an go tankless, I’d do it. The only con I can find with tankless is there’s no reserve when the power fails. But cold showers work too. My panel is on the other side of the garage so I opted to go with a 50 gal basic rheem.

[@resistthenorm6747]

Is it still kicking?

[@allamericandiy1310]

Yes, not a single issue since

[@sherionlineaccts4208]

Shark bites are used to cap off lines. Where did you use yours that you were referencing? Confused

[@allamericandiy1310]

Shark bite makes different sized water heater push to connect supply lines as well. I used two 24 inch lines from Home Depot.

[@ethelenedowling649]

Is this unit working with gas or Electric?

[@allamericandiy1310]

Electric

[@kjseafoodandmore188]

How much did the expansion tank cost

[@allamericandiy1310]

If you purchase the tank yourself, they run between $40-$50. They're not that difficult to install either, although, I had the contracted rheem plumber install mine. With labor, it was around $200.

[@Mightiflier]

Just installed, can’t connect Wi-Fi; red light stays on. So frustrating.

[@allamericandiy1310]

These rheems are garbage…. If I could do it over, I’d get a tankless. Were you able to get it figured out?

[@Mightiflier]

In fairness to Rheem, I talked to customer service who helped me get the wifi connected. After four or more days of red visual alarms , they said the alarm lights would go off as the unit acclimates. Two mornings I had audible alarms, shutting down the tank heating elements. But on the morning of day five, all alarms went silent, and the tank seems to be heating the water consistently. However, I will be calling back on Monday because the thermostat is set on 150 F, but the water is less than 120F. Time will tell.@@allamericandiy1310 But if I had gas, the tankless would definitely be the way to go.

[@Mwfrizzellandsons]

I just installed one and it immediately started heating water and would not stop. The bottom heating element will not turn off. Right out of the box.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Circuit board failure. After you contact rheem for the warranty claim, let us know if the circuit boards are still backordered or not…

[@tkajtsai1586]

I have same Reheem water heater and same story. Now waiting Power board replacement parts. It fails cut off power after temperature reaching setting.Ccause the water extreme hot and the water heater trigger Emergency Cut Off ( ECO ). For safe, I turn off power from home circuit board.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Sorry to hear that bro. There are so many of us that bought one of these things and had problems. Hopefully your power board comes in soon.

[@youdontknowme9429]

I just installed the same one and I'm having problems with hot water. It seems that it's taking a lot more turns of my shower knob

[@allamericandiy1310]

Did you install the gladiator model with smart capabilities or just the standard water heater?

[@youdontknowme9429]

@@allamericandiy1310 standard. But they installed a water pressure valve in the front. I guess mine had failed and I was at 120. So I must not just be used to it. I guess. They had me down the code now. Actually works fine now

[@Machria23]

Rheem is absolute GARBAGE! Everything they make now is JUNK. Do not buy there crap, I don’t know what other brands are good, but I’m tired of replacing their garbage and fighting with them over 10 year warranties they don’t honor. Absolute crap

[@sherionlineaccts4208]

What size drain pan?

[@allamericandiy1310]

30 inch

[@frankmontez6853]

Ran into a snafu . The new heater is a bit taller by two inches. The exhaust stack don't match. Darn . In outside closet and exhaust stack isn't straight up but has a 90 elbow near top.

[@32toddv]

I myself gotten the same basic 50 gallon electric Rheem from HD, when my 21 yr old BW died.

[@allamericandiy1310]

Definitely the better decision. I feel like anytime they add “smart” features or digitalize appliances, it’s just another thing to break. In my case, the water heater didn’t even last more than 6 months.

[@nadinestapler3881]

We didn’t even a day before something went wrong. It was a couple of hours.

[@johnsmith-iq6lz]

I have one, for a year, so far ok

[@kalliefornya6173]

That’s good news! We just ordered one. I’m a little nervous about it after watching this video and reading the comments.

[@jjttbbss]

I opted for the 55 gallon but that only comes with the WiFi and leak sense option. Basic would be better. If I have any issues I’ll go back to 50 gallon and basic!

[@allamericandiy1310]

I’ll be curious to find out if your water heater goes the distance or not. Keep us posted.

[@robertodulio817]

Ours broke and it's just throwing 3rd year. The replacement part will take a week to come

[@rhondapelletier2141]

We have that electronic board and having the same issues right now. Electric bill is through the roof and bathroom is full of steam from the water being hot.SMH!…… It’s only my husband and I and we really do not need this huge water heater.

[@allamericandiy1310]

You should definitely call rheem and see if they’ll authorize a replacement water heater for you guys. If they do, opt for the basic water heater without the smart wifi technology. It’s terrible.

[@larrywarren1049]

Shit just tightened up last wire after installing mine waited 2.5 hrs for service at home depot after flagging down half a dozen and that was after calling them to make sure unit was in stock and asking if they could get it ready that i will be there in @2hrs and i didn't want to dick around so aggravated that i didnt even get everything i needed and now i see this video 😢

[@allamericandiy1310]

Hopefully you have better luck with your unit than me and some of the others….good luck man!

[@DoubleA-ARon]

Junk units. i'm on my second as is my dad. I had the same issue with the element on the first one, Rheem was useless, HomeDepot allowed a 5 month return, so thank you HD. The second had a bad leak sensor out of the box... no leak anywhere, but it sure thought there was. I had to remove the leak sensor from the first one to fix the "new" second one. They said they would be out in a MONTH... a month on a new unit is terrible. They never called back on the second "New" one. DO NOT BUY THESE UNITS in the smart category. Utter Junk We will go tankless later this year, its a matter of time till this blows up too...

[@allamericandiy1310]

That’s awful man. I’m sure there are many people out there just like us….. I like the idea of going tankless. If my circuit panel wasn’t on the complete opposite corner of my garage, I would’ve gone that route myself.

[@brucestorey917]

If you don’t need a thermal expansion tank, you don’t need a thermal expansion tank - it’s pointless - just an up sell for the plumber you used. More advice: stay away from RHEEM, and especially Home Depot RHEEM.

[@TheWilferch]

OK then...seeing bad reports on everything.....what do you recommend? Can an average guy buy the PRO version of the Rheem heater with the brass drain valve, etc...seems better....but also seems can be bought only by plumbers.

[@McJiver]

If water heaters were meant to talk, God would have given them mouths.

[@robertodulio817]

Its a terrible brand

[@allamericandiy1310]

I agree. Unfortunately we’re limited in water heater brands. I should’ve went tankless. Next time.

[@robb3939]

Well, not so sure its a terrible brand. I have one (Rheem) in a rental unit that is 23 years old. I am just now replacing it as I know its past due as far as a potential leak is concerned. Going to replace with another Basic Rheem.