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

[@jamesladeroute6127]

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]

Best explanation I've heard so far!

[@davidbwa]

You are making me feel smart because that crossed my mind as to maybe why it was there. I didn't get as far as 'cold tank' Just condensation in general.

[@me-gz3lk]

Makes sense. My basement floods and the box store burner has been under water 2-3X. Relit each time and still going.

[@h2oquality2010]

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]

Exactly!

[@weing]

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]

@@weing :( I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe I just got lucky with this. Not sure.

[@TheStickinator]

Haha I just looked at my water heater and it's marked 1991.. Reliance brand made by AO Smith for the box stores.

[@TheStickinator]

​@@weingHow hot do you have the temp set if I might ask. My water heater is from 1991 and still kicking. But I have the temp set just hot enough for me to get a warm shower.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

FANTASTIC job. That took a lot of hard work. Thank you.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thank you very much!

[@alanlofts1653]

This a great video from a retired plumber thanks for doing it safe travels

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ProGodLifeGun]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Now I have a strong selling point for pro grade tanks.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Love to hear it!

[@sportsonwheelss]

right. Prograde one explode while the cheap one didn't.

[@Lewisvandervalk]

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]

Thank you!

[@johnlandacre767]

Good info. But for the life of me, I can’t understand why every maker of KZbin 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.

[@wchaz3697]

Also those of us with hearing issues have problem separating the narrative from the music backround.

[@bcubed72]

Yes, but the clincher for me was convenience. When my water heater started leaking on me, I needed to get back to normal in a hurry, and it was after the close of business on Friday. That means Big Box, or turn off the hot water entirely until Monday. The decision made itself.

[@freespirit1975]

@@johnlandacre767 Yeah, it ruined the video.

[@louisstennes3]

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]

Love it!

[@51-FS]

Lows has the AO smith, homedepo has rheem

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

A pro installed a water heater in my parents house. Two years latter the overpressure valve flooded the basement. He didn't hook up the overpressure to the line running outside. They did install a free overpressure valve but a lot of stuff in the basement was a mess.

[@knilsen1501]

If you are talking about the relief valve ,it's against the plumbing code to pipe it outside, it's supposed to terminate 6" above the floor,preferably in a water heater pan,which can be pipe ed outside.

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

@@knilsen1501 the water heater is in a basement so following code floods the basement. Absolutely asinine to follow new code which offers danger with no gain.. The flood can snuff out the water heater and gas furnace burners.

[@Splungers]

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]

Yes you do!

[@peterrabbit2719]

What is the reason for the background music. It’s so annoying trying to listen to you on a professional level.

[@MADDOG100ful]

When I buy them at the Big box store I go ahead and buy the brass drain and install it and throw the plastic one away

[@Aaron-ug3qz]

Recently watched a video comparing kitchen faucets. The big box were exactly the same as the 50% pro faucets.

[@TheWilferch]

How is that possible with the same part number? Years after purchase if you go back to the manufacturer, you give them part number and maybe serial number for later replacement parts and whatnot....how will they keep it straight?

[@Lewisvandervalk]

You guys put awesome effort into this. Love it

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertburns236]

dude this video totally helped the plumbing community

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That's why we do it!

[@robertburns236]

@@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]

@@robertburns236 thanks man!

[@1926howiemack]

and DYI which many of our

[@mingli1241]

Just replaced a water heater recently. I could not find any one selling pro ao smith so I went Rheem. I was always told by a plumber to never buy from big box and never questioned his reasoning. This video gives me proof now thanks.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Love it!

[@FosterFarmsOk]

home depot sells Rheem now

[@MVRWC]

AO Smith and State are the same manufacture.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@MVRWC yes they are.

[@winstonwilliams7591]

Some guys are just like that especially when they know that they know what they are talking about. It's take it or leave it man.

[@Sleepyplumbr]

Great video! I am stoked to bring some light to my customers about our units vs box store units 🤙

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That is awesome!

[@markmandelstamm2866]

Fabulous video. We replaced our water heater four years ago. Our plummer only uses the AO Smith commercial unit. Seeing this video makes me feel good about our purchase.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@DG8RS]

2006 AO Smith Commercial water heater owner checking in here 😄. I've had it in the budget for the last 5 years to replace it, but the damn thing just won't die. I only had to replace the burner about 5 years ago (which is what made me start thinking I needed a replacement). I've also never drained the thing and it still pumps out some scalding hot water. I'm scared to replace it at this point because I KNOW I'll never get 18 years out of whatever I replace it with 😆. Thanks for the great video!

[@MarleneMeier]

This!!

[@dvader3263]

Compared to an old 2006 model, a new water heater with 2 inches of foam insulation could save 10 to 20 dollars or more in fuel costs every month. Add an insulation blanket and save even more. Multiply that additional monthly fuel cost by the number of extra months of using that old water heater and the price of a new water heater could have possibly just about been paid for in fuel savings over two or three years. Gas and electricity usually goes up in price over time. A new water heater costs money, but an old water heater also costs extra money every month while in use.

[@jackblack9830]

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]

Good stuff!

[@ScottMcFarlane-xn5oj]

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]

Who knows what we'll test next!

[@Bando-fx4mf]

This is one of the best videos on the internet. Thank you. Every one should watch this. Should have a million views. Every home owner should have this knowledge.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We agree!

[@andrewclarke6802]

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]

Yep!

[@dubmob151]

How major were the differences ?

[@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq]

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_]

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]

@@--harry_ yep!

[@NJBeachbum12]

Phenomenal video!! Thanks for taking all of that time to produce it. Extremely helpful!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neuralglitch9063]

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]

Gotta do what you gotta do!

[@joeyyc8515]

I usually charge pretty high, but $1,500 isn't bad for a 30 gal

[@neuralglitch9063]

@@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]

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]

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.

[@number1pappy]

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]

Good work isn't cheap. Cheap work isn't good.

[@TheOriginalLugnuts]

@@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]

@@TheOriginalLugnuts some people are definitely more capable than others that's for sure.

[@jayabraham4377]

A homeowner can certainly go to your local plumbing store and buy a pro grade unit and install it yourself.

[@Rossm812]

​@jayabraham4377 maybe. Some of them are trade only. Around home for me, they all are.

[@christopherhaas5848]

The Plant in Johnson City manufactured most of the retail product uses pre-cut and pre-cleaned steel. They had a better glass lining process so they could use thinner steel. Each plant has different tooling, there are lots of differences in the product from one plant to the other, like the watts vs. cash acme vendor. I worked as a sales manager in wholesale for A.O.Smith/State for 20 years.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

And I have no doubt that you know that their intentionally selecting cheaper materials to use on the box store models. Which would be why we as professional plumbers see box store heaters failing much faster and much more often than any professionally purchased heater.

[@tinscarecrow21]

@@SmedleyPlumbing I work at the Johnson City factory. The steel is (mostly) the same regardless of which factory is using it now. Rare differences in thickness, where they exist between comparable models (pro or retail), are less than a hundredth of an inch. What major differences do currently exist are mostly to do with what kind of weld is on the long seam. The pro model used submerged arc welding for that seam. Your pro model was also most likely a few years old. Since COVID all the metal has gotten thinner, and all of it is being standardized across the board. They may not be exactly the same buying them right now due to old stock shuffling out, but they will soon be near carbon copies of eachother.

[@patrickcarlson1400]

​@@tinscarecrow21this is definitely true to non commercial heaters, but commercial heaters are definitely built different and better, and should be given a commercial heaters costs $5,000 or more and the funny thing is they only come with one year warranty, I loved doing commercial heaters as basically we would just charge double the cost of the heater to cover the labor, and it never took our guy's that difference in time to change, but would often take 3 guy's to do but at least one would be doing nothing but fetching tools and parts as you can't have 3 guy's working on the installation side just needed the extra muscle, and had to be at least an apprentice plumber as per union rules, nor by state code when it came to touching any of the installation stuff, a only a license plumber or apprentice working with supervision can cut sand sweet pipes, we use mostly copper pipe for water, but that's because plastic water pipe is not legal in any place in the Chicago metropolitan area, even prefabricated homes built in another state had to hire a Illinois license plumber to do the plumbing

[@tinscarecrow21]

@@patrickcarlson1400 Ultra premium tanks do exist, and you will pay a pretty penny for them, but this video isn't talking about polaris stainless steel models or the other ultra premium tanks A. O. Smith makes in McBee, SC. They're showing the differences between a regular water heater purchased from a big box store and a regular water heater purchased from a plumbing supplier. They're also being disingenuous about it, given the date and location of manufacture are easily findable and readily available on the stickers on every water heater. They're showing an older model vs. a newer model and claiming the supplier makes a difference. It doesn't. Every water heater made in Tennessee (Ashland City and Johnson City) and any model made in Mexico now use the *exact* same metal thicknesses for all tanks of the same size (with a tiny exception between mash seam and submerged arc seam models). You may be getting premium parts, but all the tanks are now the same for regular models. Across the board.

[@tinscarecrow21]

@@patrickcarlson1400 Just ask yourself why they're avoiding showing the date and location of manufacture. That, alone, should throw up some huge red flags. It's easily found, verifiable information, and it's incredibly relevant to what they're comparing. Why hide it?

[@retiredtech9846]

Interesting video. Thanks for doing it. 42 years replaced hundreds of tanks. Only difference between AO tanks at that time was warranty and drain valve. Parts inventory also the same. There are some very good commercial tanks out there, and some not so hot, but I buy box store now for myself and family. No problems in many years. Keep up the good work!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@me-gz3lk]

Thank you so much for this! For years I’ve heard of a difference between box stores and plumbing supply stores, but your research has made up my mind. We moved in 1994 and after 1 year the previous owners 30 gallon gas tank couldn’t survive 3 teens and 2 adults. I installed a 40 gallon Envirotemp from Lowe’s. Hoping I am not jinxing myself, but after 29 years the water heater is still going. We know it’s on borrowed time and we are ready to replace it and are grateful that it lasted. Your information explains why our water started smelling about 1 year ago. Again thank you for sharing this and I will try to remember to update this post when she pops.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@porknbeans7420]

Hands-down one of the best comparison videos I've ever seen! This is great info!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alberthartl8885]

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]

Installed properly, and tankless units are pretty awesome.

[@giovannicampos7462]

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]

@@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]

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]

@@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.

[@robertthomas5906]

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]

Thanks!

[@andygulick6085]

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]

Yep!

[@JimDean002]

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]

​@@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]

@@FPSG pro models only have a 6 year warranty. But they're likely to make it there too.

[@FPSG]

@@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.

[@MattYucha]

My control valve failed just as you described. Plastic cracked leaking water into control valve. Valve never turned off burner. Water turned to steam. Relief valve never opened. Luckily that was the worse of it. Great video.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Qwerty123-q7g]

One of the best educational videos on KZbin. Earned a sub. Look forward to learning more.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Welcome aboard!

[@charitykennedy4020]

Agreed!

[@mwade2791]

7:12 displays the energy guide for both units. Prograde has $320 & BS $227. So he PG water heater costs more than the BS water heater, and the annual usage is more expensive. Can you please explain why the PG 40gal cost nearly 100 more to operate than the BS 40gal?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

No. Those stickers are wildly inaccurate.

[@mwade2791]

Thank you

[@kipb2078]

Informative video for sure. Earlier this year, we celebrated our water heaters 20th birthday. Glad he’s still with us. Made by Ruud.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They really do make them differently now.

[@pville5548]

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]

Thanks!

[@patrickcarlson1400]

Yeah Reem had a period of time where all there heaters outside commercial ones had plastic drain valves, and not only would the rarely actually function, but trying to screw a brass hose onto the plastic threads without cross threading them was difficult, most times we'd walk the heater near the floor drain and just completely remove the valve and let them rip

[@that1redhairedguy]

I have always heard they were the same too. All the water heaters I have replaced (not a plumber) and I always bought the box store version thinking I was getting the best bang for my buck. Thanks for this video! Very informative and I know to go pro grade next time.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You're very welcome!

[@joehrlein847]

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]

Yes we might do the Rheem line next!

[@GraingerProductions]

@@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]

@@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.

[@davidweber6024]

There is is also HTP as well

[@shopart1488]

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]

We hear that all the time.

[@jcaleca60]

What is coo 🤔

[@wisdomrules8474]

​@@jcaleca60 Maybe "Chief Operating Officer"?

[@ObservationofLimits]

Lol sure you did. Like they'd patch you through to a C-suite exec

[@dustmaker1000]

Great timing. I’m a home handyman and planning on replacing my 10 years old 50 gal tank. Thanks for the info

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad to help!

[@dmitripogosian5084]

What has failed in 10 years ? Seems rather short. My water heater is 17 years old, and it just started heating a reduced amount of water, not full 50 gal

[@pellechi1]

Excellent video … thanks for bearing the cost of my education !!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Our pleasure!

[@noworriesmate5903]

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]

You probably have lower water pressure as well.

[@johnreed1580]

My 50gal rheem from H depo lasted 20 years trouble free until it started leaking. I am very surprised and pleased with that!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It's highly possible they were the aw heaters 20 years ago. They definitely are not today.

[@user-ci9ri4fl5pBuckeyeChessie]

@@SmedleyPlumbing 20 years ago things were built better than now days.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@user-ci9ri4fl5pBuckeyeChessie yes they were!

[@RR-24]

Thank you for all the work you put into this. Sold on the pro!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad to help!

[@mikelipp8188]

Excellent video, as always. Confirmed alot of what I suspected. Tell Austin he did a good job on the editing as well.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@aquawolfx8715]

The video may be some half a year old, but all the information is valuable. I was a plumber for a some time in my life, but did not have the exposure or experience to see a lot of these clear differences. Was mostly a, "Please clear the line" guy. Thank you are your team for the breakdown and information!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it helped!

[@danielbones7250]

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]

Hydro testing is actually very safe as long as steam is not involved.

[@danielbones7250]

@@SmedleyPlumbingYou were the one that said “I’m nervous, I don’t know what it’s going to do”. Good reasoning. I’ve done hydrostatic testing on most of the high rises, hospitals, and other commercial sites that required it. Never used anything over 150psi. Why? Because most fittings and valves are rated at 150psi, including, it appears, the iron ones you used on your test lines. The union based school I went to in the early 70’s had videos sponsored by American Water Heater showing units blowing up prior to the use of T&P valves, and yes, lives lost. Great job at showing the general public what they are getting from box stores as opposed to the ones plumbers buy and the time and money you spent to do so. Stay safe out there.

[@TractorWrangler01]

I wanted to see the inside of the tank and see what the steel gauge was.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We talked about why we didn't do that towards the end.

[@TractorWrangler01]

Still wanted to see it. I wanted to see the internal build too. ​@SmedleyPlumbing

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@TractorWrangler01 gives us something to do in a future video!

[@dushooter]

Excellent video. Learned so much and now know what to look for on quality.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@_backflowjoe]

Great video. Now let's have an evaluation of the three pro grade tank water heater manufacturers. 🦾

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It's not off the table!

[@ChadRex-77]

Great video! As a home owner I have had to replace a couple water heaters and things like a budget drain valve can make the task a nightmare. I went to Blue Springs Highschool, good to see content from a local company

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Go Blue Springs!

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Interesting review, I literally just purchased and installed this very same heater from the big box store. Thank you for this informative and educational review 👍

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ljaysperspective1775]

@SmedleyPlumbing Definitely, I appreciate your time. 👍

[@fortunatedad7695]

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]

We plugged the T&P port on both to focus the test on the tank only.

[@fortunatedad7695]

@SmedleyPlumbing ohh ok. Sorry I must have fast forwarded that part. You like to live dangerously haha

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@fortunatedad7695 there's an element of safety that comes with compressed water versus compressed air.

[@raijin2774]

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]

The energy guide ratings are wildly inaccurate.

[@notsure1872]

That energy guide is the government lying to you.

[@3OBTPA]

​@@notsure1872pretty much like everything else they tell you. :)

[@jdshear01]

That's a compliance requirement, they probably reuse test data from 10-20 years ago. I wouldn't trust it unless there's more transparency over how they obtain the data. Same is true of miles per gallon fuel efficiency ratings in vehicles...they can reuse the same test data from year to year which may not accurately reflect on reality. Now it's to the manufacturers benefit to have accurate data if newer models truly are more efficient but I doubt anyone knows the difference between their current and their old water heater.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

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]

Yeah I like to break things. Lol. Texas BBQ isn't bad either!

[@williamrankin8440]

I bought a pro grade HW heater that a plumber recommended and installed. I paid premium money for a premium product. It worked great, til it didn’t. I called the plumber, he promptly came over and promptly determined it was a bad control board. He called the company that built this premium product and because it was one month out of warranty I’d have to buy a new one at darn near the price I paid for the water heater itself. The plumber was devastated he really sold this product as reliable. I told him it wasn’t his fault and that I’d take care of it from there. I promptly went to a big box store where you save big money and bought the dumbest water heater on the floor, I promptly installed it correctly and by golly 15 years later it’s chugging right along.😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

If you're saying this happened 15 years ago and it needed a new control board then that would have been a very unique water heater. Even the water heaters in this video don't have a control board.

[@williamrankin8440]

@ I want to say it was an A.O. Smith but it may have been a State. Whichever one it was it had a little control board. I just checked the date on my current heater which is a Richmond and is nine years old so I stand corrected on the date.

[@brianmilliard6998]

Pro plumbing supply stores are hands down better. The service and quality of their products speaks for itself.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Agreed

[@steveb6371]

Now if only the supply house would sell to the end consumer.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@steveb6371 most do!

[@brianmilliard6998]

@@steveb6371 they do in my zip code.

[@royhe.derson3137]

Its all about the point of use! Box store is plenty for a home! Pro grade is more Comercial use!! As long as you maintain your water heater it will last you 25 years.

[@dogdooley4495]

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]

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]

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]

Pro grade is simply advertising logo for the wholesale house.

[@timg4800]

Things that would be interesting to know: 1. Manufacturing date? 2. Factory? 3. actual part number? Running changes in production. Different factories can produce differently, but most of all box stores are going to have a margin percentage requirement from their suppliers. So, vendors can find ways to save $ on the build to meet the margin % requirement of the buyer. I’m suspecting the model number is very close, but diff enough to be the lesser quality parts to meet the margin requirement. This is my suspicion, but the first two are still possible

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Most people think that if they're built on the same line, they are the same heaters.

[@deanjager4341]

I've purchased 7 hot water tanks in the last 9 yrs for my apartments. 6 from lowes or home depot. No issues since purchasing. I bought 1 ao smith from a supply house. Lasted 6 months.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Those results are not consistent with what we see as professionals.

[@leonardpearce4512]

Great video, very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charitykennedy4020]

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]

Thanks!

[@jcaleca60]

They put a lot of money and time in to this video great job guys 😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@lizzieb6311]

Thank you! Great video..I work for a company that manufactures both pro grade and “consumer grade” sealants and waterproofing products. Without getting too detailed, I’ll say the “consumer grade” is basically an idiot proof version of the membranes the pros use that require more prep and installation expertise. The difference in the two “same products” is significant as is the overall performance and longevity.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep

[@ddmau7995]

​@SmedleyPlumbing You didn't mention STATE WATER HEATERS ! Only sold at plumbing supplies Nation wide .The fill tube is curved at the bottom swirling the water constantly. Keeping sediment moving .

[@tonyb7416]

Your videos are amazing. You should be teaching at a trade school. Natural Teacher and a great professional. I subscribed. Thank You Sir.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Wow, thank you!

[@Lewisvandervalk]

Mitch getting shocked deserves a like and subscribe for sure

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Little booger caught me by surprise! Lol

[@raybradley4939]

Fixin to buy one thanks for the info outstanding job

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad to help!

[@VillaRoundabout]

If you wanted to mount a pressure gauge on your heater where would you put it? On the hot outlet nipple?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Cold inlet. It will last longer.

[@billsmith9249]

Bought my house in July 2021. Water heater was original. Last year, I replaced it with a Lowes AO smith 50gal (old one was bradford 40gal). I did replace the plastic drain valve with a brass ball valve. Right away I was impressed with the water temperature. I have had no issues with my 50gal Lowes AO Smith water heater since I installed it over a year ago. I do want to drain it and replace the anode rod though in the next month or so.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Fingers crossed!

[@jdshear01]

What a great video, I wasn't sure if you were going to go as far as you did! What a treat! I wish you had opened up the tank to compare metal thickness and perhaps glass lining thickness. The extra weight could easily have been extra glass instead of extra metal...only the manufacturer would know that. None the less you really took it to the max. Just found your channel, you got a new sub! This video could spin into several 'if you have a box store water heater - upgrade this first' type of KZbin shorts. I wish I had upgraded my drain valve when I installed mine new 10 years ago...I'm afraid to touch it now. I've never messed with the anode rod either, but from what I've read...if you don't change it every 3-4 years...leave it alone!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@Dadoffourplusone]

Great video. Thanks for being so thorough.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@charitykennedy4020]

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]

We totally will!

[@harrisfogel6992]

I learned the hard way that toilet seats are different depending on big box vs. Plumbing supply store. How? I actually wrote a story wondering why my top of the line soft close seat started to rust. Screws, connecting rods, etc., all rusted. Contacted the company, who guessed I bought it at Home Depot. For HD, they replaced titanium hardware with nickel coated steel. They sent me their normal line replacement. Exact same unit, slightly different number. Guess what, no rust! They apologized and said basically don't buy our products at HD or Lowe's. I knew an exec from a toilet manufacturer. Same story, thinner castings at Home Depot. They make their margin by cutting corners. So I prefer plumbing supply stores when possible.

[@Majeskty]

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]

Thanks!

[@tomspahr3013]

I live in California, and they have different type of no-knox, burner that failed before the warranty was up. It was a Sears unit built by AO Smith. I didn't want to wait, so I bought a Ream and had a licensed plumber install it because of needing permits now. I was able to call A.O. Smith and they converted the burner and controler under warranty. So now I have a backup waterheater. The burner in your video looked like the original one that lasted over 30 years that came with the house. You are lucky to be in the mideast and not California with all the regulations. Thanks for your video, Ps I don't know why they call it a no-knox burner because when it lights up it makes a big bang.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Gotta love California! Lol

[@tomspahr3013]

@@SmedleyPlumbing Happy New Year

[@patrickcarlson1400]

​@@SmedleyPlumbingyep, I remember when all plumbing fixtures were coming with these California prop whatever warnings on them and that we the plumber had to leave these warnings tags on only the homeowner was allowed to remove, California's plumbing code itself is rather weak compared to Illinois or Chicago code, yes Chicago has their own code and license as they have what is called home rule, but we just don't have all these silly warnings on possibilities of lead in anything made with brass though it's so minute the lead could never leach into the water, the only thing I've seen if the California code that's sticker is the water heaters have to be secured in place and have flexible connection, which aren't legal here, but because of earthquake they need it there, we don't get earthquakes in Chicago and even when one happened near the Mississippi it was only a 3.5 and it made the storm door rattle a little

[@bsmithsonian3324]

I’ve had two Pro Grade AOSmith gas water heaters fail on me in six years. Both failed around that 6 year mark. Both failures were a massive leak that poured water out of the bottom and flooded my basement. Second one at least had a catch pan and pipe going to the floor drain since the concrete floor was brilliantly sloped away from the floor drain, but the leak was so bad it couldn’t keep up. Seemed like the failure was maybe up top somewhere, possibly at the nipple connection because the leak stopped quickly when the water was shut off. I am making sure an expansion tank is installed this time. Hopefully I can get more than 5-6 years out of the next one.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Sounds like you're missing a thermal expansion tank in the failures were caused by overpressurization

[@bsmithsonian3324]

@@SmedleyPlumbing that’s why I’m being sure to get one installed this time. Last time I was out of state and it was a warranty replacement so they just left it as is aside from adding the pan I requested. And I didn’t know enough about expansion tanks at the time so I didn’t think that the people who built my house would have cut such a cheap corner if it was needed, naively. I’m guessing it was metal fatigue from the constant pressure changes.

[@mestep511]

Can I buy a pro grade? No? Then dammit I’m stuck!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@mestep511 sure you can. Most places sell to the public

[@mestep511]

@ thanks, thought all tax exempt. Water heaters are often easy DIY but watching a true plumber on a combi boiler or bath remodel is humbling.

[@MichelleKirkwood-kd7lq]

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]

Exactly!

[@Clmkxoxo]

This was amazing !! Thank you so much for sharing !!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You are so welcome!

[@RuossFamilyAdventures]

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]

Yeah those numbers are very inaccurate. They guess at your energy rates and your usage. We never trust those.

[@SparkyRF]

@@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?

[@htnowpro]

Thank you for your very detailed video. I enjoyed your video completely even though I wasn't researching the topic. You kept my attention well. Good photography and editing.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@fleciamcgriff4292]

Great video. Thank-you for taking the time and money. It was very informative.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kqschwarz]

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]

Yeah one swelled while the other cracked a weld. I would much rather a tank crack a weld than swell and burst.

[@williamreaves7486]

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]

Yep!

[@RCMServices]

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]

I would have to disagree with you on that one. I think our video proves that as well.

[@TOOLMAN4hvac]

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]

@@TOOLMAN4hvac our findings would indicate differently. Significant weight differences and performance differences.

[@ElmwoodAl]

​@@SmedleyPlumbingnot significant weight difference.

[@ElmwoodAl]

Aluminum is a superior anode. It lasts longer.

[@franktirone4731]

Thanks for this analysis! I wish I had seen this before I purchased a box store Rheem. Seemed to be a great deal. After it failed prematurely. Rheem honored the warranty. The part was only manufactured for the box store. It would have been weeks before receiving the replacement part from Rheem. Weeks without hot water. Never again.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Sadly we hear of this all the time

[@brendaw.7597]

Outstanding info! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@ironqqq]

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]

You're exactly right. Problem is that most people don't understand that the same assembly line will produce different heaters.

[@tinscarecrow21]

​@@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).

[@AlanSanderson-u4t]

We were trying to get a particular Bradford White heater. None available, as they only produced that model twice a year, next time about 4 months away. We found a similar Rheem unit we could actually get.

[@factchecker1980]

Interesting video. My water heater went out, and the plumber wanted to sell me an expensive water heater with his markups, which was obviously added. I bought one from Home Depot, 12 year warranty and got a 10% Veterans discount. I saved a bundle, and it will probably last just as long. Plus, Home Depot stands behind their products better than the local fly by night plumbers. Location: Las Vegas June 2024. 🙂

[@TheStickinator]

One thing I have stumbled across is they only make water heaters in small batches for High Altitude Cities like in Colorado. I was trying to order something specific for a customer in Colorado and I was told it couldn't be done because they only make High Altitude water's from time to time. Only a small market needs High Altitude water heaters.

[@davidschwartz5127]

I can see there is no bias or media-type hype here? All in all, other than the Watts safety valve on the box store tank, which I trusted forever, and the brass ball flush valve and magnesium sacrificial rod on the pro tank which are musts for me, there is no difference in my eyes. I've seen the A.O. Smith manufacturing line at work. Is the brass ball valve and magnesium rod worth $150.00 more?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Is the massive weight difference of the tanks alone and the fact the box store tank swelled enough to pop the jacket that tells me more than anything.

[@michaelshepherd733]

The ridiculous price is in the install not the water heater. $1800.00 dollars to install an electric water heater? With the old one already out....Took me 30 minutes to do it myself, I saved 1800 bucks.....Plumbers are INSANE charging that much...Yes, the 1800 was for LABOR only.....

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Ridiculous to think a plumbing company should lose money to make customers happy.

[@tszymk77]

@@SmedleyPlumbing It's just supply and demand. You guys have it made because there's not enough of you, but $1800 is ridiculous. If there were 10 plumbers in the US you could charge $1.8M.

[@tszymk77]

@@SmedleyPlumbing "losing money" LMAO - you're making a killing. Good for you, but don't pretend you'd be "losing money" for charging less.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@tszymk77 not sure I'd say we have it made. But I'll also agree that there's not enough plumbers. Since there's not enough, prices will reflect the shortage for sure. Uch like how they paid nurses during the pandemic. Many nurses were clearing $250k a year because there wasn't enough of them.

[@tommyboy1653]

Wow that cleared up what i suspected ,especially the anode rod.And the tank weight .

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@ProToolsApproved]

Amazing piece of information, as a tradesman who touches many different trades, i've got to replace my personal unit for the first time soon. This was an unanswered question with different answers from peers, professional plumbers from the young generation I learn from, the voice of experience from the OG old head plumbers, the internet, and the company reps. I've done my research and the only thing i'll add, I feel there are many factors to consider beyond just comparing the two physical units when you put it all together to answer the question of which will last the longest.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep

[@chrisnapolski1181]

Awesome video, thank you.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Our pleasure!

[@johnhaller5851]

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]

Code requires them on all applications now since the presence of a backflow preventer is more likely than not.

[@homesteadhaven2010]

​@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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@jonathanstephens543]

Great and insightful video!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@piyber4]

I had a 100 gallon natural gas ProLine A.O. Smith water heater bought from Ferguson installed this year. So far no problems.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Love it!

[@fifthamendment1]

I have replaced a number of water heaters and have had nothing but issues with the Rheem water heaters from Home Depot. Their thermo couples keep failing. On one water heater, it failed twice before the warranty expired. The Rheem company would send out another kit, but the tenant would be without hot water for several days. I gave up on the warranties and just purchased a thermocouple from a supplier. This has occurred to a second water heater with the same issue. On another newer Rheem water heater still under warranty , the thermostat would not work properly and would cause the PT valve to start leaking. I first thought the issue was with a faulty PT valve. Replaced it and had the same issue. Instead of replacing the thermostat, I replaced the water heater.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yes even the small parts are inferior to those on a pro grade unit.

[@shaner.5]

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]

Thanks for the tip

[@Chevytech1977]

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]

Residential units?

[@JK-qe6qq]

GE and American Standard makes water heaters

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@JK-qe6qq Rheem makes both GE heaters and American Standard heaters.

[@tinscarecrow21]

GSW is owned by A.O. Smith, hon. Has been for a long long time

[@timcoughlin4998]

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]

Yep

[@guyneeser2029]

YES YES. My ex son-in-law told me the same things you are saying here. He is a plumber. He said these things after he visually seen my water heater. Like you said, he just looked at it and could tell right away it was box store!.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@cheryldunaway9177]

Great video! I have wondered about the difference between commercial and residential products.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It's a big difference!

[@rickdiego5]

You had a problem with the anode rod because you should have used a 6-point socket.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It was also a chrome socket

[@ssrrocks22]

I hate to burst anyone's bubble on pro grade or Lowe's grade water heaters. I have now had 3, yes 3 so-called pro grade water heaters in a rental I own. The first one cost me over $2381.00. Why? Well, the plumber said he needed to completely replace all the old lines and install a $ 258.00 expansion tank. I discovered he never pulled a permit that the city requires. That cost me another $ 321.00 above the original cost. One year and a few weeks after the first pro-grade water heater it started leaking from the bottom. I called him out to replace it. Low and behold, yeah its done. Labor to replace said water heater with a 15 year warranty was $ 938.00. 341 days later the new one was leaking. Called Mr. Yoyo again. Yep water is leaking. He said he would only charge me for his time to get a new one. The bill was only $ 692.00. Guess what, the new one after 6 months is leaking again. I called Home Depot this time. Replacement was $ 1081.53 including labor and a 25 year warranty on the tank. Oh, the so called pro grade water heater. According to the manufacturer is no different from the home depot model except the warranty...

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Sounds like your previous plumbing was missing some water pressure issues causing premature tank failure. Excessive water pressure will shorten the life of any tank.

[@ma-fi1nu]

It's on the building/home owner to pull the permits and the expansion tank is required now and no water heater will have a 15 year or 25 year warranty..

[@Harold-si7eh]

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]

Yep. They all do it.