Best gas tank-style water heater?

steamthief · #1 03-15-2011, 02:43 PM

Before a leak turns into a flood, I need to replace the water heater, pronto. I'm not interested in retrofitting tankless models, etc., just getting a good tank that will last 10+ years, provide enough hot water for a family of five and cost less than $600.

Brands you recommend and brands to avoid are equally welcome!

MatticusMania · #2 03-15-2011, 03:09 PM

Haha, your username is steamthief and you need a hot water heater!

steamthief · #3 03-15-2011, 03:15 PM

Glad you find others' misfortune amusing. Haha, your username is MatticusMania and you're a douchebag!

MatticusMania · #4 03-15-2011, 03:39 PM

Maybe if you'd quit stealing everyone's steam your neighbors would not have broken the water heater youre using now.

Some people...

MatticusMania · #5 03-15-2011, 03:46 PM

By the way, I would hardly call needing to replace a water heater a misfortune, but I didnt find humor in the fact that you've got to replace one, but the irony between your username and the subject at hand. If you can't find a little humor in lifes downfalls, you should probably lighten up a bit.

jonathan_matos5 · #6 03-15-2011, 04:15 PM

YouTube - Lighten Up Francis

MJ5150 · #7 03-15-2011, 04:16 PM

GE would be a good choice in that price range, as well as Rheem. I like the ones from AO Smith, but I believe they may exceed your budget.

I believe the Home Depot brand is called Marathon, and would be perfect for a home you are flipping. It is contractor grade quality. Not the one you want in your home for the long haul.

-Mike

hover · #8 03-16-2011, 04:32 AM

home depot, right now, has a G.E. 6 year model, 240v, 40 gallons, 232 bucks. I just bought one.

hover · #9 03-16-2011, 07:21 AM

oh damn, I'm sorry... you said gas, I read it wrong.

96tbird · #10 03-16-2011, 08:01 AM

Dude a water heater is a tank, a thermostat, and the gas apparatus. The flame heats the water until it hits the desired temperature, They are all the same brand to brand. Volume in gallons and BTU's are the difference, higher means faster heating. Get the same BTU, or higher, as the dead one for the cheapest price you can find.

It ain't rocket appliances (heh heh).

Seriously, take a note of the make and model you have to a plumb shop and they'll tell you the BTU and volume (probably 40 gallon) of your existing. It's gas, so you can't install it yourself unless you have a ticket.
Have a great day!