When a water heater fails, the replacement choice can become more complicated than expected. That was the situation for one Reddit homeowner, who got two bids: a same-brand Rheem swap and a cheaper install using an AO Smith unit.
For households open to a bigger upgrade, heat pump water heaters can also reduce the amount of energy used to heat water.
Here's what to know
After their water heater stopped working, a homeowner turned to Reddit's r/Plumbing for help comparing two recommendations from local plumbers.
One estimate was for a new version of the Rheem they had always used, while the other plumber assured them that AO Smith was the better brand and would do the job for less.
"We are just wondering about the quality between the two," the original poster wrote.
The discussion generally leaned toward Rheem, with commenters basing their views on firsthand experience rather than broader industry data.
"The last 2 AO Smith heaters I've installed have been replaced under warranty. Stick with Rheem," a user warned.
"AO Smith has gone downhill past few years, I see them fail way more than Rheems. For the price difference alone I'd stay with what you know works," another concurred.
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Several people argued that the brand name alone does not answer the question, because the type of unit being quoted may matter even more.
More background
A longer reply shifted the focus from Rheem versus AO Smith to where the heater is sold.
According to that commenter, both brands offer Pro Series units through supply houses as well as consumer-grade versions at big-box retailers.
"I think the question should be is the heater a pro series or a box store heater," that user noted.
That distinction mattered, another commenter agreed, because big-box stores often push manufacturers to meet lower price targets, which can mean cheaper components.
The thread also noted that both companies sell multiple brands and manufacture water heaters in more than one country. Commenters mentioned production in the United States and Mexico, along with some AO Smith units made in Canada and some Rheem models made in Australia.
Bradford White also came up in the discussion, with one commenter writing that it "is widely regarded as the gold standard of water heaters," while adding that stainless tank models "last the longest" even though they cost more.
What can be done?
A good next step is to ask each plumber for the exact model included in the bid.
If one quote covers a supply house Pro Series heater and the other is for a big-box version with a shorter warranty, the lower price may not tell the whole story.
People in the thread also pointed to other details worth checking, including warranty length and the kind of drain valve and gas control valve on the unit.
They also suggested pressing the lower-priced plumber on the numbers — if AO Smith is the recommendation, why not offer a Rheem install at a similar price?
Homeowners replacing a failed tank may also want to compare newer heat pump options, including Cala. The company makes customizable smart heat pump water heaters that help homeowners slash their energy bills by heating water exactly when it's needed.
Because the system is designed around household demand, it can avoid some of the waste that comes with heating water on a less tailored schedule.
For buyers weighing upfront cost against long-term operating expenses, Cala shows how a replacement decision can extend beyond a standard tank-for-tank swap.
"That's why you constantly see plastic drain valves, lower end gas control valves, lower BTU ratings, and a shorter warranty on the box store version compared to the supply house version," a commenter stated, referencing poor-quality components in certain markets.
Where can I learn more?
These articles explore the same questions that come up when a water heater fails. They look at model comparisons and how much homeowners may save with a heat pump upgrade.
• An expert plumber broke down the benefits of common water heater models to maximize savings.
• A home improvement expert says finding the best water heater matters if monthly bills matter.
• When an outdated model quit, a homeowner received lucrative water heater advice that cut costs.
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