The Best Water Heater Brand According to Plumbers

Is your water heater on its last legs — or did it just quit? The last thing you want to do is rush into the wrong purchase. After three generations in the plumbing business, we’ve seen what holds up and what doesn’t. Our plumbers unanimously agree that the best water heater brands are: AO Smith, State, and Bradford White. Keep reading to learn why.

The 3 Best Water Heater Brands & How They Compare

All three of our recommended brands are “set it and forget it” — reliable, built to last, and great in terms of customer support. Here’s how they compare:

Of these three, choose the one that has a stronger sales and support presence near you. Your local plumber will know which of the three is best and will likely have a relationship with one of these brands that may result in discounted pricing.

Why Ruud or Rheem Are Not the Best Water Heater Brands

Ruud and Rheem are owned by the same parent company — and unfortunately share the same problems. Not only do they tend to have repeated issues, but they also have manufacturer reps that are hard to reach when something goes wrong. 

A water heater is a long-term investment, and we don’t feel comfortable recommending brands we can’t stand behind. We also can’t recommend buying a water heater from a big box store.

Buying a Water Heater From a Local Plumber vs. a Big Box Store

Once you’ve settled on a brand, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. Big box stores carry water heaters, and the price tags can look attractive at first glance. But there’s a critical difference most homeowners don’t know: plumbers get water heaters at significantly lower cost than consumers do — and they pass that value on through better-grade equipment and a full unit warranty.

If you buy from a big box store, most plumbers will only warranty their labor — not the unit itself. That means if the heater has a defect or fails early, you’re on your own with the manufacturer. Buy through your plumber, and the whole thing is covered.

It is interesting to note that these same principles apply beyond plumbing. Homeowners across the country often benefit from choosing reliable brands and local service providers instead of relying solely on big box stores. For you Marylanders, Landers Appliance, known for expert appliance repair and sales in Baltimore and the surrounding region, is a prime example. But we digress. Back to water heaters!

The Bottom Line on the Best Water Heater Brand

To put it simply: the right water heater, from the right brand, bought through the right source, can last 30 years. Cut corners anywhere in that equation, and you’re looking at a 10-to-12-year ceiling at best.

We hope this quick guide has been helpful as you shop around or think proactively about when to replace your water heater. If you need assistance in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, or Montgomery County, Heil Plumbing & HVAC has got you covered.

• Howard County Plumbing: Click here for services in Howard County
• Plumbers in Anne Arundel County: Connect with our experts
• Plumber Baltimore: Explore services in the Baltimore area
• Montgomery County Plumbers: Find plumbing solutions in Montgomery County

With 3 generations of plumbing experience, we’ve seen it all. We carry the water heater brands we recommend, we warranty what we sell and the work we do, and we’re ready to help.